It’s National Momo Day and if there is one food that can drive Indians crazy, it is Momos. In recent years, Momos have gained huge popularity in India. As a famous street food, Momos are a type of dumpling made from a thin dough wrapper and filled with various savory fillings, served with hot soup or dipping sauce. If there is one such food that can instantly make anyone’s day better, it is momos. Momos are a versatile food; eaten as an appetizer, lunch or dinner. From meaty to vegetarian options, this Momo Day explores the different types of momos dominating Kolkata’s taste buds.
National Momo Day: Looking Back at its Origin & Infusion into Indian Culinary
Momos with their delicious flavours and unique presentation have caught the attention of food enthusiasts around the world. Momos are believed to have originated from Tibet, a region located in the Himalayas. The word momo, having its roots in Tibet, means ‘Steamed Bread’ or ‘Dumpling’. Momos also have strong roots in Nepal. Food historians have traced the earliest versions of Momos in the Kathmandu Valley, where the people from the Newar Community adapted steamed meat concepts during trade travels along the Himalayan paths.
It can be noted that during the Chinese attack in Tibet in 1959, many Tibetans went into exile and took shelter in Dharmshala, Sikkim, Ladakh, Darjeeling, Kolkata & Delhi. The settlement of Tibetans in India slowly transferred their traditional cuisines to Indian cuisine, especially Momos. In Tibet, Momos are made with yak meat, tomato, garlic, dried chilli and oil-based filling.
Northeast India played an important role in popularising momos. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, which share geographic proximity with Tibet and Nepal, already had an existing tradition of dumpling-like dishes.
10 Types of Momos to Relish on National Momo Day
Over the years, Momos have gained enough popularity. In the metro cities, Momos started to rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Tourists visiting hilly stations craved the same dumpling flavor back in the cities. Slowly, local street stalls and restaurants picked up the base recipe and started to serve Momos. Earlier, Momos were introduced in the steamed category; slowly, the fried version was adopted and now variations of fusions are added to Momos. Check out these mouth-watering Momos on National Momo Day, dominating the go-to snack bites from Gen-Z to Millennials
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Steam Momo-
The Traditional form of Momo, Steam Momos are soft, juicy and savory. They are filled with fillings containing either meat-based or veggie. Initially in Tibet, Momos were made filled with Yak meat fillings, spiced with ginger and garlic. There are different Types of Momos in the steam category- stuffed with Chicken, Pork, Cheese & Corn, Veggie, Cheese Chicken, or Prawn. The Steam Momos in Kolkata are served with hot soup that’s generally chicken broth spiced with pepper and garnished with spring onions. On the occasion of National Momo Day try out Wow Momo’s Chicken Pahari Steam Momo at discounted rates only on Gintaa!
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Pan Fried or Fried Momo-
Those who like to have crispy snacks, fried Momos are ideal for them. Instead of processing the Momos to steam, the preparation is deep fried until the outer layer turns golden and crispy. Whereas Pan-Fried Momo is a popular Himalayan dumpling that’s first steamed, then lightly fried and tossed in a spicy Schezwan sauce. Both are served with spicy chutney or chilli sauce.
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Jhol Momo-
A popular Nepali dish featuring soft, steamed meat or veggie dumplings soaked in warm, nutty broth called Jhol Achar. Jhol Momos are famous in Delhi, but have also become popular among denizens of Kolkata. The Jhol or Curry is a soup-like sauce made from a blend of paste of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds and soyabeans.
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Chili Momo-
If anyone is a hardcore Chinese food fanatic, the Chili Momos are the best option for them. Chili Momo is a popular Indo-Chinese dish tossed in spicy, tangy sauce with garlic, onions and ginger. At Wow Momo, you get amazing authentic Chicken Kothey tossed in chilli sauce. Order from Gintaa and get Chilli Momo at rebate prices.
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Paneer Momo-
To all the vegetarians out there, Paneer Momo features a crumble filling of paneer, finely chopped veggies and hints of spices. The perfect blend of creamy paneer texture blending with a soft-coated momo wrapper makes it a popular vegetarian delight.
- Tandoor Momo–A pure desi delight, on
National Momo Day, Tandoor Momos find their way as a fusion innovation that combines the authentic tandoori flavours marinated in spicy yogurt-based masala and roasted in a clay oven. The smoky flavours of tandoor and a crispy exterior make the Tandoor Momo an irresistible delight. Served with mint chutney and mayonnaise, Tandoor Momo is a North Indian hit.
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Cheese Momo-
For cheese lovers, Cheese Momos are a match made in heaven. Filled with a generous amount of cheese, Cheese Momos are popular bite-sized steamed Momos stuffed with grated cheese along with either corn, chicken or veggies. Hot, steamed Cheese Momos are a melt-in-the-mouth as the oozing creamy cheese flavour is hard to resist.
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Korean Momo-
In recent times, Korean Momo has gained hype among Momo lovers. The Korean Momos are a popular Asian fusion dish combining Himalayan-style dumplings with super spicy Korean flavours like chili paste, garlic and sesame. The Momos are lightly fried and tossed with sweet, spicy and Korean chili sauce, gochujang sauce. To try the best Korean flavour Momos, there is no other place than Wow Momo! Get a wide range of Korean Momos at affordable prices only on Gintaa!
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Kurkure Momo-
As the name suggests, Kurkure Momos are a crunchy and innovative version of desi-style Momos. The Kurkure Momos are coated in crushed breadcrumbs before being deep-fried. The crunch in every bite adds a fun twist to the traditional momo experience. In recent times, Kurkure Momos are among the popular Types of Momos served with spicy dips and sauce.
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Chocolate Momo-
Yes! No chicken or paneer filling, a unique twist to the traditional dumpling, Chocolate Momos are a perfect sweet treat after a spicy meal. Filled with melted chocolate ganache, Chocolate Momos are either steamed or fried, drizzled with chocolate syrup.
Popularity of Momos in India Over the Years
Momos have gained immense popularity all over India. For the past two decades, Momos have made their place in the mainstream fast food chain. With the perfect balance of flavours, texture and varieties, Momos have a wider adaptability. From Chicken to Paneer Momos, the versatility of this Tibetan-inspired cuisine has made its way to every Indian. Momos are multifaceted; they are steamed, fried, baked, grilled and even roasted.
The use of fresh ingredients with aromatic spices elevates taste, while the fillings ensure that there’s a Momo for everyone. Not just limited to street food sensation, Momos are a hot seller in restaurants as well. From a go-to snack to dinner-time appetizers, Momos are for every mood.
Craving Hot Momos? Hit Gintaa and Enjoy at Home!
Grab delicious, steaming hot Momos from your favorite restaurants near you on Gintaa! From juicy Chicken Momos and flavorful Veg Momos to cheesy, Tandoori, and crispy Fried Momos, explore a wide range of dumpling delights delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether you love them steamed, fried, pan-fried, or tossed in spicy sauces, satisfy every craving with authentic Momos only on Gintaa. Enjoy your favorite Momo treats from the best restaurants, delivered fresh to your home with Gintaa!
Conclusion
Over the years, they have evolved far beyond their traditional recipe, embracing regional flavours and innovative fillings that cater to every palate. In Kolkata, momos have found a special place in the city’s vibrant food culture, with everything from classic steamed and fried varieties to indulgent tandoori, pan-fried, cheese-filled, and chocolate momos delighting food lovers. This National Momo Day, celebrates the humble dumpling that crossed borders, adapted to local tastes, and won millions of hearts. Whether you enjoy them with fiery red chutney, comforting soup, or a modern twist, every bite tells a story of culture, migration, and culinary creativity.
