Food in Nepal

Nepal, a diverse nation with a rich tapestry of cultures, religions, and languages, offers a unique and vibrant culinary scene that reflects its multifaceted heritage. The cuisine of Nepal is as varied as its landscape, ranging from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the lush lowlands of the Terai. Visitors to Nepal can expect a gastronomic journey that will take them through an array of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. From the hearty, warming dishes of the mountain regions to the lighter, subtler flavors found in the valleys and plains, Nepalese cuisine is sure to captivate the palate of any traveler. This article will guide you through the must-try foods and beverages while visiting Nepal, ensuring a culinary experience as memorable as the country's breathtaking vistas.

Nepali Dishes

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is the quintessential Nepalese meal and a staple food for many. It consists of lentil soup (dal) served over steamed rice (bhat), often accompanied by vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat dishes. It is a balanced meal providing essential nutrients, and is eaten twice daily by many Nepalese families.

Momo

Momo is a type of South Asian dumpling that has become a beloved snack and meal throughout Nepal. These bite-sized dumplings are filled with either meat or vegetables and are steamed or sometimes fried. They are typically served with a dipping sauce known as achar, which can range from mildly spicy to very hot.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a hearty noodle soup with roots in Tibetan cuisine that has been embraced in Nepal. It's filled with vegetables and chunks of meat, making it a popular comfort food during the cold months. The broth is flavorful, often spiced with ginger and garlic, and the dish can be found in various forms across the country.

Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a traditional homemade, sweet, ring-shaped rice doughnut. It is a popular and culturally significant food in Nepal, especially during festivals like Dashain and Tihar. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Sel Roti is often enjoyed with yogurt or vegetable curries.

Gundruk

Gundruk is a fermented leafy green vegetable, typically made from mustard leaves, radish leaves, and cauliflower leaves. It is a traditional dish that is both sour and savory, often served as a side dish with dal bhat. Gundruk is also known for its health benefits, including being rich in minerals.

Yomari

Yomari is a delicacy of the Newar community in Nepal, consisting of an external covering of rice flour dough and sweet fillings such as chaku (molasses) or khuwa (milk solids). These steamed dumplings have a unique shape and are traditionally prepared during the Yomari Punhi festival, marking the end of the rice harvest.

Dhido

Dhido is a traditional and staple food of rural Nepal. It is a thick paste made by continuously mixing hot water with flours of various grains like millet, buckwheat, or corn. Dhido is high in nutrition and is usually served with vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat dishes.

Chatamari

Often referred to as 'Nepali Pizza', Chatamari is a kind of Rice Crepe which is a traditional specialty of the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. The batter for the crepe is made from rice flour and it is typically topped with seasoned ground meat, eggs, and vegetables before being cooked on a flat pan.

Sukuti

Sukuti is a dried meat delicacy in Nepal, usually made from buffalo or goat meat. The meat is marinated with spices and then sun-dried to preserve it. It can be eaten as a snack or prepared with onions, garlic, and green chilies, and served as a side dish.

Kwati

Kwati is a mixed soup made from nine different types of sprouted beans. It is a traditional dish consumed during the festival of Janai Purnima. This nutritious stew is believed to help replenish the body's needs and is a favorite during the monsoon season.

Nepali Desserts

JuJu Dhau

JuJu Dhau literally translates to 'King Yogurt' in Newari. Originating from Bhaktapur, this creamy and sweetened yogurt is traditionally set in clay pots which contribute to its distinctive taste and thick texture. It's a must-try dessert when visiting the Kathmandu Valley.

Kheer

Kheer is a rice pudding made by boiling rice, broken wheat, tapioca, or vermicelli with milk and sugar. It is flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, or almonds. Kheer is a festive dish in Nepal, often served as a dessert during celebrations and ceremonies.

Lalmohan

Also known as Gulab Jamun, Lalmohan is a popular sweet in Nepal made from milk solids. These are kneaded into dough, shaped into balls, and deep-fried. Then, they are soaked in a sugary syrup flavored with cardamom, rose water, or saffron. Lalmohan is often served during special occasions.

Pustakari

Pustakari is a sugary candy-like sweet, a specialty of the Newar community. It is made from coconut, sugar, and molasses, and has a chewy texture. Pustakari is not only a treat for the taste buds but also holds cultural significance during various Newari festivals.

Anarsa

Anarsa is a sweet, deep-fried pastry made from rice flour and jaggery or sugar. The outer layer is coated with sesame seeds, giving it a distinctive crunch. Anarsa is particularly popular during the Tihar festival and is a delicious example of Nepalese confectionery.