The crisp chilly December air has us all looking towards the hills we love visiting every winter. But with all the craziness happening this year, it is understandable that our hill trips will have to wait but those experiences don't necessarily need to. If you love munching on piping hot momos, thukpas and other Pahadi delicacies, visit these super cute restaurants that are sure to provide you temporary respites from city life with their Pahadi interiors and food.

1. Yeti - The Himalayan Kitchen

Picture Credits: priyata.rajput

For sure every Delhiite who thinks of Pahadi food thinks first and foremost of Yeti - The Himalayan Kitchen. Named after a mysterious creature of the Himalayan folklore, this is the perfect place to gorge on Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepalese cuisine. Visit any of their joints and drown yourself in the hymns of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ as they are engraved throughout the interiors. Apart from the usual dim sums and thukpas, do indulge in their Thentuk and Shabalay for a truly authentic and mouth-watering experience.

Where | Yeti - The Himalayan Kitchen - CP, Malviya Nagar, Vasant Kunj & Other Outlets
Timings | 12 Noon - 11 PM
Call Them | +91 9811 815 452
Meal For Two | Rs 1,500
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/YETIThe-Himalayan-Kitchen-132962034049

2. Cafe Lungta

This Gurgaon staple describes itself as ‘tastefully Himalayan’ and it’ll take you all of one visit to understand just how absolutely accurate this is. If you’ve wanted to know what Pahadi food is like besides the uber-popular momos and thukpa, then this place is for you. Apart from serving delectable dishes, what’s always a delight is their detailed description and backgrounds of the dishes on their menu. It leaves us with such insight into Himalayan cuisine overall. Our recommendation would be the Thakali Thali or the Sel Roti Thali to have a good variety of dishes to try.

3. The Ladakhi Kitchen

Picture Credits: wearegurgaon_

If you’re bummed about the constant road breaks in your Ladakh road trip plans, head to Ladakhi Kitchen to experience Ladakh as closely as possible. The place has a huge image of the mountains and colourful prayer flags that literally make you feel like you’re at a hill station. And, well the food is what you will find on typical Ladakh streets, making the experience even more authentic. The Rhe Chotse and Oroma are fun twists on our typically famous Pahadi food items and thus are our personal favourites and on our list of most recommended items.

4. Le Himalaya

Picture Credits: Anil Moharana

The joint is famous for its easy-on-the-pocket delectable Tibetan and Nepali food that always leaves you wanting more. The place is small but filled with character. The wood exteriors and the stone interiors make you feel like you’re sitting in a hill restaurant. We’d hedge our bets on their Nepali Thai that gives you the chance to try most of their unique dishes in the proper quantity.

5. Lha Kitchen

Japan is on the to-visit list for all of us so Lha Kitchen is really ideal as its zen seating transports us straight to a Japanese house. Sitting on the low stools, eating at the low height table under a wood pergola with hanging lamps is just the epitome of Japanese dining and we TBH are big fans. For a casual Chinese, Nepalese and Tibetan affair, visit the joint and do not at any cost skip out on their Sichuan Hotpot and Gyathuk.

6. Lama Kitchen

Picture Credits: delhifoodie

Let’s get one thing straight, we will always love food with a view. Lama Kitchen situated in HKV has a locational advantage and offers us the most stunning view of the tomb and the lake beyond with the slightly high green hillock. Visit the place on a rainy, foggy day and the view with the stunning wooden and hilly interiors of the place will together teleport you to someplace in say, Kinnaur. While the place has Nepalese, Tibetan and Bhutanese cuisine like many others on the list, it also has Meghalayan food which sets this place apart from its contemporaries. Their Wai Wai Bhel and Sukuti Buff Fry are a few recommended appetisers to start your culinary journey with.

7. Jalsa Indian And Ladakhi Kitchen

Another joint glorifying our love for all things Ladakh is this fun place in Gurgaon that saves you from suppressing your booze craving seeing the high prices by allowing BYOB. Another highlight of the place? It’s in an open roof setting making it absolutely perfect for Winters to make the Pahadi feeling even crisper. Go sample their Chilli Paneer and Manchurian or be adventurous and indulge in their Sha-Phaley, but either way, make sure you order bucket loads of their insanely famous Bhut Jholakia chilli chutney and we promise you wouldn't be able to resist licking your fingers.

8. AMA Thakali

Picture Credits: foodakers

This little cafe in the buzzing lanes of MKT is known for serving Nepalese and Chinese cuisines. We can't stop drooling over the likes of exquisite Pahadi dishes like Vegetable Phaapar Thali, Egg Thukpa, Aloo Sadeko, Joal Momos and LOADS of more mind-blowing options that you've gotta try once! This one is a great option if you’re in the mood for something different.

9. Wangchuk's Ladakhi & Tibetan Kitchen

Picture Credits: Abhilash Gadepalli

This one is located in Gurgaon and by the looks of the amazing menu over here, this place sounds fantastic! The extensive menu over here includes toothsome dishes such as Veg Thukpa, Sukuti and Chicken Yarkandi Pulao, to name a select few yummies. Plus, they also do Thenthuk which is basically your handmade Tibetan noodles. Now, if this ain't foodie heaven, we don't know what else would be?!

Where | Wangchuk's Ladakhi & Tibetan Kitchen - Shop B 216, Upper Ground Floor, Super Mart 1, DLF Phase IV, Gurgaon
Timings | 12:45 - 11:30 PM
Meal For Two | Rs 600
Call Them | +91 7982 373 193
Check Out Their FB Page | facebook.com/Wangchuks-Ladakhi-tibetan-kitchen-104288901211303

10. Pema’s

Picture Credits: bhooka_sher

If you’re in love with momos then you probably need no introduction to this restaurant. But hey if you’re a fan of Himalayan cuisine, then this will be just another reason to visit this quaint eatery. Their menu includes delicacies such as Chicken Shyaphalay, Pork Momos, Mixed Meat Thukpa (Pork & Chicken), Kewa (Potato) Datchi and TONS more that will leave you spoilt for choice!

11. Rigo Restaurant

Picture Credits: f.o.o.d.s.h.o.t.s

The next one on this list is also located in the ever-so-bustling lanes of Majnu Ka Tilla. If you’re a fan of this cuisine and are in the neighbourhood, this place must defo be on your checklist! We’re itching to try mouth-watering dishes such as Chicken Shaptak Dry, Chicken Thukpa and Buff Steamed Momos, out of the many delish options!

With the onset of Delhi Winters, the weather is perfect to recreate Pahadi days at these Pahadi joints serving delectable Pahadi food that isn't limited to omelettes and Maggi. So, hurry up and make sure you try them all before the end of this winter season.

Aarushi Jain