Kathmandu Cuisine

Image Credit :https://www.kathmandurestaurant.ca/

Are you a food aficionado? Are you planning a trip to Kathmandu, Nepal? Would you like to learn everything in detail about the food you get to taste in Kathmandu?  Well, your search ends here as we have explained in detail about the local foods, street foods, international cuisines, and popular food options available in Kathmandu for you.

Over the past many years, food has been an identity of Kathmandu city. The amazing food culture of the city works as a bridge to connect international travelers with the local culture, language and history of this magnificent city. No matter when you visit, you get to taste authentic local and international cuisines in almost every part of this incredible Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is a hub for many delicious local cuisines, temples and festivals all around the year. Although the Nepalese cuisines are not as popular as the Indian and Chinese cuisines, Nepal has plenty of dishes that will melt your heart in the first place. So, let’s dig in and find out rich flavor and variety of food and spices that the capital city of Nepal offers. 

Popular Cuisines in Kathmandu

With majority of Newar’s inhabiting the city, and people from every corner of Nepal residing, Kathmandu has plenty of popular cuisine to offer on your visit to Nepal. From thakali khana set loved by everyone coming here to Nepal to momo eaten almost in any occasion to Nepali pizza called chatamari here are some of the most popular cuisines loved in Kathmandu valley.

Thakali khana set

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The Thakali Khana Set (Dal Bhat) is a popular dish amongst tourists and locals in Kathmandu. This cuisine consists mainly rice, lentils, and vegetables with meat (chicken or mutton) for non-vegetarians. Other side dishes on the Thali include spicy fried potatoes, spinach, prepared with Timur and hot chili pepper and many other local spices. The name of the food comes from an ethnic community called Thakalis who reside in Thak Khola region of Mustang District Nepal.

 Full of rich flavors, the Thakali Khana set uses local ingredients such as ghee, garlic, Jimbu, Timur, and dried red chili to enhance the taste and flavor of the regular meal. The long grain Basmati rice served with the well-cooked lentil soup prepared from wild Himalayan herb, and freshly prepared tomato pickle is enough to make you wild hungry.

The thali is not only tempting in taste but also visually with a variety of colors from the pale green dal, green leafy veggies, rich red meat, rice being white along with the chutneys like mula ko achaar (white radish pickle), golbjeda ko chutney (fresh tomato pickle)”. With all the main dish and side dishes served on your table, don’t forget to put some melted ghee on the top of the rice before you enjoy this beautiful Nepali dish.

Cost: NPR 500 to 800

Momo

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Momos are the most popular and absolute best dish that can be found anywhere in Kathmandu. They are like a dumpling filled with vegetables or minced meat, herbs and spices and are deep fried, steamed or added to a spicy soup.

Nepal has been serving a wide variety of MOMO ranging from Chicken Momo, Buff Momo, Veg Momo, Sadheko Momo, Kothey Momo, Open Momo, Tandoori Momo, and Chilly Momo to the juicy Steam Momo over the year. The appealing MOMO pieces when dipped into the amazingly rich taste of the chutney, the combination goes beyond imagination, making you fall in love with the dish, and you will eat until your stomach says I am full. You cannot leave Kathmandu without trying this delicious dish or else you will be missing the most delicious easy food that this place has to offer.

Cost: NPR 150 to 500.

Chatamari

It is a special cuisine of the Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, a special form of “roti” made with rice flour. The chatamari has become very popular dish of Nepal among many other cultures as well. Chatamari uses ingredients such as meat, vegetables, eggs or sugar, and is sometimes referred to as the Newari pizza. Chatamari is perfect for the time when you prefer having something light.

Cost NRS 100 to 250.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a hot Nepalese noodle soup which is one of the favorite Kathmandu cuisines. It uses pieces of meat and vegetables. This winter delicacy is popular in Kathmandu and other mountainous regions of Nepal and is a comforting dish. “Noodles” means Thukpa in Tibetan language, Thukpa takes influences from both Tibet and China and is often eaten along with Momo and other fast food.

