Half-moons or tubby round purses, momos are as much a festive food as your best friend on a lonely day. These juicy dumpling friends from Tibet are available across the city but authenticity is always an issue. If you are in the mood for momos that are served in Darjeeling or Sikkim, you simply have to travel a short distance to Momo I Am at Lake Gardens.

Tucked away in a busy corner off Lords crossing, the 20-seater eatery has a “funky cafe” look while Tibetan prayer flags flutter outside. For those in the mood for snacks, the menu offers steamed or fried momos with three types of fillings –– vegetable, chicken and pork, all served with a light broth (not the usual tasteless watery soup!) and a spoonful of spicy sauce. While the cook turns on the momo steamer, enjoy the fun wall graffiti.

“Bengalis love momos and since that’s what we are good at making we decided to visit Calcutta. We have invested a lot more than usual on such a small eatery because we didn’t want to compromise on our food,” said Reevu Wangdi from Darjeeling, one of the partners of Momo I Am.

Besides momos, here you can also enjoy a taste of Southeast Asia –– Lemongrass Crispy Chicken, Salt and Pepper Prawns, Stir-fried Fish Fillet and the Chicken Shyafale (fried Tibetan flatbread with a filling of minced chicken).

Both students and families can visit the place without spending too much moolah. “Word-of-mouth publicity is now drawing people from Howrah and Salt Lake,” adds Reevu, who is also a graffiti artist.

If you have been avoiding Pork Chilli, change your mind at Momo I Am because here it’s all pork and almost zero fat!

Another good choice is the special Thukpa made with handmade flat noodles served with chicken broth, mushrooms, tender chicken/pork pieces, a slice of boiled egg and shredded veggies.

Burp!

Sneha Dutta
Pictures: Pabitra Das
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