Food In Nepal: 15 Nepalese Dishes You Must Try
Nepalese food has a lot to offer and is not just limited to Momos and Thukpa. Surrounded by India, Tibet, and China, the flavours of Nepalese food are highly influenced by the neighbouring countries. In urban regions like Kathmandu, Newari food is popular, but Tibetan Thukpa and meat are the specialities in mountainous areas with sparse agriculture. These dishes are not only a part of their daily diet but also have great importance in the cultural festivals of Nepal. If you don’t want to miss the famous food in Nepal, take a look on the list of must-have food in Nepal, each known for their unique flavor, and tradition.
List of 15 Most Popular Foods In Nepal
While there are so many places to visit in Nepal, the culinary journey is equally fascinating. Apart from momos and pulao, here are the top 10 dishes you must try in Nepal if you call yourself a foodie.
- Dal Bhat
- Sel Roti
- Gundruk
- Yomari
- Tongba
- Samya Bhaji
- Wo – Newari Pancakes
- Choila
- Thukpa
- Gorkhali Lamb
- Momos
- Samosa
- Dhindho
- Juju Dhau
- Chatamari
1. Dal Bhat
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Nepal runs on Dal Bhat. The delectable lentil curry served with rice is a staple lunch and dinner in the country. Only after tasting the Nepalese Dal Bhat will you be surprised to know how something simple like this can be so tasty and soul-filling. Pickles, meats, and yoghurt dips are also served along the side. There are different variations in different parts of the country, all providing you with an authentic experience of different tribes and cultures.
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2. Sel Roti
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A crispy and sweet munching treat, Sel Roti is a marriage between a doughnut and a bagel. One of the most relished Nepalese food items, Sel Roti, is made during Tihar and Dashain religious festivals. The circular rice flour bread is deep-fried, which gives it a crunchy texture from the outside and a soft and doughy texture from the inside. It is usually had during breakfast with dippings made with yoghurt and along with vegetables.
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3. Gundruk
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Another popular Nepalese food item, Gundruk, is regarded as the national dish of Nepal. It is an assortment of pickled green-leafy vegetables that is relished as a condiment or a side dish with a main course meal. Mustard, radish, and cauliflower are wilted for a day or two and then stored in a tight earthenware pot, which allows the leaves to release acidic juices. So, it is a Nepali kimchi.
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4. Yomari
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One of the popular dishes of the Newar community of Nepal, Yomari is a fish-shaped winter delicacy made with rice dough to fight cold weather in the mountains. Its peculiar shape will intrigue you, and a sweet filling is inside the dough, making it hard to resist for people with sweet tooths. You can also enjoy the spicy lentil version.
5. Tongba
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One of thing that will fulfill your culinary journey in Nepal is Tongba. The millet-based alcoholic beverage is a traditional and indigenous drink of the Limbu people in eastern Nepal. Also known as ‘Tibetan Hot Beer’, the staple local beer is filled in cast-like vessels and is sipped through bamboo straws. The brew-it-yourself local beer can be stretched into several rounds of warm alcoholic beverage so you never run out of beer.
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6. Samya Bhaji
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This Nepalese food is not only a gourmet delight but also one of the main attractions of Nepal. The Newari dish has been passed on from generation to generation and is served on an auspicious occasion. Samay Baji is a plate of assortments like beaten rice, barbecued buffalo meat, boiled egg, and spicy potato salad. The traditional dish of the Newari community is a must-try next time you are in Nepal.
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7. Wo – Newari Pancakes
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Wo is typically Newari Pancakes made with ground lentil batter, usually green and black lentils and also known as Baara, the delicious delicacy is made during the Newari festival of ‘Siti Nakha’. The dal patties are so light and spongy and make for an excellent snack or lunch item. Minced chicken and battered egg can also be added to make a non-vegetarian version of the pancakes.
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8. Choila
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Another typical Newari dish, Choila or Chhoyela is a spicy delicacy traditionally made with water buffalo meat. However, you can find duck and meat versions too. The hot and mouth-watering dish is savored along rice flakes (Chura). Also an important part of Samay Bhai, it is a necessary part of the diet in the festivals of Nepal.
9. Thukpa
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Influenced from both Tibet and China, Nepal has its own version of Thukpa containing pieces of meat and vegetables along with noodles. The wintry noodle delicacy can be found in Kathmandu and nearby mountainous regions. The aroma of meat stock will arouse your hunger and the spices will titillate your taste buds. There are a number of cafes in Kathmandu where you can savor the Nepalese food delight.
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10. Gorkhali Lamb
For all meat and mutton lovers, Gorkhali Lamb is a must-try while you are travelling in Nepal. The slow-cooked succulent pieces of meat lamb are immersed in chunky curry alongside wedges of potatoes and roughly chopped onions. the chilly mixture which is used to coat the lamb pieces before they are grilled feel like taste bombs in your mouth. The curry is best enjoyed with flatbread.
11. Momos
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When it comes to the list of Nepalese food, how can we miss to include momos? Although now it is being served in every corner of India, it is still a must to try Nepalese real flavour momos, usually stuffed with veggies, chicken and soybeans. It is one of the most popular street food which has a special place in the heart of foodies. Momos are often served with Red Chilly Sauce and mayonnaise to add some extra dose of taste to the dish.
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12. Samosa
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Samosa is one of the most famous Indian snacks, which also has a place in the menu of Nepalese food. It is a potato-stuffed pocket made of white flour and ghee. Samosa are deep fried to make it crunchy and served with Chilly and sweet chutney. It is advised to have it fresh from the pan to enjoy the best flavour of them. If you love spicy food then it is must to have Samosa on your plate.
13. Dhindho
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Dhindho, also known as Dhido Thali, is a hidden gem in Nepal’s food list. It is a kind of Khichadi prepared with buckwheat flour, millet flour and cornmeal. This food can be found around Kathmandu and most eaten in rural areas. To enhance its taste, it is served with yogurt, buttermilk, pickles and vegetable curries.
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14. Juju Dhau
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Juju Dhau is a kind of yoghurt known as one of the popular Nepalese foods. It is made with buffalo milk and is a creamy sweet dish served by street vendors in Nepal. The dish is mostly famous in Bhaktapur region of Nepal.
15. Chatamari
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Chatamari is like a rice pizza with the toppings of various vegetables and eggs, including coriander and chopped onions. chillies and minced meat. The taste of Chatamari is known for delighting visitors’ taste buds and making them try it repeatedly.
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Conclusion
Planning a trip to Nepal? Make it more charming by having a treat of these Nepalese food known for delighting the taste buds of visitors. The list is long and we have covered the top picks of famous food in Nepal. These all dishes are must to have on your plate during your exploration of Nepal’s gems. Happy savouring!
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FAQs
What is traditional Nepalese food?
Nepal is known for its unique flavour of food that delights visitors' taste buds. Some of the best traditional Nepalese foods are Yomari, Choila, Gundruk, Dal Bhat, Thupka and Chataamari.
Is Nepali food different from Indian food?
There are many dishes that are common in both countries but prepared with different styles and flavours. Nepali food contains less spice when compared to Indian food.
What is Nepal's national fruit?
Mandarin Orange is the national fruit of Nepal.
What is a popular Nepali breakfast?
Some of the famous breakfast dishes in Nepal are as follows:
1. Bara
2. Puri Tarkari
3. Suji Halwa
4. Samosa with Chutney
5. Sel Roti with Tea
What is a famous sweet in Nepal?
Some of the famous sweets of Nepal are Chaku and Pustakari.
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