The Thakali Community and Their Kitchen
Thakali Thali at Mustang Thakali, Siliguri — the full experience
The Thakali people are a community native to the Thak Khola region of the Mustang district in Nepal — a high-altitude valley that has served as a trans-Himalayan trade route for centuries. Their cuisine reflects this geography: hearty, warming, deeply nourishing food built for mountain life.
Historically, the Thakali ran roadside inns (called “bhatti”) along the trading routes between Tibet and the lower plains of Nepal. These inns became famous for the quality and generosity of their food — travellers rested here, and were fed well. The Thakali Thali became the iconic expression of this hospitality.
The Defining Flavours of Thakali Cuisine
Three ingredients set Thakali cooking apart from other Himalayan cuisines:
- Timur (Szechuan pepper) — a numbing, citrusy spice that gives Thakali food its distinctive warmth without chilli heat.
- Jimbu — a dried Himalayan herb related to wild chives, used for tempering. Gives a unique onion-like aroma.
- Gundruk — fermented, sun-dried green vegetables. Used in achar (pickle) and soup. A staple in every Thakali kitchen.
What a Thakali Thali Contains
A spread of Thakali dishes including momo, sukuti and snacks
A full Thakali Thali is a set meal served on a single large plate or tray. At Mustang Thakali, it includes: choice of meat or veg, Alu Timur, Greens (seasonal), Black Gram Dal, Salad, Alu Bhujuri, Tomato Chutney, Radish-Mula Achar, Gundruk Achar, Ghee, Papad, and Curd. It can be served with steamed rice or the traditional Dhido (buckwheat porridge) and Ghoken (buckwheat pancake).
Why Thakali Food Is Rare Outside Nepal
Most Nepali restaurants in India serve a generic version of Nepali food — momos, chowmein, and thali with standard North Indian spicing. Authentic Thakali food, cooked with real timur, jimbu, and traditional methods, requires cooks who grew up with these recipes. Mustang Thakali was founded specifically to bring this genuine kitchen tradition to Siliguri.
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.