Review De Khambir - Leh

My favourite place to hang out and dine in Leh. Very welcoming staff and delicious local food. I particularly like their khambir sandwiches. There's a little shop that sells local produce like dried fruits and soap. From some of the tables you have wonderful views of the mountains 🏔️

The De Khambir is one of Ladakh's hidden treasures. From busy Zangsti Road, the first floor local eatery, looks modest and unassuming. Accessed by a rickety iron staircase, it's easy to miss while on one's way to more colourful restaurants and cafés in Zangsti and nearby Changspa Road. A visit is not just rewarding but will make your day. Run by two Ladakhi women, the space and light inside is a total surprise. The main dining space is the size of an urban banquet hall and doubles up as a yoga space on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings. Located in an old and traditional Ladakhi building, the architecture inside is a tour-de-force in local building materials and design. The ceiling inside has large poplar logs supported by even larger floor logs. The poplar logs support a poplar twig and adobe roof, that is still in vogue all over Ladakh. It's a great insulating material and keeps out the cold on chilly days. The floor is the original adobe floor, only lightly papered over with mortar in some places. There's a variety of seating and you may want to try all three on your visits. Tables and chairs in the narrow entrance corridor with great light streaming in and great for people-watching. The main dining space has intimate low-walled spaces with low tables and cushions and mattresses on low benches ranged against the wall. It's great for lounging over a meal or curling up with a book. There're also wooden tables and chairs at either ends of the hall with awesome light pouring in through huge glass windows. Prayer flags fluttering outside and inside add further local ambience to this beautiful, traditional space. The biggest treasure is its small but delightful menu, composed entirely of local dishes, made from local ingredients. There's cuisine you won't find elsewhere, like tenten, a buckwheat pancake with fried egg, or paba and thaangthur, or tapu. The De Khambir serves authentically local cuisine. Cuisine that's disappearing from rapidly modernising Ladakh, both from eateries and homes. All the more reason for you to check it out, like I did, and take pictures of one of its kind dishes, you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Had khambir and butter tea for the first time and this restaurant is a must-visit spot in Leh city. Khambir is a traditional Ladakhi bread made from locally grown wheat flour and is typically served with butter or cheese, while butter tea is a popular drink in the Himalayan region made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. It's always wonderful when you discover new and delicious foods, and it's even better when you can enjoy them at a pocket-friendly price. restaurant owner was also very kind and friendly, which definitely enhanced the overall dining experience. If you are ever in the area again, you should consider exploring some of the other food options that the restaurant offers. There are often hidden culinary gems in smaller cities and towns that are worth discovering

When we asked for recommendations for local food a couple of people suggested this place. This was situated near the Tibetan market on the 1st floor. Maintained by local women, this is a must try if you want to have some authentic local Ladakhi cuisine on a budget. The ambience was calming and spacious. It has these mattresses on floor with low tables or normal tables for you sit. The food is gonna take some time as it's freshly prepared but it's worth it. The breakfast and dinner both have really good options.

Excellent traditional Ladakhi food. We had dinner here and we all liked the food a lot. The place is located on the first floor of a busy building, close to the main market area. It's run by the local women. The decor and sitting is also unique. The food is prepared fresh and so you have to be patient for it to arrive. Everything we had - Thuksing soup, Skyu, Chicken Khambir pocket sandwiches, Tsochik rice, and the desserts (especially Phating) was very good. Good food at a good value.

The best restaurant in Leh!!! Fresh and healthy local Ladakhi food Good price and also good quality local products

Calm place,not much crowded Food is good ,apricot juice and kombhucha (if you like) is must try.

Best place to try local food.. I ordered two dishes. 1. SPYU - This is made of small wheat balls dipped in dal. Taste is unique. 2. Soya Nuggets - It's more like wrap having soya and veggies inside. Very similar to subway sandwich. 3. Drinks - Butter Tea (Didn't liked it, smells like goat milk), Fresh Apricot Juice was awesome. Overall the experience was good. Must try if you are in Leh.

Lovely and very authentic-feeling place. I came to the cafe a few times for brunch or sweets/tea. The ladies running it are sweet and the food tasted very fresh.

Nice cozy shack looking cafe on the first floor on the east side of Leh market on the road to KARZOO & Moravian church. The exteriors don't give much of an impression and you've to brave a flight of metal staircase (antique). Once you get in its a beautiful, ethnic , rustic decor so typical of Ladakh . The sitting is low lying as well as wooden table chairs . Quite spacious interiors and Saturday and Sunday they have live music too. The menu spread is not expansive but each item has taste of exclusivity and feels tasty. The pocket khambir and the Tibetan tea tasted so good. Indeed a place for young hearts visiting Leh .

Have a beautiful environment that supports a work cafe and a chill hangout spot with books to read as well! Beautiful prices and one of the most tasty dishes I've had. Their nuts and vegetables khambir is cheap and very tasty. Must try

Pet friendly, self service, cozy Cafe which serves great ladakhi food. We visited the Cafe for breakfast and loved the food! Very few restaurants in Leh serve Ladakhi cuisine, this is one of those few restaurants and a good one at it!

Awesome Ladaki food which is authentic. Made after placing orders and so fresh. The restaurant is on the first floor after climbing some steep metal steps. Very friendly staff dish out delicious food. The dining hall is tastefully furnished and is very spacious. The order has to be placed through a small opening to the kitchen.

Tried Veg Khambir with walnut sauce Tasted amazing, a must visit place to try stuffed Khambir Very good cosy ambience to chill and relish the Ladakhi cuisine Its a hidden gem which I found while googling khambir

One of the best places in Leh for authentic Ladakhi cuisine. Very unique ambience and service. Loved the little store selling great local produce too...

Greate place for fresh vegetariam food and local specialties. The atmosphere is great, a simple hall with cozy corners, each having power outlets so you can also easily work here and stay for some hours. Favourite restaurant in leh for me.

Loved the place and the food. Local ladakhi food, limited menu but everything we had tasted amazing. Most loved: khambir sandwiches and apricot juice.

If you want to try pure local ladakhi food this place is worth visiting...and you will go again n again for sure This restaurant is run by all girls team in a small but beautiful place Khambir is their signature dish in which they have many varieties... Veg khambir and soya khambir were just awesome to taste...😍 Chicken khambir was also good They serve many kinds of juice and all are great They have all the games(like Jenga,uno, monopoly n so on) if you want to play untill your food is served coz they take some time to serve food... Visit the place if you have a leisure time to spend and enjoyee 🤩 Even they sell some local made products like woolen gloves and socks...some masala n all Overall de khambir is awesome 😍😍

Magnificent place, authentic Ladakh cuisine and the most authentic people. First place I ate in Leh and it's going to be hard to beat! Will definitely be back to try more of the menu :)))