As you journey through this enchanting land, you will discover Nepali cuisine, a fusion of flavours that draws influence from Tibetan, Indian, and indigenous Himalayan cooking traditions. From hearty mountain food to tantalising street snacks, Nepal offers a culinary adventure. Here's a guide to some of the must-try dishes to indulge in during your Nepal tour.
No trip to Nepal would be complete without sampling momos, the country's beloved dumplings. These refined wheat flour or wheat flour parcels are typically filled with minced meat (often buffalo, chicken, or pork), vegetables, or cheese, then steamed or fried. Served piping hot with a side of spicy dipping sauce, momos are a quintessential Nepali snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Considered the national dish of Nepal, dal bhat is a hearty and nutritious meal consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and various accompanying side dishes such as vegetables, pickles, and chutneys. This wholesome and satisfying meal is a staple in Nepali households and can be found in teahouses and restaurants nationwide.
Perfect for warming up on chilly mountain evenings, thukpa is a comforting Tibetan noodle soup that has become a popular dish in Nepal. Made with broth, noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat, thukpa is filling and flavourful, making it a favourite among trekkers and locals alike.
A traditional Nepali snack often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, sel roti is a sweet, deep-fried bread made from rice flour and sugar. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sel roti pairs perfectly with a cup of masala tea and will satisfy your sweet tooth.
To taste Nepal's rich culinary heritage, sample some Newari cuisine. Known for its fulfilling flavours and unique ingredients, Newari dishes such as bara (fried lentil patties), yomari (sweet rice dumplings), and kwati (a mixed bean soup) offer a glimpse into the country's cultural diversity.
Wander through the bustling streets of Kathmandu or Pokhara, and you will find an abundance of street food stalls offering everything from spicy samosas and fried noodles to fresh fruit chaat and sweet jalebis.
A traditional fermented vegetable dish, gundruk is a staple in many Nepali households. Made from leafy greens such as mustard greens or spinach, gundruk is fermented and then sun-dried to preserve it for future use. It is often cooked into soups, stews, or curries, adding a unique tangy flavour.
Beat the heat with a refreshing glass of lassi, a traditional North Indian yoghurt-based drink widely popular in Nepal. Available in both sweet and savoury varieties, lassi is the perfect way to cool off after a day of sightseeing or trekking in the Himalayas.
