Momo in Siliguri — A City That Loves Its Dumplings
Steam Momo served with two chutneys at Mustang Thakali
Siliguri has always had a deep relationship with Himalayan food. Sitting at the foot of the Himalayas, with a large Gorkha and Nepali community, the city takes its momo seriously. But not all momo are equal — and finding truly hand-folded, authentic Himalayan momo, made with care, is harder than it sounds.
What Makes a Good Momo?
A great momo starts with thin, elastic dough — neither too thick to be stodgy nor too thin to tear during steaming. The filling should be well-spiced but not overwhelming, allowing the natural flavour of the meat or vegetables to come through. The fold matters too: a well-sealed momo holds its juices inside the dumpling until you bite into it.
Styles of Momo Available at Mustang Thakali
Jhol Momo — momo in spiced tomato-sesame broth at Mustang Thakali
- Steam Momo — the classic. Delicate and juicy, best with tomato-sesame chutney.
- Fried Momo — pan-fried or deep-fried until golden and crisp. A satisfying textural contrast.
- Jhol Momo — the Nepali upgrade: momo served in a spiced tomato-sesame broth with onion, garlic, and chilli. Warming and complex.
Fillings Available
Veg, Chicken, and Mutton. All momo are served in portions of 10 pieces. Chicken and Mutton jhol momo are particularly popular at Mustang Thakali.
Why Mustang Thakali’s Momo Stands Out
The momo at Mustang Thakali are hand-folded daily — not machine-pressed. The kitchen uses traditional Thakali spicing rather than generic momo masala. And the jhol broth is made from scratch with fresh tomatoes, sesame, and Himalayan herbs, resulting in a depth of flavour you won’t find at most commercial Siliguri momo stalls.
Dine at Mustang Thakali, 3rd Floor, Shree Bhawan Market, Hill Cart Road, opp. Hotel Bidhan Plaza, Siliguri 734001. Open every day 11 AM – 10 PM. Call +91 90462 38282.