Where to Eat in Darjeeling
Most of Darjeeling's well-known places to eat sit within a short walk of Chowrasta. They serve a mix of old hill-station breakfasts and Tibetan and Nepali home cooking.
1 place
Chowrasta
1 place
Dr Zakir Hussain Road
1 place
Gandhi Road
1 place
West Point
Not sure what to order? The Darjeeling food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Glenary's, Nehru Road
Glenary's is the old bakery and restaurant on the Mall, going back to the colonial years. Downstairs is a bakery counter with cakes, buns and pastries. Upstairs is a large dining room with big windows facing the valley. Order a pot of Darjeeling tea and something from the counter, or come for a slow breakfast. It is busiest in the late afternoon.
Keventer's, Chowrasta
Keventer's is known for its terrace over the Mall and its full breakfasts: sausages, ham, bacon and eggs, a rare thing in the hills. The terrace fills fast on sunny mornings, so arrive early or be ready to wait. Its old dairy history shows in the milkshakes and hot chocolate.
Kunga, Gandhi Road
A small, family-run Tibetan restaurant just below the Mall. People come for the momos, the thukpa and the hand-pulled noodles. It is simple and warm inside, and the queues at lunchtime are worth it.
Sonam's Kitchen, Dr Zakir Hussain Road
A tiny café near Chowrasta with only a few tables. It is known for big breakfasts, pancakes, fresh momos and a hill-style aloo dum. It usually closes in the afternoon and reopens for a short dinner service, so check the hours.
Tips for eating out
- Most restaurants close early, often by 8:30 or 9 pm, and the Mall goes quiet soon after dark.
- Breakfast places fill up with the sunrise crowd coming back from Tiger Hill, from about 8 am.
- Momo stalls near Chowrasta and the Mall are fine if the turnover is high and the food is steaming hot.
- Carry some cash. Cards and UPI are common, but small stalls may take cash only.
For the dishes themselves, see what to eat in Darjeeling.
Questions
Darjeeling — FAQ
Where should I eat in Darjeeling?
4 places are listed here, across 4 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
What should I order in Darjeeling?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Darjeeling food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I eat breakfast after the Tiger Hill sunrise?
Sunrise jeeps are usually back in town by about 8 am. Head to Keventer's at Chowrasta or Sonam's Kitchen above it for a hot breakfast, or Glenary's for tea and bakes.
Do Darjeeling restaurants stay open late?
Not usually. Most kitchens close between 8 and 9 pm, earlier in winter, so eat dinner early or check before you set out.
Is there good Tibetan food in Darjeeling?
Yes. Darjeeling has an old Tibetan community, and small places such as Kunga on Gandhi Road cook momos, thukpa and hand-pulled noodles the way families here eat them.