We trek our way through Gandhi Road, in the heart of Darjeeling, only to realize, that at one point, my olfactory nerves took complete control of my steps. My sense of smell overpowered and conquered all my four senses. The aromatic wafts of manna made me float, with my nose showing the path to eternitythe spell continuedmy steps halted at a signboard that read Dekelong & Dekevas a small, quaint little joint, brimming with people, mostly foreigners.
I find myself being led inside; sitting on a neat, small table and I order the M word. The wait was never so long in my entire life, never so frustrating and restless. A friendly gang of young Japanese students, who joined our table, temporarily distract me. My stomach is now on fire and if it didnt get what it just smelt, it would surely melt into death, drowning in its own juices. Then comes the steaming, aromatic, soft, luscious things I sink my teeth into, in the nick of time, just before I almost died I call it The Mama Momo Mania!
The momos were my only magnetic attraction in Darjeeling. Other than my sensational momo mania, it turned out to be the regular touristy hill station. The Kanchenjunga overlooking our hotel caught my breath for a few seconds. Before the boring set in, we decided to head straight to Gantok. Trekking and Rafting was what we were thirsting for.
The next morning, before our three hour drive to Gangtok, I yearn to try out the recommended Kunga that my precious lonely planet book raved about for momos. The minute the clock struck 10 AM, Im firmly planted at Kungas, smiling and chatting up with the rather adorable and charming young man serving us. I started off with some very tasty Tibetan Tea, made with fresh Darjeeling tea leaves, yaks milk, yaks butter and a dash of salt. The lady owner at Kungas seemed surprised at my instant liking for their tea and giggled with approval. Looks like I have an acquired taste for it. Then my mmmomos arrived, steaming hot and fresh which I dunked in the red momo sauce. Abundance of momos and my stomach burst at its seams. One flashy smile at the young man and he doggy bagged the remaining for me. It was all momo mania magic throughout my picturesque drive to Gangtok.
