Backpacking India 66/129: Eating with hands, stir-fried holy basil, omelette with Nepali family SIKKIM

Backpacking India 66/129: Eating with hands, stir-fried holy basil, omelette with Nepali people in Sikkim

"Eating with locals" is the travel experience that mr.hotsia loves the most, and this time it did not disappoint when I had the chance to sit and eat with a Nepali family in the state of Sikkim, India, where life remains simple and warm like a high mountain land hiding the peacefulness of the Himalayas.

Sikkim is a small state located in northern India, bordering Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The terrain is mountainous and complex, and most people are Nepali who fluently speak a mix of local language, Hindi, and English. For mr.hotsia, this journey started from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, connected to West Bengal by highway 31A passing through beautiful mountain routes (read storyJourney to Gangtok, Sikkim, Indiato understand the route)

Delicious home-style food at Namchi

From Gangtok, mr.hotsia took a local jeep to Namchi, an important town in South Sikkim. Here, mr.hotsia met a Nepali family who invited me to try simple home-cooked food full of care.

That meal had no fancy dining table, only mats spread on the wooden floor of their small house. But the atmosphere was full of warmth and the laughter of children playing around. Mr.hotsia learned that here "eating with hands" is the best way to eat because it connects with culture and community spirit.

The simple menu tasted was a home-style "stir-fried holy basil" that was not too spicy but fragrant with holy basil leaves and fresh chili, mixed with hot steamed rice, followed by a soft "omelette" fried with just enough oil. The flavor was mellow like a neighbor’s mom’s cooking. Mr.hotsia recalls that the taste here was different from New Delhi or big cities because it was the true flavor of Sikkim.

Lifestyle and food of the Nepali people in Sikkim

Most Nepali people here still live simply in small villages on mountain slopes. They grow kitchen gardens, use water from natural streams, and raise small animals for daily food. Mr.hotsia saw that the community bonds are very close. Food is not just about eating but a symbol of love and connection.

Besides stir-fried holy basil and omelette, I also tried a special dish called "Dal Bhat" or rice with boiled lentils, a staple food of the Nepali people. The taste is mild but full of nutritional value, and "Thukpa," a hot noodle soup, perfect for the cold mountain weather in Sikkim.

Mr.hotsia also recommends trying "Nepali tea" brewed with milk and spices like ginger and cinnamon, which helps warm the body on cold days.

Travel and connections in Sikkim

For those interested in experiencing this lifestyle and local food, Sikkim offers local jeep services connecting cities like Gangtok, Pelling, and Namchi. Mr.hotsia advises planning well because some roads are winding and require caution. Public transport here is a more convenient and safer option than renting a car.

Additionally, if you want to stay closely with locals and truly learn their culture, check outHomestay with locals in Namchi, South Sikkim, IndiaMr.hotsia has written about it in detail.

Impressions and advice from mr.hotsia

Eating with a Nepali family in Sikkim this time was not just about refueling with food but filling the heart with warmth from new friends. Mr.hotsia sees that Sikkim is not just a natural tourist destination but a land where people and culture remain deeply connected to the mountains and food.

If you want to experience Sikkim from a different angle than typical tourists, try this route, traveling fromGangtokpassing throughPellingand stay in Namchi to see the real lifestyle here. Mr.hotsia guarantees that the food and warmth of the people will be a lasting memory for you.

And if you want to see the full atmosphere of eating with hands with a Nepali family in Sikkim, you can watch the video here:Backpacking India 66/129: Eating with hands, stir-fried holy basil, omelette with Nepali people