Food · Ranipool and Saramsa Garden
A Ranipool food stop on the highway
Ranipool's small market at the Ranikhola junction is where drivers stop for momos, chowmein, tea and sel roti on the road between Gangtok and the plains. A cheap, quick meal and a glimpse of everyday Sikkim away from MG Marg.
Photo: Shajahan T · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Almost every vehicle between Gangtok and Siliguri passes through Ranipool, and its roadside eateries cater to drivers and travellers: steamed momos, chowmein, thukpa, rice plates, tea and fried snacks. Morning stalls may have sel roti, the ring-shaped rice bread, with potato curry.
This is not a food destination, but it is honest, quick and cheap, about ₹100–250 per person for a meal. It is also where local life shows: school children, pharma factory workers, shared jeep drivers calling destinations. Ask your driver for his usual place; drivers know which kitchens are clean and fast.
If you are heading to the airport, a stop here helps you avoid the queues further down at Singtam and Rangpo. Carry cash in small notes. In the monsoon, check road news here: drivers at Ranipool hear first whether NH10 is open or traffic is going via Pakyong.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is food at Ranipool safe to eat?
Freshly cooked hot food, such as momos, chowmein, thukpa and tea, is generally fine. Avoid raw salads, cut fruit and drinks with ice if your stomach is sensitive. Ask your driver for the place he trusts; drivers eat here every day and know the clean kitchens.
What should we eat at Ranipool?
Momos and chowmein are the usual choices, with thukpa on cold days and rice plates for a fuller meal. In the morning, look for sel roti with potato curry. Prices are low, about ₹100–250 per person. Carry cash in small notes.
Is Ranipool on the way to Bagdogra?
Yes. Ranipool lies on NH10, about 12 km below Gangtok, on the way to Rangpo, Siliguri, Bagdogra and NJP. When NH10 is closed in the monsoon, traffic often goes via NH717A through Pakyong, which also starts at Ranipool. Check current status before you travel.
Also in Ranipool and Saramsa Garden
More hours worth planning
Nature
Walk the Saramsa orchid garden
An easy walk through the orchidarium, glasshouses and lawns of Saramsa Garden, created in its present form in 1975. Spring brings the …
Culture
The Ipecac Garden's story, told on site
Walk Saramsa with its history in mind: a 1922 Forest Department orchard that grew pineapples, guavas, oranges and lychees for the British …
Culture
Sikkim Science Centre at Ranipool
A hands-on science centre at Ranipool, 12 km below Gangtok, with interactive exhibits and shows for children. A useful indoor option for …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed