Backpacking Northern India 1/45: Eating MOMO at Kolkata Airport

Backpacking Northern India 1/45: Eating MOMO at Kolkata Airport

When talking about the earliest memories of this Northern India trip for mr.hotsia, the deeply imprinted image is none other than “Momo” at Kolkata Airport. Momo, or various stuffed dumplings that are fried or steamed to a fragrant perfection, is a simple dish that became the starting point of my hunger and fun while waiting for the connecting flight to my intended destination.

Kolkata Airport is not very large, but the atmosphere inside is bustling with travelers and airport staff moving busily. The scent of spices and Indian food fills the air, shifting my mood from tiredness after a long flight to excitement eager to fully taste the local cuisine.

The momos here are distinctly different from those I have eaten at restaurants in Thailand. The dipping sauce is moderately spicy, perfectly blended with the aroma of ginger and garlic. The dough is just right—not too thick or too thin. There is a variety of fillings to choose from, including chicken, vegetables, or well-seasoned beef, which satisfy hunger and provide great energy before continuing the journey.

When it comes to momo, many might think of Tibetan or Nepalese cuisine, but in Northern India, momo has become a popular dish regarded as a local staple. I myself encountered momo during a trip to Namchi that I once visited.Samdruptse Statueand Ngadok Temple, which is a sacred place for Buddhists in the area. The momos at the small restaurant on the hilltop were flavorful and an experience I cherished equally.

Back at Kolkata Airport, momos come in various forms, both steamed and fried. Some stalls serve them with a spicy soup seasoned with hot spices, a perfect fusion of Nepalese and Northern Indian cuisine that made me order an extra plate. I also chatted with a vendor who said that momos here are like “fast food” for locals who enjoy convenience and bold flavors.

Traveling in Northern India, especially to places I am heading to like Darjeeling, or even other cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai that I have visited,Backpacking BengaluruorBackpacking Mumbaioften requires passing through Kolkata Airport as a key transit point. Eating momos here before departure always feels like a morale boost for mr.hotsia.

In one corner of the airport, I also saw local and foreign travelers picking up momos in takeaway boxes to eat on the plane, or some choosing to dine at the airport’s restaurants. This was a great opportunity for mr.hotsia to observe behaviors and food tastes that clearly reflect the lifestyle of people in Northern India.

For friends who want to experience the atmosphere and taste of momos like mr.hotsia, I recommend trying them at least once upon arrival at Kolkata Airport, or if you have the chance to visit Namchi as I have written about,Namchi Tripyou will find momos in a different setting surrounded by tranquility and beautiful mountain views.

Finally, my Northern India trip is still long ahead, with many stories about food, travel, and fascinating people to tell, but the momos at Kolkata Airport will remain the starting point of fun and good memories that I will never forget.

If you want to watch the video of my momo eating experience at Kolkata Airport, mr.hotsia recommends watching it here:Eating MOMO at Kolkata Airport