This beautiful Nepal, nestled right in the heart of the Himalayas, has in store for you much more than what is met by the view: breathtaking vistas, adventurous treks, and a rich, varied food landscape across Kathmandu. The city’s culinary scene seasons stories about culture and tradition with taste. Eat like a local and discover the best foods to try in Kathmandu, tasting iconic dishes and street food on this unforgettable food tour.
Overview of Nepali food culture
The local cuisines that one should not miss are; Thakali Khana Set and MOMO. Try out some of the famous street foods: Lassi, Sekuwa, Panipuri. Here are some frequently asked questions on Nepali cuisine.
Flavors of Nepali Cuisine
Characterized by the many ethnic groups in existence in the country, sharing its borders with various nations with their own unique cuisines, Nepali food is indeed a mosaic of flavors. The cuisine, though an amalgamation of food from its neighbors—India, Tibet, and China—is still able to retain its own identity. All of these foods place a heavy emphasis on fresh, locally available ingredients, using spices that are not only for flavor but also for their medicinal value.
Thakali Khana Set
One of the traditional full-course heavy meals taken mostly by many in almost every Nepali household is the Thakali Khana Set. Generally, it comprises rice, lentil soup, a variety of vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat. It’s a well-rounded meal that gives one a taste of Nepal’s agricultural richness.
MOMO: Kathmandu’s Favorite Dumplings
MO:MO is a type of dumpling, which is just the Nepali name for Tibetan momos. The filling includes minced meat or vegetables which are spiced appropriately and steamed to perfection. They are normally served with a spicy dipping sauce that gives a kick to every bite.
Samaya Baji – A Newari Feast
Samaya Baji is a traditional Newari platter prepared and served during festivals and special occasions. The platter comprises of beaten rice, spiced buffalo meat, boiled egg, fermented radish, and different types of beans. It is a multicolored, savory representation of Newari culture and its foods.
Chatamari – The Nepali Pizza
It is literally the Nepali pizza, and Chatamari is a Newari snack in the form of a crepe made from rice flour, with minced meat, eggs, and vegetables for toppings. Well, this is the kind of dish versatile to be had as a snack or light meal.
Sel Roti: Kathmandu’s Sweet Treat
Sel Roti is a sweet rice bread or doughnut, normally home-made. It’s crispy from the outside and soft from the inside; it can be used very famously as a companion while having tea. This delicious treat is to be recommended for those who have a sweet tooth.
Savoring the Streets of Kathmandu
Lassi at Indrachowk
Taste refreshing Lassi at Indrachowk—a hustle bustle market area in Kathmandu. This yoghurt-based drink was sweetened and flavored with fruit at times, and it was simply awesome to cool down on a hot day.
Sekuwa – Kathmandu’s Barbecue
Sekuwa is the Nepali version of barbecues. Essentially, it is marinated meat grilled over an open flame. Smoky flavor and mix of spices make it so irresistible for a street food available at every nook and corner of streets and markets.
Panipuri- Nepal’s Tangy Delight
Panipuri is quite a common street food in Nepal. Elsewhere in South Asia, it’s called Golgappa or Puchka. Crispy, hollow puris stuffed with spicy tamarind water, chickpeas, and potatoes to give each bite its tangy explosion.
Samosa from Tip Top Sweets
Kathmandu’s Tip Top Sweets is very famous for its delicious samosas. Crunchy pastry, deep-fried and filled with a spicy potato mixture, was just the right snack to have anytime during the day. It was the crisp exteriors that made these crowd-pullers.
Aloo Chop — Potato Fritters
Another popular Kathmandu street food is the Aloo Chop, which literally means potato fritters. These simply don’t need an explanation, as they are basically just mashed potatoes flavored with spices and then coated with chickpea flour and deep-fried till golden brown; they’re normally taken with chutney or ketchup.
How To Book Bus For Kathmandu in Nepal
Planning a trip to Kathmandu? With GoMyGo, booking your bus ticket is easier than ever. Whether you’re traveling from Pokhara, Chitwan, or any other city in Nepal, our platform provides a seamless booking experience. Here is a step by step guide on how to book bus ticket online on GoMyGo:
- Visit GoMyGo.com: Open your browser and go to gomygo.com.
- Search for Your Destination: Enter “Kathmandu” as your destination and choose your departure city.
- Select Your Bus: Browse through the available buses and select the one that suits your schedule and preferences.
- Choose Your Seat: Pick your preferred seat from the seat map.
- Make Payment: Complete your booking by paying through Khalti, eSewa, MyPay, or IMEPay.
- Alternative Booking Options: You can also book by calling us directly at 9704666777 or messaging us on WhatsApp.
Popular Routes
| Routes | Ticket Price(Nrs.) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Pokhara to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Biratnagar to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Bhairahawa to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Janakpur to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Butwal to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Dang to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Kailali to Kathmandu | Book Now |
Frequently Asked Questions on Nepali Food
Q: What are the vegetarian options in Nepali food?
A: Nepali cuisine offers a lot of vegetarian dishes like Dal Bhat, Gundruk, Aloo Tama, etc and various vegetable curries.
Q: Is Nepali food spicy?
A: Nepali food is hot, but again it depends on the choice of food. Most the dishes are mildly spiced while some, like Sekuwa and certain curries may be pretty spicy.
Q: What is typical Nepali breakfast?
A: Traditional Nepali breakfasts include Aloo Paratha, Sel Roti, and tea.
Q: Any special deserts in Nepali food?
A: Yes, the special desserts are Sel Roti, Yomari—a steamed dumpling with a sweet filling; Juju Dhau—a type of curd.
Q: Are there any international restaurants available in Kathmandu?
A: Yes, Kathmandu is an urbanized city. Here, you can have all types of international cuisine, right from Italian and Chinese to Indian and continental.
Conclusion
From Thakali Khana Set, the full meal course, to street foods like panipuri or samosas, the gastronomic scene is as colorful and eclectic as Kathmandu’s culture. Moving about in the city to taste its rich flavors, you will grow in appreciation for the traditions and stories behind them.
For more insights and tips on bus travel, check out these helpful links:
