The interesting story of how Momos came to India

Think about the last time you took one bite of a heavenly steamed or fried Momo filled with juicy meat or veggies? Perhaps the deliciousness of the savoury dumpling made you want to thank its creator for bringing you this little bundle of taste. But, have you ever stopped to wonder where exactly your favourite snack-time treat comes from? It all started with a dumpling – the scrumptious layer of dough wrapped around a filling. China’s Wontons, Japan’s Gyoza, Italy’s Ravioli, or our very own Modak, dumplings are universal and loved across the globe. So, without a doubt, it evolved and got itself a strong fan following. (Image: Canva)

The humble Momo, itself, has a long and rich history. It has travelled across many geographies, evolving with each stop it made. Momos are said to have originated in the 14th century. Considering their immense popularity, it is no surprise that both Nepal and Tibet claim to be their birthplace. While this may always remain a topic of heated debate, one thing we know for sure is that when Momos entered India, they made an indelible mark - and we made them our own!

It is believed that Momos came to India in the 1960s when a large number of Tibetans entered the country. They settled in several different parts of the country including Ladakh, Darjeeling, Dharamshala, Sikkim and Delhi – all the major Momo hotspots that we know and love. Another theory suggests that it was the Newar merchants of Kathmandu who brought the revered recipe to India from Tibet during their travels along the silk route. Their popularity then trickled down to other parts of the country, ultimately becoming the much-loved soul food for so many of us. Regions like West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam all enjoy different varieties of momos. Interestingly, though, they feature in the local cuisine of only Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

In India, we’ve got a knack for adapting the best food to our tastes. It’s no wonder, then, that we can now find Momos in so many variants made different fillings. Spicy chicken, paneer, green vegetables, ricotta cheese, pork, and even seafood – they’ve all found their home in a delightful Momo. The most versatile food you’ll ever find, a Momo can just as easily be a five-star meal served in an aromatic meat-based broth as it can be a street-style snack served with tangy sauces.

And, that’s not all, now with high quality frozen momos available, their use in making party dishes and evening snacks has become even more simple.So, the next time you order or make piping hot Momos for yourself and your families, take a second to think about the 600 years of tradition, love, and passion that you’ve just put on your plate. Then grab some spicy dipping sauce and dig in!

Author: Chef Karma, in-house Chef Prasuma Momos