The carefully seasoned meat broth gives the dish a very pleasant aroma, the meat dressings reflect the fauna of Nepal, and can vary from yak, goat, and lamb to chicken. The dish is particularly popular in Nepal and Tibet, but the Nepalese version is sometimes spicier, making it more popular than its Tibetan counterpart.

This dish has become famous in many parts of Nepal and in Bhutan, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other parts of northeast India.

Cost NRS 150 to 400

Street Foods You must Try in Kathmandu

Nepal has a wide variety of cultural cuisines sold in the streets of Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has a dozen of street vendors offering wide variety of delicious food items. Here are some of the popular street foods.

Sekuwa

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The Nepali BBQ meat, popularly known as Sekuwa is a tasty street food available for the meat loving people of Kathmandu. The Sekuwa served in the shops can vary from mutton, chicken, pork or buffalo meat. The raw meat is roasted in a natural wood fire after mixing the meat with natural herbs and spices that adds the aromatic taste. The sekuwa is usually served with local Achar.

Cost: NPR 150 to 300 per plate

Panipuri

Panipuri is a famous local cuisine of Kathmandu. This dish consists of a round hollow puri (a deep-fried crisp flatbread), filled with a mixture of flavored water (known as imli pani), tamarind chutney, chili powder, chaat masala, potato mash, onion, or chickpeas. Apart from the tasty Panipuri you can also opt for Dahi puri. Dahi puri has the same base of that of Pani Puri including the potato, chickpeas and onion, however in the place of water, it uses drizzled yogurt, coriander leaves and seasoned cumin as a topping to give you sweet and spicy taste at the end.

Cost: NPR 50-100 per plate

Lassi

Lassi is a sweet drink made from yogurt which is chilled with ice. Despite of being originated in India, it is popular cuisine of Kathmandu. Lassi is topped with pistachio, raisins, and cashew nuts. Lassi is a blended yogurt drink that is very popular in the different parts of India. It is made with blending curd or yogurt with water or milk, salt or sugar and a few spices or herbs. There are many variations of making this drink. Lassi is made both sweet and salty.

Cost: NRS 50 to 200

Sel Roti

Sel Roti is another popular cuisine which is sweet and found in every street of Kathmandu. It looks like a slim doughnut. Sel roti is deep-fried until reddish brown in color. The ring-shaped sweet bread has a crispy texture and is eaten as breakfast or the afternoon snack in many households. The main ingredient is rice flour which makes it crunchy & crispy on the outside and tender & soft on the inside. Combine this dish with your morning milk tea, and kick start your day full of energy.

Cost: NRS 25 to 50.

Local authentic food in Kathmandu

Kathmandu has rich and unique food culture brought by different communities who moved here over the course of time.  Within the pathways of Kathmandu, you can find variety of different delicious traditional Nepali dishes one wouldn’t want to miss.

Try these local foods which are hidden from the eyes of many hungry travelers.

Gundruk

Gundruk is a fermented leafy green vegetable originated in Nepal. Alongside Nepal, it is also popular in Gorkhali or Nepalese spread households in India, Bhutan, Myanmar and other many parts of the world. It is usually served as a main course or as a side dish accompanying another main course. Gundruk is a good source of minerals, and the pickled vegetables makes it have an acidic flavor. It is usually produced between December and February and is widely popular in Kathmandu as a side dish in variety of cuisines.

Cost: NRS 100 to 250.

Dhindo

Dhindo is a meal prepared in Nepal. It is prepared by gradually adding flour to boiling water while stirring it regularly. It is a basic meal in various parts of Nepal and the Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. Dhindo (Khodo) which used to be eaten only in the villages, has now been established as an attractive Nepali food of high families and famous hotel restaurants. Dhindo has now become a brand as a hobby food.

