Most Popular Dishes in Nepal

In Nepal, you mostly find Nepali, Tibetan, Newari, and Indian dishes. There are also plenty of restaurants and hotels that offer dishes from other countries. American fast food and bakery items are also readily available in most parts of the country. In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular food items found in Nepal.

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is the everyday meal for most people in Nepal. It is the staple food of Nepal. It’s a simple but filling plate of steamed rice (bhat) served with lentil soup (dal). Along with it, there are usually some side dishes like cooked vegetables, pickles, spinach, and sometimes meat curry. It is considered to be one of the most wholesome, nutritious foods. Another cool thing about ordering this dish at a restaurant is that you can ask for extra rice, lentil and vegetables without having to pay extra.This makes dalbhat a great value-for-money food. No wonder everyone eats dalbhat in Nepal.

Note: You can also ask for "Thaali," which is similar to dalbhat — with, perhaps, more side items and local flavors.

Momo

Momo rivals dalbhat in popularity. It is, in fact, probably more loved than dalbhat. Unlike dalbhat, which is a heavy meal and a main entree, momo is very versatile: it can be eaten as a main entree or as a snack or a side dish, or even as an appetizer.

Momos are like dumplings filled with minced meat (usually chicken or buffalo), vegetables, or sometimes cheese, and can be steamed or fried. Some places even serve them in soup, which is called “jhol momo.” They come with a spicy dipping sauce made from tomatoes and chillies. Originally from Tibet, momos have become a favorite all over Nepal, found in restaurants, cafes, and street stalls alike. Besides being extremely delicious, they are also quite cheap, making them an irresistible choice for budget-conscious travelers and locals alike.

Chowmein

Chowmein in only second in popularity to momo in Nepal. It is stir-fried noodles mixed with vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, and often some meat or egg. It’s flavored with soy sauce and sometimes chili sauce or ketchup to give it a spicy kick. This dish is especially popular among students and is a go-to lunch or evening snack. It’s fast, tasty, and filling.

Thukpa

Thukpa is similar to chowmein but comes in soup, and is eaten warm. It looks like instant noodles but tastes better and is healthier and more nutritious.

Thukpa is perfect for cold weather and is popular in the Himalayan regions and urban areas like Kathmandu. It usually includes noodles, vegetables, and meat in a flavorful broth with garlic, ginger, and spices. It’s both comforting and healthy, making it a favorite during winter.

Samay Baji

Samay Baji is a traditional dish from the Newar community in Kathmandu Valley. It’s a special platter made up of beaten rice (chiura), black soybeans, spiced meat (usually buffalo), boiled egg, pickles, and sometimes even dried fish. It’s served during festivals and family gatherings. Every item on the plate has its own meaning and importance, and together it makes for a very flavorful and wholesome meal. It can be a good substitute for dalbhat.

Tandoori

Tandoori dishes, like tandoori chicken, are made by marinating meat in yogurt and spices, then cooking it in a clay oven or on a grill. The result is smoky, juicy, and full of flavor. Even though tandoori food comes from India, it’s widely available in Nepali restaurants, especially in cities. It’s often served with naan bread, salad, and mint chutney.