Ladakh – Where we ate & what we ate!

Steamed bun or Theemok; vegetable spinach cheese momos were the highlights of our lunch at the Tibetian Wak Kitchen in the market area; which is a very humble place with basic interiors. We stopped for lunch at Khalsar on our way to Nubra Valley; a lunch which is better forgotten about than written. We accept that one can’t ask for non-veg food anywhere out of Leh, but the vegetarian dishes can taste nice too!! This was not the case at Khalsar.

Sipping and sucking Maggie soupy noodles at the Highest point café at Khardungla pass was a definitely a highlight and a must do for everyone! Bonus for us was the sudden and short snow-cum-hail storm!  

We absolutely loved the food and the experience of the traditional sit down lunch in an absolutely lovely and colorful ambiance at Dugu-ling restaurant at Tangtse on our way to Pangong Tso.  The pictures of the owner with Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Madhavan are the proof that the film crew of the movie 3 idiots also took a pit stop here.

Pumpernickel German Bakery Restaurant in the Leh market area is a good place to go to if you are in a mood for some continental stuff; which is the option we took up for one of the dinners. The group farewell dinner was organized at the Tibetian Kitchen which was good food and value for money experience. With red lanterns and dim lighting the ambiance wasn’t too great but nonetheless it was comfortable and is recommended for its budget also. The landscape of Ladakh is dotted with Apricot and Apple trees besides the monasteries! So, eating juicy and yummy apricots and apples straight from trees is an experience, one should try for.The shops in the market sell dried apricots, apricot jams,… etc that can be a good take home item.

On our way to Pangong Tso, we stopped at a nomad’s tent. The big grinning ladies in their traditional attire (whom I remembered having seen on a travel show) welcomed us with open arms and treated us to salted tea, Yak cheese and Yak butter with no expectations. However, we did give them some money as a token of gratitude.

 

  Chhang,is a barley based alcoholic beverage which we couldn’t lay our hands on. You need to order with a local, well in advance and also is supposed to be consumed fresh.   While traveling in Ladakh, the non-veg eater must take it their stride that besides Leh getting non-veg meal anywhere else, is a rarity. In fact, in the 7 days in Ladakh, we were predominantly veggies! (absolutely no choice at all once you leave the Leh town)