However, in the absence of other grains in the village, it has been used as a compulsory dish to a large extent. Many people eat hot and sweet dishes in cold weather. When it comes to hot and sweet food, dhindo has become the first choice in winter. In the past, people used to eat more khodo dhindo as rice production was less in the villages. That is why it was believed that rice should be eaten in a special festival.

Cost: NRS 150 to 250

Samay baji

Samay Baji is a traditional Newari food which consists of several elements altered as per customer’s preference and season’s offering. The platter generally consists of baji (beaten rice), bhuti (boiled beans with spices), bara (black lentil squishy fried pancakes), khen (boiled egg), achar (pickle) and aaila thon (local wine) consumed basically during festivities and family gatherings.

It is believed that offering different food items to the divine God represents health, longevity, health and fortune. One should try this dish when in Kathmandu.

Cost: NRS 250 to 500

Juju dhau

Juju Dhau is a traditional Newari cuisine popular in Kathmandu. The name means “King of Yogurt.” It is sweet and has a thick custard like consistency which melts within the first bite. Numerous dairy shops sell it in clay pots.

Cost: NRS 50 to 200

International cuisines in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, offers a diverse culinary scene with a range of international cuisines to choose from. While Kathmandu cuisine is the most prevalent, you can also find several restaurants and eating places specializing in various international cuisines. Here are some popular international cuisines you can find in Kathmandu city.

Indian Cuisine: Given the cultural and geographical proximity, Indian cuisine is widely available in Kathmandu. You can find restaurants serving North Indian dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and various vegetarian options such as paneer tikka.

Chinese Cuisine: Chinese cuisine, including both traditional and Indo-Chinese dishes, is quite popular in Kathmandu. From stir-fried noodles and fried rice to dumplings and Manchurian dishes, you’ll find a wide range of options.

Italian Cuisine: Italian restaurants in Kathmandu offer a variety of cuisines such as pizzas, pastas, risottos, and salads. Whether you’re craving a classic Margherita pizza or a creamy carbonara, you can find authentic Italian flavors in the city.

Japanese Cuisine: Sushi, sashimi, ramen, and tempura are some of the Japanese dishes you can find in Kathmandu. Japanese restaurants often offer a range of fresh seafood and vegetarian options, providing an authentic cuisine of Japan here in Kathmandu city.

Korean Cuisine: Korean cuisine, known for its bold flavors and variety of side dishes, is also available in Kathmandu. Korean BBQ, bibimbap, kimchi, and various stews are some of the dishes you can enjoy.

Continental Cuisine: Many restaurants in Kathmandu serve continental cuisine, which includes a mix of European and American dishes. From steaks and grilled seafood to sandwiches and burgers, you’ll find a wide range of options.

These are just a few examples of the international cuisines you can find in Kathmandu.

In conclusion, the capital city of Nepal offers a delightful food experience with its rich variety of local and international cuisines. The local cuisine of Kathmandu, influenced by Newar traditions and flavors from different regions of Nepal, presents a range of mouthwatering dishes.

For street food enthusiasts, you can find several types of street foods in Kathmandu like Sekuwa, a BBQ meat delight, and Panipuri, a round hollow puri filled with flavorful water and spices. Lassi, a refreshing yogurt-based drink, and Sel Roti, a crispy sweet bread, are also popular street food choices. Exploring the local authentic foods of Kathmandu unveils unique dishes like Gundruk, a fermented leafy green vegetable, and Dhindo, a traditional meal prepared by gradually adding flour to boiling water.

In addition to the local cuisine, Kathmandu embraces international flavors with restaurants offering a wide range of international cuisines. Indian, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Continental cuisines can be enjoyed in various eateries throughout the city, providing an opportunity to indulge in diverse food experiences.

Whether you’re a food aficionado or a traveler seeking to explore new tastes, Kathmandu cuisine promises to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to a rich flavors, spices, and culinary traditions. So, immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of Kathmandu and embark on a food journey that will leave you with lasting memories.

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