Doesn’t matter if you are diving to Ladakh or catching a flight, Leh is the point where you’ll arrive in order to start your journey in Ladakh. Yes, you can come via Srinagar and stop at Lamayuru but then again, it will only be a break for your inevitable arrival in Leh.
Most of the Ladakh itineraries tell you about the best places to visit in Ladakh and show you photos of Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley. Despite being a place from where they start and end their journey in Ladakh, it is often ignored by the tourists. Leh has a lot to explore and when it comes to food, it has some of the best restaurants in Ladakh. From quaint cafes to cozy restaurants with great views, you’ll find everything.
Leh City is dotted with amazing cafes, restaurants and cheap eateries for travellers from every walk of life. During my one month spent in Leh Ladakh, I got a chance to explore a majority of these places. Here, I am listing down some of the best places to eat when you are in Leh City.
Kashmiri Gali
Adjacent to Leh Market, you’ll find a tiny lane connecting to Chubi. This short cut will take you to the back alley of Leh Palace. Kashmiri Gali is not a restaurant but a small settlement of people coming here from Kashmir who have set their business here. This gali is famous for a couple of small cafes with cheap food. But it is the Kashmiri Bread and Mutton Samsa (Kashmiri version of Samosa) that are most famous. A piece of Samsa is only INR 12 and is extremely delicious.
World Garden Café
Probably my most favourite café in Leh, World Garden is present near Chagspa and the setting is to die for. Seating is available amidst a beautiful garden and they have a nice menu. Those who want to enjoy Vegan food in Leh will not be disappointed with World Garden Café.
Open hand café
By far, my most favourite place in Leh, Open Hand is located on Fort Road. This establishment has its branch in Varanasi and has done a lot to support local artists and artisans. Open hand café has a nice selection of Pasta, Brownies and coffee. The outer setting is perfect to enjoy views of the mountains.
Ladakh Fine foods
If you are looking for some light energetic meals during your time in Leh then Ladakh fine food will be perfect for you. Enjoy some Seabuckthorn juice and see your energy coming back in moments.
Leh Ling Book Café
Leh Ling is not hard to miss. Located near Leh Post office, it is one of the best places to eat in a budget during your time in Leh. A plate of maggi is only INR 50 and they have nice selection of coffee and coolers. Leh Ling’s ambience is perfect for a book lover with a huge selection kept separately for books and souvenirs.
Polo Ground Market
The market near Polo Ground is the best place for the visitors who want to enjoy local Ladakhi food. Most of these small stalls serve local bread with omelette and tea. You can also ask for Butter Tea as most of them have it in the morning.
Madras Café
A nice place for those travelling to Leh on a budget, Madras Café is the only place to enjoy South Indian food in Ladakh. They have an authentic selection of Vadas, Dosa and Idly. It is located on Fort Road and not that hard to spot.
Namza Boutique Café
One of the fancier cafés in Leh, Namza has a unique selection of fusion meals, cakes and coffee. The budget is on a higher side but the view from the café is to die for. If you just want to enjoy the view and setting then order a Caramel Custard and Americano. If you are looking for something authentic then order Yarkhandi Pulao.
On a side note, the staff is kinda rude to the budget travellers. May be they know that people like us are only there for blogs and click photos :P.
Paratha
Budget travellers going to Leh Ladakh will like Paratha very much. One of best places to have cheap meals in Leh City, Paratha keeps you close to your North Indian food. They have more than 20 varieties that is served with pickles, eggs and curd. Their tea is really heavenly. Paratha is located in German Bakery complex.
Kebabs at Leh Market
Now for the ones who love Non Vegetarian food, Leh has the perfect place where you should go to enjoy it. It is not a restaurant but street food joints present in Leh Market. These small establishments come alive in the evening and run out of stock in two or three hours. A plate of chicken seek kebab is only INR 30 and is served with a piece of rumali roti. Isn’t that yumm?
Sunday community Kitchen
This community kitchen is organized by the women’s association of Ladakh. This place is perfect for those who are looking for places to eat authentic food in Leh. Most of the selection are available on very nominal rates. These small stalls belong to individual villages around Leh and the food is prepared on the spot.
Budshah
It is not necessary for everyone to plan their trip to Ladakh and Kashmir together. That doesn’t mean that you will have to keep yourself devoid of Kashmiri food. And while there are many restaurants for the same, no one is better than Budshah. Fun fact, the name was supposed to be Badshah but there was a typo and they ended up naming if Badshah. Enjoy plates of Mutton Rogan Josh, Rista and kebabs and you’ll love everything.
Other cheap eating joints in Leh
There are several cheap eating joints in Leh. These places have a basic menu with aalu paratha and maggi being served with tea. Some of these restaurants are –
Punjab sweet shop, Leh Market
If you are looking for Samosa with choley or chana bhatura, then this is a perfect place for you.
Punjabi Tadka, Outside Leh Market
Best place to enjoy aalu paratha, maagi along with tea. A meal costs around 60 to 80 bucks.
German Bakery
German bakery has its own status in Leh. It is located in the same complex as paratha. Don’t go here in night because the leftover food gets stale and kind of hard to eat.
Ladakhi Women’s Travel company
A small joint in Leh market, it is kind of hard to locate but is perfect for those looking for cheap eats in Leh. They have a unique menu everyday where they serve something authentic from Ladakh region.
Hot Millions Sweets and Snacks
Located in the market area, you’ll find the best Gulab Jamun in Leh City.
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