A Food Lover's Guide to Nepali Cuisine

Introduction to Nepali Food

Nepali cuisine is a delicious blend of Tibetan, Indian, and indigenous influences. While simple in ingredients, the flavors are complex and satisfying.

The Staples

Dal Bhat

The national dish—lentil soup (dal) with rice (bhat), served with vegetable curry (tarkari), pickles (achar), and sometimes meat. Eaten twice daily by most Nepalis.

Where to try: Any local restaurant; Thamel House in Kathmandu for upscale version.

Momos

Tibetan-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. Steamed, fried, or in soup (jhol momo).

Best varieties:

• Buff (buffalo) momo
• Jhol momo (in spicy soup)
• C-momo (covered in spicy sauce)
• Kothey momo (pan-fried)

Where to try: Yangling in Thamel, local momo joints everywhere.

Thukpa

Hearty Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables and meat. Perfect after a cold day of trekking.

Regional Specialties

Newari Cuisine (Kathmandu Valley)

• Bara: Savory lentil pancakes
• Chatamari: Nepali pizza with minced meat
• Yomari: Sweet rice flour dumplings
• Samay Baji: Traditional feast platter

Where to try: Newa Lahana, Honacha in Patan

Thakali Cuisine (Mustang)

• Known for refined dal bhat
• Buckwheat dishes
• Excellent meat preparations

Where to try: Thakali Kitchen in Thamel

Street Food

Must-Try Items

• Sel roti: Sweet ring-shaped bread (breakfast)
• Chatpate: Spicy puffed rice mix
• Sekuwa: Grilled meat skewers
• Pani puri: Crispy shells with spiced water

Street Food Safety

• Choose busy stalls (high turnover)
• Watch items being cooked fresh
• Avoid pre-cut fruits
• Stick to bottled water

Beverages

Alcoholic

• Raksi: Local rice wine
• Tongba: Fermented millet drink
• Chhaang: Tibetan barley beer

Non-Alcoholic

• Chiya: Sweet milk tea
• Lassi: Yogurt drink
• Fresh juices: Widely available

For Vegetarians

Nepal is very vegetarian-friendly:

• Dal bhat is easily vegetarian
• Veg momos everywhere
• Specify "pure veg" to avoid cross-contamination
• Many Buddhist establishments are vegetarian

Dining Etiquette

1. Use right hand for eating (left considered unclean)
2. Don't touch shared dishes with used utensils
3. Finish your plate - wasting food is disrespectful
4. Shoes off when eating on the floor
5. Sharing is caring - offer to others first

Best Food Experiences

Cooking Classes

Learn to make momos and dal bhat:

• Backstreet Academy, Kathmandu
• Social Tours, Pokhara

Food Tours

• Kathmandu Food Tours
• Eat Local Nepal

Markets

• Asan Bazaar, Kathmandu
• Kalimati Market (wholesale)

Trekking Food

Expect on the trail:

• Dal bhat (unlimited refills usually)
• Fried rice/noodles
• Pancakes and porridge
• Apple pie (Annapurna region specialty)

Bring snacks for variety—chocolate, energy bars, dried fruits.

Final Tips

1. Start mild - Nepali spice can be intense
2. Drink masala tea - Aids digestion
3. Try local over tourist restaurants - Better food, lower prices
4. Learn some Nepali - "Mitho chha" means "It's delicious!"

Nepali food may not have the global fame of Indian or Thai cuisine, but its honest, hearty flavors will warm your soul.