While natural scenery contributes to the visual glee of the city, the essence of Kalimpong lies in its diverse culture and cuisine. In a population of 42880 (2011 census), most people are ethnic Nepalese who migrated during the British rule, though the original settlers of the place are the Lepchas. However, Kalimpong is the home of numerous indigenous ethnic groups, including Bhutias, Sherpas, Gurungs, Tamangs, etcetera, and some non-native Bengalis, Anglo-Indians, and Muslims, and so forth. The city's beauty lies in this amalgamation of religions, where apart from Hinduism, Nijananda Sampradaya, Buddhism, and Christianity are followed with equal zest and reverence. Festivals, though affiliated with these manifold religions and cultures, are celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm and unity, some of them being the local Hindu festivals of Dasain, Tihar, Sakela cultural program, and the Tibetan festival Losar. The cultural confluence of Kalimpong echoes the 'unity in diversity mantra, which is evident in the peaceful co-existence of Buddhist monasteries like The Zang Dhok pair Phodang on the one hand and a mosque named Kalimpong Anjuman Islamia on the other, both honoring their heritage respectfully.
As the affectionate and joyful greetings of the residents warm the heart, the smooth and steamy cuisine of the town warms the soul. Kalimpong is known for its momos, with chicken or beef filling, soupy thupkas, wai wai noodles, locally brewed beer, and the famous Darjeeling tea as beverages, extremely comforting in the cool of the weather. Another local snack is Churpee, a hard cheese made from yak's or chauri's milk. However, the city also hosts a chain of restaurants, providing various cuisines for the tourists, from Indian to continental.
