Nepali Cuisine
Hearty soups, mouth-watering dumplings and crispy fried snacks are not what you might expect from Nepalese food. The blend of Tibetan, Indian and Chinese cultures imbue local cuisine with complex flavours. With Buddhist and Hindu traditions, there’s also plenty on the menu for vegetarians and carnivores alike when it comes to Nepali cuisine.
Some of the most common ingredients include lentils, potatoes, cumin, coriander, garlic and fresh produce, and you’ll find yoghurt as a side dish or in drinks and desserts. So, if a health kick is in order before you trek the Himalayas, you’ll stock up on nutrients, but there are plenty of treats too.
Sel Roti
You won’t be able to resist sel roti on the streets of Nepal
If you’re a fan of doughnuts and bagels, you’ll quickly form an addiction to sel roti. The ring-shaped delights are made of rice flour, mixed with ingredients like cardamom, bananas and cloves. When you bite into the crispy exterior, it gives way to a soft centre and makes the perfect Nepali breakfast snack. Dip them in yoghurt, eat them with curry or simply pick one up from a street vendor as you go about your travels.
Sekuwa
Sekuwa beats fast food takeaway, any day
Sekuwa might just be one of the best Nepalese food options you’ll ever taste. It could be pork, lamb, chicken, buffalo or boar, but it’s the traditional roasting and marinating that gives the skewers intense flavour. They’re often served with beaten rice and tomato pickle and you can pick them up on the street or at restaurants.
Nepali Momo
Momo with dips is a fixture at Nepalese restaurants
If you’ve ever tried Japanese Gyoza, you’re in for a treat with Nepali momo. The snack food is eaten at any time of day and is usually accompanied by spicy dips with chili and garlic. Bite into the dumplings to find a variation of vegetables, meat, potato and even cheese. When you find yourself wanting more, never fear. The Nepali Momo is also served as a main meal, so you can get a bigger dumpling fix.
Sukuti
Try the Nepalese version of ‘beef jerky’, called sukuti
Better than a packet of chips and similar to beef jerky, sukuti is basically dried meat that you can snack on throughout the day, eat as an appetiser, side dish or mix through a bowl of delicious noodles.
Thukpa
What could be better than steaming Thukpa on a winter’s day?
Speaking of noodles, Thukpa is a Nepalese hot noodle soup that’ll warm you up on a chilly day. Head to any Kathmandu Restaurant and you’re likely to find it on the menu. ‘Thukpa’ actually means ‘noodle’ in Tibetan. The soup is mixed with vegetables and meats such as lamb, yak, goat and chicken. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of meatless options too.
Gundruk
Gundruk is fermented, leafy vegetables mixed with spices, soaked in water and dried, as a matter of course in the Nepali community. Why is it a ‘must try’? Because it’s full of minerals and apparently good for your gut, so you can go out and eat more fried goodies.
Samosa
Fried snack, samosa, is a popular Nepalese street food
They may have first arrived from India, but, now, Samosa is one of the most popular foods when it comes to Nepalese food. The best samosa are the ones cooked in front of you, so they’re steamy fresh. The filling is generally made up of potato, meat, onions, ginger, coriander and lentils.
Aloo gobi
There’s nothing like a good curry, so don’t miss trying Aloo gobi
You won’t have to stumble far to find curry in Nepal and one of the most basic dishes for locals, is Aloo gobi. It’s a hearty meal and perfect for vegetarians, with ingredients including cauliflower, potatoes and that bright yellow tinge of turmeric.
Roti
Roll up, roll up… for your Roti!
It’s hard to beat Nepali flat bread, as an accompaniment to a delectable curry. Roti is widely served for lunch and dinner on the side, however, if you have a sweet tooth, try it with honey, jam or ghee as a snack.
Pulao
Delicious fried rice, Nepalese style, is Pulao
Another dish you’ll find with Roti on the side, is Pulao. It’s a staple fried rice dish with vegetables, spiced with the flavours of turmeric and cumin which is common in Nepalese food. It’s often served with yoghurt and you’ll always find it on the menu during social events and celebrations throughout the country.
Dal Bhat
Dal Baht – a tasty tray of nibbles
If you’re trekking throughout remote country or mountaineering, chances are Dal Baht is the only thing you’ll find in traditional tea houses along the way that serve delicious Nepali cuisine. Dal (lentils) and Baht (rice) is surrounded by side dishes, including pickles, meat, fish, yoghurt, chutney and curry dishes. You never quite know what you’ll get though, so try a few along the way.
Gorkhali Lamb
Still hungry? Gorkhali Lamb is a winter favourite that’ll keep you going for miles. The lamb is slow cooked and often sealed with aromatic spices. Then there’s potatoes and onions, with rice or roti on the side.
Jeri
Give your sweet tooth a treat, with Jeri
You might be wondering when it’s time for dessert? All the time, if you want, in Nepal. Deep fried and crisp, Jeri are pretzel-like loops dipped in saffron sugar syrup that are best eaten straight from the pan. Often, they’re served with the soft bread swari, to counteract sweetness.
Chiya
Finally, to wash all the food down, you’ll need a refreshing beverage. Drinking Chiya (or Chai) is a national habit, in the morning and in the evening. You can expect to be offered Chiya as a welcome and Chiya shops are popular. It’s made by boiling milk and tea together, with water, sugar and, depending on tastes, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon leaf and cardamom. Are your tastebuds tingling yet? You’ll satisfy them with Nepali cuisine.
