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The hankering has never been more acute for this girl from Delhi–looking at an imitation of a momo in Mumbai and willing it to be the real deal. I remember the feeling of picking up a plate of six for Rs. 80 on a cold winter evening and the feeling of warmth emanating from my tummy as I scarfed down the first two (a burnt tongue is a small price to pay) and sat down on a bench to savour the rest. Momo mania is very real in the national capital and vendors set up their tall, steel steamers outside metro stations, markets, college gates and even shopping malls for infinite momo-eating options. However, loyalty runs deep in Delhi-while some swear by Dolma aunty, the University crowd has fond memories of their first QD’s experience.
Where there’s so much variety, it’s easy to lose your way and there’s nothing more off-putting than a momo that misses the mark. Especially given the number of places in Delhi that get it right–like these eight establishments.
Cue your weekend momo binge.
I. Wangchuk’s Ladakhi Kitchen
One of Gurgaon’s ahaatas, Wangchuk’s Ladakhi Kitchen lets you bring your own beer. Which is a good thing since you’ll probably need something to put out the fire from their homemade Ladakhi sauce served with the momos. Kothay, Sumai, Oroma or Yarkandi–Wangchuk’s wins big for its sheer variety. My personal favourites? The spicy Sumai Kothay momo–essentially a momo with an open top and a pan-fried, crispy bottom–as well as the Rhe Chotse, a dish made up of mini momos and veggies floating in a piping hot broth.
Where: Shop 7A, Thakran Market, Opposite Good Earth City Centre, Sector 47, Malibu Town, Gurgaon
Price: Rs. 850 for two people
II. Yeti-The Himalayan Kitchen
Hearts broke when Yeti-The Himalayan Kitchen shut down in Hauz Khas Village a few years ago. A collective cheer resounded in the same hearts when it reopened at not one, but two locations in the city. Transporting diners to Kathmandu with its lanterns, brick walls and Tibetan flags, Yeti is best known for its Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine. When at Yeti, try the unique aloo momos, served with sesame and chili sauces if you’re in the mood to experiment. If not, you can’t go wrong with a plate of their juicy chicken momos.
Where: M-20, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 2, and 30, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village
Price: Rs.1300 for two people
III. Dolma Aunty
Touted the first-ever momo ‘thela’, established by Dolma Tsering, the bright red, hot and spicy chili-garlic chutney served with momos has customers going back again and again. Established in 1994, Dolma Aunty is credited with bringing this Tibetan street food to Delhi, effectively changing many lives in the process. A family business, the stall is run by her son Ramu today and is easily identifiable by the large crowd of people gathered around it, waiting in line for a plate of Dolma Aunty’s delicious momos.
Where: Central Market, Lajpat Nagar
Price: Rs.100 for two
IV. QD’s Restaurant
“Have you tried QD’s Tandoori Momos yet, though?” A trip to the neighbourhood QD’s is a rite of passage for most university students. Their claim to fame? The restaurant was the first to experiment with (and, subsequently, perfect) kebab-style momos. A plate of their smoky, orange Tandoori Momos with a side of green mint chutney and generously sprinkled chaat masala, will even tempt momo purists. I always order a plate of their massive fried momos as well and attack them one momo at a time.
Where: Many outlets across the city but 2520, 1st Floor, Hudson Lane, Kingsway Camp, Delhi University, GTB Nagar is the OG QD’s.
Price: Rs 800 for two
V. Hawkers
Of course I have a Hawkers story–this roadside van popularised Chinjabi (or Chindian) food for most of us 90s kids. Since its a van and not much else, you can get some fried momos to go, have them home-delivered or stand right there and savour them hot and fresh. They were also the first to tinkle with the idea of mayo on yo’ momo, and we’re not complaining.
Where: DDA Market, Vasant Kunj
Price: Rs 600 for two
VI. Momo Mia and Nagaland Stall
Dilli Haat evokes memories of rows and rows of colourful juttis, tourists milling about, silver jewellery shopping and the momos at the Nagaland stall. A melting pot of India’s diverse food, handicrafts and culture, Dilli Haat also happens to have some of the best momos in town. Head to stall no. 19 for a plate of pork momos and a mug of fruit beer the next time you find yourself in this large courtyard.
Apart from the humourous wordplay, Momo Mia! also has a larger menu going for it. Mutton, chicken, pork and even paneer–we think a momo-off between stall no. 19 and stall no. 6 is in order.
Where: Dilli Haat
Price: Rs 500 for two
VII. Tee Dee
Delhi’s Tibetan colony Majnu Ka Tila had to feature on this list. While there’s lots of authentic momos being steamed and fried here, Tee Dee always delivers. I’ve burst through its doors in dire need of a pocket-friendly breakfast as well (their pancakes start at Rs. 80), but its their momo menu that won me over. In addition to crowd favourites like chicken, mutton and even buff, they have some other interesting filling options. Palak-Cheese, Potato-Cheese or the lethal-sounding Devils Momos (that I have not been brave enough to try).
Where: New Aruna Colony, Majnu ka Tila
Price: 550 for two people
VIII. Brown Sugar
Shout out to my mother for finding this one–located in GK1 market, Brown Sugar is the perfect pit-stop on an afternoon of export surplus shopping and bargain hunting. Hygienic and absolutely delicious, I can polish off a couple of plates of their chicken wheat momos by myself. Pair them with one of their fresh juices or smoothies, and you can get back to scouring the market for sunglasses on a budget.
Where: M-73, M Block Market, Greater Kailash (GK) 1,
Price: Rs. 450 for two people
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