Visiting other destinations in Neapal? Check out our other guides:
Momos
Easily my favorite thing to eat when I’m in Nepal, this dish originates from Tibet but is now a staple food in Nepal. Momos are steamed (sometimes fried) dumplings filled with anything from buffalo meat, chicken, and potatoes to even cheese and spinach. I ate these at least once a day, sometimes as many as three times a day, everyday I was in Nepal. Momos are hands down my favorite Nepalese food.
Buffalo chili
This version of chili is different than the version I’m used to at home, which is more like a stew. The Nepalese version consists of strips of dried buffalo meat that are pan fried with onion, peppers and garlic before being topped with cilantro. I’ve had versions of this that were almost too tough to chew (similar to jerky), while other versions have been fork tender. I prefer the more tender version, personally.
Thukpa
Thukpa is another dish commonly found in Nepal that actually originated in Tibet. This soup will probably remind you of the American chicken noodle soup you’re most accustomed to. The thicker than average broth is full of shredded chicken and vegetables, and if you want, you can add chili to spice it up a bit!
Mix chaat
Chaat is served in many different ways and acts as a base to which other ingredients are added. In fact, you’ll be seeing another type of chaat later on this same list. I found this version, which originates from India, as street food served from a cart, which made me somewhat hesitant to purchase it, but I’m glad I did.
Bara
This was probably my favorite new dish I discovered during my recent walking food tour of Kathmandu. Bara are spicy lentil cakes served with potatoes and peas and topped with a spicy sauce. I could eat these everyday! Definitly one of the best Nepalese Food.
Mustang Coffee
I’ll admit, this is the one thing on my list I didn’t actually enjoy, but I don’t like coffee to begin with, even though I know most people do.
Thakali Set
Aside from momos, Thakali set is probably the meal I ate most while in Nepal. It centers around the biggest staple food in Nepal- dal bhat. Dal bhat is steamed riced served with a lentil soup. In a Thakali set, dal bhat is served with accompanying dishes such as spinach, a vegetable or chicken curry, pickles, spicy sauce and potatoes. The best thing about a Thakali set is that as you eat, the restaurant owner comes around and refills your plate like some grandmother that never thinks you’ve had enough to eat. You literally have to stop them from putting more on your plate when you’ve had your fill!
Dahi Puri
Another dish featuring chaat, dahi puri is one of the most interesting Nepalese food I tried. This dish consists of flour-filled smashed potatoes topped with chutney, yogurt and red chili powder.
Ginger/lemon/honey drink
And finally, my favorite thing to drink when I’m in Nepal. I’m not sure if this drink originated in Nepal, but I know I’ve only seen it sold in Nepal and India. Sometimes the liquid is hot water with a bag of lemon tea added to it, and sometimes it’s lemonade. Either way, the bottom of the glass is layered with honey and fresh ginger is grated into the drink.
What do you think of Nepalese food? Is there a dish you’d love to try or one you would never consider? Let me know in the comments section below!
Travel writer and owner of the blog. My work has been featured on Fodors, Eater.com, International Living, and Great Escape Publishing, among many others. My story? Nearly six years ago, I left my job at an Oklahoma City law firm and embarked on a journey around the world. At the time, I thought I would only be gone for 6 months, but the more I traveled, the longer my bucket list became. Flashpacker describes how I travel. Rather than traveling as the normal world wise backpacker and staying in hostel dorms, I prefer a more comfortable experience, and typically stay in private rooms, take Ubers instead of taxis, and now use a suitcase instead of a backpack. Foodie, on the other hand, describes one of the key reasons why I travel. I love to pick a central “base camp” and then explore the surrounding area, really immersing myself in the culture and interacting with the people, and enjoying and exploring the food of an area is an essential part of this experience.
Barbara Stec
Monday 28th of December 2020
Asian food is the best. I can't imaging a better way to spend 6 months than traveling around Asia.
Flamingo Bar & Grill
Monday 23rd of April 2018
I love mustang coffee, and I agree everyone should at least try it no matter if it's your thing or not.
Nathan
Thursday 26th of April 2018
For sure- it wasn't my favorite but I was happy that I had tried it!
Corinne
Wednesday 12th of July 2017
It all looks and sounds amazing! I must admit I was skeptical before reading your article and seeing the food for myself.
Archana Singh
Tuesday 11th of July 2017
WOW! The pictures look yumilicious. I feel so hungry looking at them. I was in Nepal too and I tried many things like momos, dahi puri, chaat, mustang coffee and daal-bhaat among many other things. Can't wait to go back.
Miranda
Tuesday 11th of July 2017
The Momos look absolutely delicious! Those would probably be my favorite as well. I'm a coffee fanatic in the U.S... but I like cream in my coffee, so not sure I would like Nepali coffee. I'd still have a cup, I might be surprised! :)