Pelling a small town in the western region of the cultural State Sikkim which is based in the Northeastern part of the country. This town is surrounded by an abundance of natural habitat. The place will bring your soul to peace. It has got a rich cultural and historical value in the state as well. Several structures are even before the 17th Century. In the recent past, the local government has stepped up to develop the town as a tourist hub and development activities are on full swing. Such a gesture from the authorities has improved road connectivity and other necessary public essentials are also improving rapidly. The Sanga Choling Monastery is one of the most important parts of the Sikkim circuit is one of the top destinations in Pelling. This was established way back in 1701, by the Lama Lhatsun Chempo and it is one of the oldest monasteries in the entire Sikkim. The Monastery is 7 km up the hillside from the main town of Pelling and people need to do a trek of approx 4 km to reach this place. There are a lot of heartwarming waterfalls which completely takes away the soul of visitors like Rimbi Waterfall, Khangchendzonga waterfalls and many other waterfalls are there. You can explore the wildlife and admire the beauty and peace of the natural environment. At Rabdentse Bird Park, you will find a lot of unseen species of the charming birds, listen to the chirpy music. If you want to see the mammals then the best place would be the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khangchendzonga National Park which is spread across 849 Km sq of area and covers around 25% area of the entire state. This park is famous for the Snow leopard, leopard, Golden cat, Jackal, and many more such astonishing wild creatures. Pelling has more than 4 popular monasteries which are also important tours spots that have a major impact on the culture of the place. The majority of the locals follow the Buddhism religion and this inspiration is quite visible in the dishes as well. This resemblance has also helped in the emergence of numerous cafes and restaurants in the region. Here is a list of some of the best eating joints which you must try once you are there in Pelling.
1. Lotus Bakery
Lotus Bakery is probably the only baker in the town and you will find in on the road on your way to the Pemayangtse Monastery just 2 km from the lower Pelling. The best part about this bakery is that its proceeding goes to a tribal school that has initiated this bakery to educate the un affluent local children. The bakery is completely unlike the normal cafe we have in the metro cities like CCD or any other modern cafe, it is a small hut surrounded by the woods. It is a very simple place you might not even recognize it as a bakery at first sight. Once you enter the first portion is made for sitting with tables and chairs aligned and in front you will find the counter and baked items placed in the seethrough glass. You will be mesmerized by the simplicity of this place and the calmness it brings to your table. There is a variety of snacks available like Danish bread, chocolate croissant, apple cinnamon roll, Swiss buns, donuts, and normal fruit buns the snacks were really good and it increases your appetite for more. You would surely not like to avoid the cardamom tea which is quite famous for this place. Please do go by the structure of the place however in taste and service this is must visit the place. The average cost person would be hardly 100 rupees. This bakery is worth visit do keep this in your Pelling itinerary.
2. Melting Point Restaurant
If you want to taste the authentic Sikkimese food then this is the place to be. This is one of the famous Resto bars located in the upper Pelling. The place offers both indoor and outdoor sitings. As the location is on a hill the view from the balcony sitting is marvelous and while satisfying your starve and enjoy the picturesque views of the mountains and valley. The restaurant is offering multiple cuisines like Indian, Asian, Chinese. They are catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians with the large variety of food available for the guests. The restaurant is famous for local dishes as well which you can't miss out on Thukpa, Momos, and Aloo paratha topping the chart and quite delicious. Apart from the food they offer drinks too, you can try the cocktails, beer, and local drinks as well which are quite praised by the visitors. The cost is very nominal so you can go for some extra mugs and it would not hurt your pocket much. The staff is quite courteous and service standards are well maintained. The seating arrangement was comfy and they maintained a decent ambiance which will make you feel cozy at the place. The average cost for a visit here would be around 200 rupees per person.
3. Kabur Restaurant
The restaurant is located in upper Pelling, it is one of the best places in pelling to try Tibetan and Sikkimese Cuisine. They have got a unique entry from the top floor. They have seating arrangements both indoor and outdoor, you can sit in the balcony among the flurry of small pots with greenery all around enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountains. The traditional food they offer is delicious such as Thukpa, thenthuk, Momos, manchow soups. The place is frequently visited by foreigners as well which shows it is quite famous among them. The service delivery is really good and the staff is polite. A meal would cost you around 200 rupees per person.
4. Havmor Restaurant
This restaurant is centrally located on the main street of Pelling makes it easily accessible. The USP of the eating joint is this a pure veg restaurant they don't offer non-veg items here. The cuisines on offer are mainly Indian cuisine and Fast Food apart from that they offer Jain food as well which is not quite easily found nearby. You can look out for Dosa, Idlis, Chole Bhature, Pau bhaji to satisfy your taste buds here. You can even try ice creams here they have a wide variety of the same along with the bottled drinks. The seating arrangements are fine as per a small place evenly spaced. The order processing and servicing are really quick you would not want to wait for long. An average meal cost would be around 150 rupees per person.
5. Big Bowl
You will find this amazing restaurant in the upper pelling. They are offering all kinds of meals and Indian, Asian and Chinese are the main cuisines available along with some Sikkimese and Nepali dishes. The main crowd attracting dishes are Pork fried rice, Chocolate Pancakes, Tibetan Egg fallay, pork momos, mixed chopsuey. The seating arrangement is decent and you can book a table for yourself, the view from the restaurant is amazing would make you sit there for some extra time. If you want to taste the local food you can request the waiter for the same and they will prepare it in the traditional manner which you will love. The average cost is 150 rupees per person.
6. Tatopani Bar and Restaurant
This is a bar cum restaurant located at just 2 km from one of the main tourist spots Pemayangtse Monastery. It is a small restaurant with a thin terrace bar you can chuck some beer, cocktails. They are offering Indian, Chinese, Sikkimese cuisines. The special dish on offer is Dimsums, Thukpa, and other traditional dishes. Your ambiance is cool the seating arrangements are of a classy restaurant. The serving staff is courteous and serving is also good. If you are visiting this place in the season time you might want to get hooked up by the live band performance. The average meal cost would be around 250 rupees per person.
