Thukpa (Noodle Soup)
A hearty noodle soup with vegetables or meat (often mutton or chicken).
Vegetarian Version: Vegetable Thukpa – Noodles with vegetables in broth.

Momos (Dumplings)
Steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables.
Vegetarian Version: Vegetable Momos – Stuffed with minced vegetables.

Tsampa
Traditional Ladakhi dish made from roasted barley flour, eaten with tea.
Vegetarian Version: Mixed with butter tea or milk.

Chang (Barley Beer)
Traditional fermented barley beer, mildly alcoholic.
Vegetarian Version: Non-alcoholic chang is also served in some places.

Butter Tea (Po Cha)
A traditional drink made with butter, salt, green tea, and milk.
Vegetarian Version: Butter and milk without meat.

Shabtak (Mutton Stew)
Rich mutton stew cooked with vegetables.
Vegetarian Version: A stew made with root vegetables and spices.

Diryang (Ladakhi Meat Stew)
Spicy mutton or chicken stew with vegetables and served with rice or flatbread.
Vegetarian Version: Made with hearty vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes.

Khamri (Fermented Flatbread)
Fermented wheat-based flatbread, served with tea or stews.
Vegetarian Version: Same, served with vegetable-based stews or tea.

Sausage (Ladakhi Sausages)
Minced meat sausages, grilled or fried.
Vegetarian Version: Made with vegetables or tofu.

Ladakhi Flatbread (Khambir)
Wheat flour flatbread served with stews, soups, or tea.
Vegetarian Version: Served with vegetarian dishes.

Saffron Rice
Fragrant rice cooked with saffron.
Vegetarian Version: Made with vegetables.

Tibetan Butter Cake
Rich, buttery cake made from flour, butter, and sugar.
Vegetarian Version: No meat involved, entirely vegetarian.

Pangong Fish (Freshwater Fish)
Fish from Pangong Lake, often cooked in curry or fried.

Chutneys & Pickles
Local chutneys made from apricots, tomatoes, and chilies.

Where to Try These Foods:

• Local Cafes and Restaurants: You’ll find several local cafes and restaurants in Leh Town serving authentic Ladakhi, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine. Many also serve international food, especially catering to tourists.

• Monastery Cafes: Some monasteries have small cafes or stalls offering traditional Ladakhi food such as Tsampa and Butter Tea.

• Homestays and Guesthouses: If staying with locals, you’ll often be treated to home-cooked Ladakhi specialties, offering an authentic food experience.