Backpacking India 43/129: Eating Fried Chicken and Watching Girls in Gangtok, Sikkim, India | Sikkim fried chicken girls

Backpacking India 43/129: Eating Fried Chicken and Watching Girls in Gangtok, Sikkim, India | Sikkim fried chicken girls

When talking about traveling in the state of Sikkim in India, many people might think of the peaceful nature, the majestic Himalayan mountains, and the culture blending Lepcha, Nepali, and Buddhist peoples. But for mr.hotsia, what made this trip unforgettable was tasting the unique “Sikkim-style fried chicken” along with the atmosphere of local girls sparkling their eyes in the Gangtok market, the capital city of Sikkim.

Gangtok is the city I just arrived at after taking a jeep from Darjeeling, a famous nearby town. The connection between these two cities is convenient via Highway 31A, which is passable in all weather conditions. This main route winds through mountains and native Sikkim forests, allowing me to enjoy the Himalayan mountain views all along the way (Read about the journey to Gangtok city, Sikkim, India)

Upon arriving in Gangtok, I was captivated by the night market here. The Gangtok market is not just a regular shopping place but a hub of cultural and culinary diversity. On one side, you see Sikkimese women in distinctive traditional attire calling customers, while on the other side are stalls selling hot fried chicken with an enticing aroma. The fried chicken here is not typical fast food but a special recipe using local spices combined with frying techniques that make the chicken crispy outside and tender inside perfectly.

I remember on the first day of the trip, mr.hotsia happened to sit next to the fried chicken stall owner named “Rinjung.” She told me that this fried chicken recipe has been passed down through many generations in her family, and the spices used are almost all fresh from the Sikkim mountains, including locally grown dried chili, fresh ginger, and rare herbs found only in this region.

The market atmosphere in the evening was something I really liked. Local girls wore bright colorful clothes. They were cheerful and friendly. Although their English was limited, smiles and eye contact made communication easy. I tried the fried chicken with a side of local vegetable curry, which was flavorful and balanced, similar to home-style food with various spices but not overly spicy.

After enjoying the local food, I took a walk around Gangtok city, visiting temples and cultural art blending Tibetan and Nepali influences. I recommend anyone interested in this experience to stop by and see for themselves.Namchi CityLocated not far from Gangtok, this is another destination mr.hotsia recommends because it offers nature and local lifestyle worth exploring.

Lifestyle and Travel in Sikkim: From Gangtok to Namchi City

I chose to stay in Gangtok for 2 nights to fully absorb the atmosphere before taking a shared jeep to Namchi, the main town of South Sikkim. Namchi’s name means “High Sky.” The city is about 1,675 meters above sea level, making the climate cooler and fresher than Gangtok by a bit.

Traveling between towns in Sikkim is different from other parts of India because most use shared jeeps, riding together with locals. This allowed me to see the real lifestyle of the people here, including conversations, story exchanges, and sometimes listening to local songs from the jeep’s speakers, adding charm to the journey and preventing boredom.

In Namchi, I found a small, warm homestay filled with smiles from the hosts. Here, I tried local dishes that many might never have tasted, such as local vegetable curry, Pering fried rice with fragrant spices and herbs, and even sweets made from fresh goat milk. Staying at this homestay made me feel truly part of the community (Homestay with locals, Namchi city, South Sikkim, India)

Sikkim: A State Too Charming to Miss

Sikkim is a small state located in the Himalayas, bordering Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Its cultural diversity and natural beauty make it a captivating destination for travelers who love adventure and new experiences.

I like this place because it’s not just sightseeing but truly experiencing the lifestyle—from winding roads, sharing jeeps with locals, to eating fresh and uniquely flavored local food. Throughout this journey, mr.hotsia captured many photos and stories. If interested, you can watch the clipsBackpacking India 43/129: Eating Fried Chicken and Watching Girls in Gangtok, Sikkim, Indiawhere I convey the real atmosphere of the market and eating fried chicken with the girls there.

Finally, I recommend everyone planning to visit Sikkim to allow enough travel time and open their hearts to deeply experience the local culture. This place offers not only beautiful mountains and temples but also the flavors of life, warmth of the people, and stories waiting for you to tell yourself.

If you like this article, mr.hotsia suggests reading more stories aboutBackpacking in Sikkim, IndiaandPelling city, West Sikkim, Indiato plan a perfect trip in this land.