Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Treks Planner Nepal
A must-try local Cuisine while in Nepal. There are varieties of food found in Nepal that are sometimes referred to as a fusion of Chinese and Indian cuisine. Though some characteristics are exclusive to Nepali cuisine, you may also notice similarities to other meals you have experienced. You should not miss the following snacks and meals when visiting Nepal, ranging from street food to everyday dinners.
Daal Bhaat
Daal Bhaat is a must-try while visiting Nepal; without it, your Nepal trip won’t be complete. Lentils and rice is the direct translation of Daal Bhaat, and almost all Nepalis eat this for two meals a day. Typically, lentils are boiled to a soupy consistency with salt and turmeric added. Steamed rice is paired with this dish. But this feast is a little more than that. More cooked vegetables are provided, and chicken or mutton is frequently offered to meat eaters as well. And last, daal bhaat is incomplete without the pickle or acharr. Pickled radish or a combination of tomatoes, cilantro, and chili peppers can be used to make this. Although this cuisine is not for everyone, it is the most consumed food in Nepal since it is a must-try when visiting the country because everyone eats some variation of it at least once, if not twice, a day.
Momo
Momo is one of the most popular foods in Nepal; the ingredients, including buffalo to veggies, are delicious and need to be tasted repeatedly. In addition to the unique dumplings, there’s the tomato chutney and jhol (soup). Momo is so popular that it would be unquestionably chosen as Nepal’s national food if dhal bhat didn’t exist. This dish is highly sought-after throughout the country and is served in almost every sort of restaurant, ranging from upscale eateries to food carts on the street. About 10 pieces on a plate of momos are plenty for a light lunch or as an extra course to a bigger dinner. The fillings are made with a special spice mixture that has a distinct flavor. All businesses, however, make momo differently, sometimes using foreign fillings. This may be found in fried or steamed dumplings and varies from cheese to chocolate.
Pani Puri
One of the most well-liked street food options is pani puri. It is made up of crispy, hollow fried dough balls called puris that are filled with boiled potatoes blended with spices, cilantro, and chickpeas. The entire ball is consumed in one bite after being dipped in hot, sour water. Although the actual flavor varies based on the provider, the food is often tart and spicy. This specific meal involves water, therefore it’s crucial to pick your location wisely because there’s a chance the local water may get contaminated. On the other hand, clean Pani Puri may be found throughout the Kathmandu valley at a number of locations. Ask your guide or local acquaintances for advice on where to find this delicious treat if you’re interested in trying it.
Chatpate
In addition to ordering some panipuri, you ought to try some chatpate while you’re out. Puffed rice, dry quick noodles, cilantro, tomato, cucumber, onion, potato, peas, lemon juice, fresh chili, and other spices are combined to make this dish. This is frequently available at the same vendor as Pani Puri and is just as popular. There are many different flavors and textures to savor in this snack, with the crispness of the dry noodles contrasting with the softness of the cooked potatoes and the acidity of the lemon juice. Similar to pani puri, chatpate’s raw onion, chili, cucumber, and tomatoes might make it less safe. It would be wise to stay away from these street snacks if you have a sensitive stomach. Yet, as previously said, there are more hygienic locations spread over the city where you can get these snacks safely and without a significant chance of getting sick.
Sel Roti
Nepalis like sel roti, which is a must during big Hindu celebrations like Dashain, Tihar, Teej, and weddings. This treat looks like a doughnut but is considerably thinner and is made of soaked rice, ghee, sugar, and spices. Enjoy this delicious bread a cup of milk tea or coffee. If you get to see families prepare this in a town, you’ll notice that they frequently use their bare hands to pour the dough into the boiling oil, miraculously managing to form flawless circles. When it’s not a festival season in Nepal, you can usually get this dessert at stores that also offer samosas and other fried treats. Selroti is best when it is served fresh.
Yomari
Yomari is a traditional dish of the Newari people, which originated in the Kathmandu valley. This is always consumed on the full moon day in late December or early January, at a celebration known as Yomari Punhi. Yomari is steamed dumplings stuffed with either khuwa, which is milk that has been cooked down into a paste for hours, or chhaku, a paste derived from molasses. Finding the sweet treat is a little more difficult, but locals can point you in the direction of eateries that serve it.
Chatamari
Chatamari, another dish from the Newari culture, is sometimes referred to as Nepali pizza. This meal may satisfy both meat lovers and vegans because of its thin rice flour crust, and toppings that range from buffalo to veggies. A thin layer of dough is topped with meat or veggies (or both!) and a variety of spices before being cooked on top of the burner. This is a little simpler to locate and is served at the majority of Kathmandu’s Newari eateries. It’s a little harder to get on the street, but it still tastes delicious as a snack or side dish.
Bara
Another innovation from Newar culture, bara is simply a pancake made with lentils. Split black lentils, which are soaked before being combined and sautéed into a paste, are the key component. In addition to being served with a Newari lunch set that consists of beaten rice, roasted black soybeans, fried ginger and garlic, potatoes, roasted pork, and eggs, bara is also provided on important occasions like weddings and birthdays. This combination is said to bestow good fortune upon the celebrant or celebrants. Bara can, however, also be consumed by itself. This delightful delicacy, similar to a savory pancake, is served plain or fried with egg or buffalo (or both!). It is a popular dish in Nepal.
Juju Dhau
There are a lot of stunning structures and temples to see in Bhaktapur, but you also have to eat some of the local cuisine if you are there. The famous yogurt Juju Dhau comes from Bhaktapur. Dhau means sweet yogurt and translated from Newari Literally, Juju Dhau translates to “the king yogurt.” It is very significant during Kathmandu’s festivities and is creamy and sweet. Typically, buffalo milk is used to make it, which is cooked before being transferred into a conventional clay pot. To increase the sweetness, spices like cardamom and coconut are occasionally used.
Yak Cheese
You might wish to inquire with your guide about where to get yak cheese if you intend to hike in Nepal. The Langtang Valley, located north of Kathmandu, is well-known for its excellent cheese products. Even though yak cheese can be bought widely in the nation’s cities, it’s intriguing to visit the factories that make it and have a slice of cheese while gazing up at the mountains that provide the raw material. Yak cheese is tasty on its own, with crackers, or baked into a grilled cheese sandwich. It is similar to a mild cheddar cheese.