Eating in Nepal ? Try This!
When it comes to food, Nepal is probably one of the most underrated countries. Known for its high peaks, snow-covered mountains, and being home to the world’s happiest people, Nepal is a country that continues to be overlooked when it comes to its gastronomic delights. And it’s just not us saying this; even Lonely Planet has slipped up with their recent “Coolest Places on Earth” list, where they missed out on including Nepal as one of the coolest places on earth. Perhaps this is because of the limited exposure that many tourists have had to authentic Nepali cuisine in the past; restaurants and cafes with a focus on serving Nepali dishes are few and far between outside of exploring momo houses in areas such as Thamel or New Road.
What to eat in Nepal?
If you’re wondering what to eat in Nepal, you’re in luck. There are a number of dishes that are considered to be some of the most popular Nepali dishes, with many of them featuring on menus in cafes and restaurants across the country. If you’re looking to try some authentic local cuisine, here are a few of the must-eat Nepali dishes: - Dal bhat - If you’re visiting Nepal, you need to try their national dish, dal bhat. Made with lentils and rice, dal bhat is eaten at all times of day, being both a snack and a main meal. It’s often served with vegetables and achar (pickled vegetables), and is a great introduction to Nepali food. - Tarkari - If there’s one word to describe Nepali food, it’s hearty. If you’re looking for a dish that’s going to fill you up, tarkari is the dish for you. A vegetable curry that’s heavily seasoned with spices like cumin and pepper, tarkari is usually served with rice. - Momos - If you love dumplings, you’re in for a treat when you visit Nepal. Momos are dumplings made from dough and served with a variety of fillings, such as chicken and vegetable, or pork. You can eat them in a variety of ways, either as a main meal or as a snack, and they’re a great introduction to Nepali cuisine. - Other must-try dishes - If you’re after more traditional Nepali dishes, you can’t go wrong with khau-tia (boiled goat meat with spices and herbs), sikha-kebab (minced goat meat cooked with spices), and chow mein.
Dal bhat
Dal bhat is a traditional Nepali dish that has been eaten for hundreds of years. It is a combination of dal (lentils) and bhat (rice), which makes it an ideal meal for all times of the day. It is a hearty dish that is usually served with vegetables and tadka (Indian spiced sauce), and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is often eaten with pickle, known as acchar, which is made from a variety of fruits, such as mango or lime. Dal bhat is something that you should try if you are visiting Nepal or are Nepali. It is definitely one of the must-eat Nepali dishes, especially if you are a fan of Indian or South Asian cuisine. You can find lots of different variations of this dish in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. You can also find lots of Nepali restaurants that serve this dish all around the world.
Tarkari
Tarkari is a Nepali dish that is made out of a mixture of different vegetables, such as pumpkin, radish, tomato, potato, and more. The vegetables are cooked in a spiced sauce, and served with rice. Tarkari is a common dish that is served in Nepali homes and restaurants, and is often eaten together with a piece of roti (Indian flatbread) or loomi. If you are travelling to Nepal, you should try tarkari, as it is one of the most popular and well-known Nepali dishes. Tarkari can be made with a variety of vegetables and spices, which makes it one of the most diverse and versatile dishes that you can eat. It is a hearty and delicious dish that is a great choice if you are looking to try authentic Nepali cuisine.
Momos
Momos are dumplings that are a very popular dish throughout Nepal and other countries across Asia. They are made from dough filled with vegetables or meat, and steamed until they are soft and tender. The dumplings are served with a variety of different sauces, and can be eaten either as a snack or as a full meal. Momos are a very popular dish among tourists, as well as Nepali people. They are one of the most well-known and common Nepali dishes, and you can find them in many restaurants and cafes throughout Nepal. If you are interested in trying authentic Nepali food, you should definitely try momos. There are many different variations of this dish, so you will be able to find one that you really enjoy.
Other must-try dishes
- Khau-tia - This is a Nepali dish that is made from boiled goat meat that is mixed with spices and herbs. It is a very spicy and flavoursome dish, and is often eaten with boiled rice. If you like spicy foods, this is one of the must-try dishes in Nepal that you should definitely try. - Sikha-kebab - This is a Nepali dish made from minced goat meat, spiced with a variety of herbs and spices, and then wrapped in a roasted piece of loomi (a vegetable). It is one of the most popular and well-known Nepali dishes, and if you are looking to try something a bit different, this is a great choice. - Chow mein - Chow mein is a dish that is made up of stir-fried noodles with a variety of vegetables and meat. It is one of the most common Chinese dishes, and can be found in many Nepali restaurants. If you like Chinese food, chow mein is one of the must-try dishes in Nepal that you should definitely try.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Nepal, you can’t go wrong with any of these dishes. They are all authentic Nepali dishes, and will give you a taste of what Nepali food is really like. If you’re visiting Nepal, make sure to try dal bhat, tarkari, momos, and other must-try dishes, as they are the most popular and well-known Nepali dishes.