India GOMomos in Delhi
Tibetans who came to India after the 1959 uprising brought their momo recipes with them, and in Delhi the best momos, our base says, are in their settlement: Majnu Ka Tilla, in the north of the city, where Kunga Cafe serves momos with thukpa and shapaley. Elsewhere in Delhi momos have become everyday food, from Dilli Haat's state stalls to the food courts of Vasant Kunj and Aerocity.
Delhi's favourite street snack: steamed, with fiery red chutney. The best are in the Tibetan colony of Majnu-ka-Tilla, but a momo cart stands on almost every corner.
🥟 Momos
Tibetan dumplings, steamed or pan-fried, which became the default street snack of the whole Himalayan belt. In the hill towns they are as ordinary as samosas are on the plains.
How it's eaten
The fiery red chutney served alongside is half the point. Ask for it separately if you want to control the heat.
The city's food with veg and non-spicy filters, in the app.
Open in India GOMajnu Ka Tilla, the Tibetan quarter
Tibetan refugees settled at Majnu Ka Tilla in the 1960s, and it still feels like a small city within the city: Buddhist temples, monks in maroon robes, shops of incense and singing bowls, and Tibetan kitchens serving momos, thukpa (noodle soup) and shapaley (fried stuffed bread). In recent years Korean and Japanese cafés and bubble tea shops have moved in alongside.
Come in the afternoon or towards evening, when the temples and lanes are lit. The quarter goes to bed early: after 9 pm it is already quiet, so do not plan a late dinner here.
Where to eat them
From the Tibetan quarter outwards.
Kunga Cafe, Majnu Ka Tilla
A small, cosy café cooking Tibetan food at home-style pace: momos, thukpa and shapaley, in generous portions. Monks and local residents often eat here. Price level ₹.
Lha Kitchen
Home-style Nepalese cooking; try the cooked momos and the wai-wai noodles. It is popular, so book ahead. Price level ₹₹.
Dilli Haat, INA
An open-air crafts bazaar opposite INA metro, wrapped around a food plaza where nearly every Indian state runs a stall. The North-Eastern stalls serve momos next to bamboo-shoot dishes, cooked fresh at brisk turnover. Price level ₹.
Food courts: Vasant Kunj and Aerocity
Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj has momos in its big food court, and it is cool on a scorching afternoon. In Aerocity, near the airport, the Food Capital court at Worldmark includes a Wow Momo counter, useful before an early flight. Price level ₹₹.
✅ Ordering in Delhi
- Say veg clearly: on the plains chicken is the usual meat filling, with vegetable, paneer and mushroom versions alongside; they often sit side by side.
- Steamed first: the default is steamed; fried momos are steamed and then deep-fried, kothey are steamed and pan-fried, jhol momos sit in a thin spiced broth.
- Eat them hot: choose a place where they come straight from the steamer.
The origin story, Tibet or Nepal, is on the momos page; more of the city's food is on what to eat in Delhi.
❓ FAQ
Where can I find the best momos in Delhi?
Start at Majnu Ka Tilla, the Tibetan settlement in the north of the city; Kunga Cafe there serves momos, thukpa and shapaley.
Where can I find momos in South Delhi?
The food court at Ambience Mall in Vasant Kunj, and the North-Eastern stalls at Dilli Haat in INA.
Are momos in Delhi vegetarian?
Both kinds are everywhere: chicken is the usual meat, and vegetable, paneer and mushroom fillings are common. Ask for veg.
When is the best time to go to Majnu Ka Tilla?
Afternoon or early evening. The lanes are lit at dusk, but the quarter is quiet by 9 pm.