Where to Eat in Pelling
Pelling is a small town, and most of its restaurants sit along the main road through Upper and Lower Pelling. Expect simple rooms, hill food and early closing.
1 place
Pelling
1 place
Pelling-Rimbi Rd
Not sure what to order? The Pelling food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Eating in a hotel town
Most visitors take breakfast and dinner where they stay, and many hotels in Pelling include meals. That leaves lunch and the odd dinner out. The kitchens in town cater to the same visitors, so menus overlap. The local dishes are usually the reason to go out.
For momos and thukpa
Melting Point Restaurant is a mixed-menu place known for momos and thukpa, and it sits close to the viewpoints in Upper Pelling. Big Bowl does what its name says: noodle soups and gundruk soup, a warm lunch after a morning at Pemayangtse.
For Bhutia and home-style food
Dragon Restaurant is the one to try for phagshapa and other Bhutia dishes. Sikkimese Kitchen serves Nepali and Sikkimese home cooking, with sel roti in the morning and gundruk with rice at lunch.
When to eat
Kitchens open early for the dawn crowd and close early too. Plan dinner for between seven and eight, especially outside the peak season. In winter and during the monsoon some places shorten their hours or shut for a while, so ask your hotel before you walk out.
Out of town
Beyond Pelling, food is simple. At Khecheopalri Lake and on the road to Yuksom you will find tea stalls and small shops with instant noodles and snacks, not full meals. Eat before you set out, or carry something with you.
Paying
Carry some cash. Digital payment is common in Sikkim, but the mobile signal on the ridge can drop, and small stalls may not take cards.
Know the dishes
The food guide explains each dish first. Pick the dish, then pick the kitchen.
Questions
Pelling — FAQ
Where should I eat in Pelling?
2 places are listed here, across 2 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 Pelling?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Pelling food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Do restaurants in Pelling stay open late?
No. Most close by around nine, and some earlier in the off-season. Hotel kitchens often take last orders around eight, so tell them if you will be back late.
Where can I try Bhutia food in Pelling?
Dragon Restaurant is listed for phagshapa. Ask in the morning, as slow-cooked dishes are not always made every day.
Is there food at Khecheopalri Lake?
Only tea stalls and small snack shops. Have a proper meal in Pelling before you go, or pack lunch.