Making Fresh Roti and Staying at a Homestay in Sikkim, India

Making Fresh Roti and Staying at a Homestay in Sikkim, India

When talking about Sikkim in India, many might think of the towering Himalayas, pristine nature, or Tibetan-style monasteries nestled in the valleys. But for mr.hotsia, the most memorable experience was a small one in a tiny village in Sikkim: making fresh roti from soft dough, frying it hot, eating it with warm butter tea, and living closely with the locals in a homestay.

Sikkim is a small state located in northern India, bordering Nepal and Bhutan, with Gangtok as its capital. mr.hotsia started the journey here. Traveling to the village where fresh roti is made and homestays are available is convenient by local jeep buses that connect various towns in Sikkim tightly, such as Namchi and Pelling, each with its own charm and unique character waiting for you to experience.Read more about traveling to Gangtok

First Impression: Fresh Hot Roti from a Charcoal Stove

One day while staying in a small village near Namchi, mr.hotsia had the chance to watch a local grandmother making traditional roti. She used wheat flour mixed with water and a little salt, kneaded the dough until soft, then quickly rolled it into thin sheets before frying it on a hot charcoal stove. The aroma of the cooking dough filled the area, making one inexplicably hungry. The finished roti was crispy outside and soft inside, served with spicy dipping sauce or fresh yogurt prepared by the locals as an afternoon snack.

What made this experience even more special was sitting and chatting with the homestay owner who invited mr.hotsia to cook together and truly learn the local way of life. Besides roti, there is also butter tea, a daily drink in Sikkim. The fragrant tea, salty and rich from butter mixed with a little salt, is a perfect beverage to warm up on cold mornings and evenings.

Staying at a Homestay, Experiencing True Sikkimese Life

Homestays in Sikkim are not luxurious hotels, but the warmth and friendliness of the hosts made mr.hotsia feel at home. Each house is a simple wooden home decorated with local utensils and furniture. This is a great opportunity to experience the culture of the Lepcha and Nepali people living in Sikkim up close.

In the morning, mr.hotsia would wake up to birdsong and soft sunlight filtering through wooden windows. Opening the door revealed views of the Himalayas and lush green fields. Sometimes the hosts would invite a walk in the vegetable garden or a visit to the nearby morning market to pick fresh ingredients for the next meal. Witnessing this lifestyle helped me understand the simplicity and true happiness of the people here.

Namchi and Pelling: Destinations Worth Exploring

If you want to combine making roti and homestay experiences with exploring Sikkim’s nature and culture, mr.hotsia recommends stopping by Namchi, the center of South Sikkim. Here you’ll find a fresh market full of local foods, beautiful monasteries, and homestays that allow tourists to stay close to the locals.Read more about homestays in Namchi

Another must-visit town is Pelling in West Sikkim, where you can clearly see views of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga peak. There are also many simple homestays and accommodations to choose from.See details about PellingIncluding Dahlap Homestay, offering an authentic local experienceRead about Dahlap Homestay in PellingWhich mr.hotsia has experienced firsthand

Travel Tips and Advice from mr.hotsia

Traveling to Sikkim is not as difficult as you might think. Gangtok connects to important cities in West Bengal such as Siliguri via Highway 31A, which is accessible year-round. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri. From there, you can conveniently take local jeep buses to various towns in Sikkim.Read more about traveling to Gangtok

For those who want to try making fresh roti with locals and experience homestay life, I recommend planning a trip to small villages around Namchi or Pelling. These places still preserve natural beauty and authentic local culture, plus interesting local markets and plenty of traditional foods to try.

Summary of the Experience with mr.hotsia

Making fresh roti in the cool Sikkim air and spending time at a homestay with locals is an unforgettable experience for mr.hotsia. The simplicity of life, warmth of the people, and heartfelt flavors of the food make Sikkim not just a destination but a place full of stories and memorable moments.

If you want to experience the same as I did, plan a trip to Sikkim. I guarantee you’ll fall in love just like mr.hotsia.

Watch the video of making fresh roti and staying at a homestay in Sikkim here:Watch the video on YouTube