Nepal is a home of diverse ethnic groups, and the more ethnic groups are here, the more foods it offers. The country is famous for its beauty, welcoming adventure enthusiasts, and calling food lovers worldwide. The culinary taste in Nepal is truly remarkable to visitors. Nepalese cuisine tastes like no other, with a mixture of fresh ingredients, spices, and diverse cultural influences.
Nepalese food offers everything from authentic Newari food of the Kathmandu valley to grain-based dishes of mountain areas. Whether you are on a diet or health-conscious, Nepal has something to offer for every kind of eater. Whether you are exploring the busy market of Kathmandu or a tranquil rural area, each country’s destination has a variety of food you must try. This piece of article will highlight the food list to try in Nepal.
Table of Contents
List Of The Delicious Food List To Try In Nepal
Momo (Dumplings)
Momo is one of the most preferred foods by locals and visitors of all age groups. It is indigenous to the Southwest Chinese region of Tibet, Bhutan, India, and different parts of Nepal. Momo are the steamed dumplings that have become a staple street food in Nepal. It is made with a layer of dough filled with ingredients, including minced meat, vegetables, and spices. Different hotels served it with varying types of achar made from tomatoes, chili, and garlic.
Thakali Khana Set
Thakali Khana set is one of the most delicious meals in Nepal. The traditional meal from the Thakali people is known for its unique and tasty flavors and balanced ingredients. Served on a large bronze plate, the dish consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curries, meat, aromatic spices, and ghee (clarified butter) for extra flavor. The dish is ideal if you want to experience the unique flavors of Nepalese cuisine.
Samya Baji
Samya Baji is a traditional Newari dish with many dishes and beaten rice on a single platter. Newari people, especially from Kathmandu Valley, prepare the dish for festivals and celebrations. The main components are beaten rice, buffalo meat, black soybeans, boiled eggs, spiced potatoes, pickles, lentil pancakes, finely cut ginger, fried fish, and Newari wine. It is a popular and delicious snack among Newar communities. However, you can try it at different restaurants in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan.
Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is a traditional and unofficial national dish in Nepal. It is a staple food in a country and is loved for its simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. Dal (a lentil soup) and Bhat (steamed rice), vegetable curries, pickles, meat, and papadam accompany the dish. Coriander, cumin, garlic, turmeric, onion, ginger, tamarind, chili, and garam masala are generally used to make the dish. Whether you go through the rugged terrain or roam around Kathmandu Valley, the meal’s nutrition lets you stay active the whole day.
Dhido
Dhido is one of the staples and national food, made from buckwheat or millet flour. The dish is healthy, gluten-free, and easy to make. People eat it by making small balls, dipping it into any vegetable (especially gundruk or meat curry), and swallowing directly without chewing. The food is highly nutritious and provides fiber and minerals, making it a try traditional dish for anyone who visits Nepal.
Kwati
Kwati is a traditional Nepali dish and a popular delicacy in the country. It is made from nine types of sprouted beans. Nepalese people eat a popular dish during the Janai Purnima festival. The Newari people of Kathmandu introduced the name Kwati, meaning Kw, referring to hot, and to means soup, indicating hot soup. Moreover, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, soya beans, mung beans, green beans, black beans, and white beans are the major components of the soup.
Gorkhali Toast
Gorkhali Toast, spiced toast, is a popular snack in Nepal for its sweetness and texture. The food is simple yet delicious and named after the fertile region of Gorkha. Many people love the food for its unique flavor and crunchy texture. Often enjoyed as a breakfast or an appetizer, a cup of tea accompanies the toast, and some people want it with jam, butter, and honey.
Gundruk
Gundruk is a traditional and famous Nepali dish known for its unique taste and simplicity. Made by fermenting leafy green vegetables, it is a side dish generally accompanied by Dhido. The dish is delicious, high in fiber, and beneficial for health. Loved by people across the country, Gundruk represents the traditional Nepalese culinary heritage and the brilliance of Nepali cuisine.
Chatamari
Chatamari, or Nepali pizza, is a traditional food introduced by Newar communities. It is a round bread made of rice flour, topped with various ingredients, including minced meat, eggs, chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a mix of spices. It is one of the dishes you must try in Nepal as it is known for its versatility, the combination of textures, and representation of the creativity of Newari Cuisine.
Bara
Bara or Wo is a lentil pancake used for ‘Sagun’ (a way to wish good luck) in the Newari culture. Natively, it is a vegetarian food, yet people cook it by mixing egg and meat, per the eater’s preference. The exceptional food that Newari people enjoy during festivals and celebrations is soft inside and crispy on the outside.
Yomari ( Dessert)
Yomari is a delicious steamed dumpling, a dessert made with rice flour dough, shaped into a fish-like structure, and filled with either Chakku (a chocolate-like food) or Khuwa (a ricotta-cheese-like dairy product). The food is crucial during the Yomari Punhi festival and other celebrations in Newar communities.
Sekuwa & Sukuti
Sekuwa and Sukuti are two delicious meat-containing foods in Nepal. Sekuwa is a dish consisting of marinated and grilled meat. It is popular among food enthusiasts for its tender texture, smoky, and spiciness. Sukuti is another popular Nepali food, which is dried and made from goats and buffalo. Both foods have the finest flavors, and people enjoy them with a drink, a favorite part of Nepali cuisine.
Sel Roti
Sel roti is an authentic Nepali food and an iconic symbol of Nepali culture and tradition. It is a fusion of doughnuts and sought-after snacks during the Tihar festival in Nepal. The food is popular amongst Nepali people and a must-try for any food lover. Nepalese prepare this food by combining rice flour with milk, sugar, ghee, water, cardamom, and other spices.
Juju Dhau
Juju Dhau is a tasty Newari food. It is also known as the king of yogurt and curd. It is creamy, sweet, and served in a small clay pot. Bhaktapur is the prominent hub for Juju Dhau; thus, for anyone visiting Bhaktapur, the dessert is a must-try. Yogurt is the best Nepalese dessert, adding to the taste of Nepali cuisine.
Recommended Nepalese Food List For The Trekkers
Food is crucial for trekkers to keep their energy level up and stay strong and healthy throughout the expedition. Trekking in the Himalayan region of Nepal such as Annapurna or Everest region is not easy, as it is challenging because of the longer walking days and higher elevations. However, only eating food is not all; trekkers should consume the right food that keeps them energized and avoids fatigue and the risk of altitude-related issues. Also, consuming easily digestible food that provides all necessary nutrition is crucial.
Here is the list of some recommended Nepalese food list for trekkers:
- Dal Bhat: For good energy, it is easy to find.
- Momo: It provides carbs and protein and is ideal as a snack.
- Thukpa: It is perfect for keeping the body warm and energized.
- Chiura (Beaten Rice): It provides energy for the trek but should be mixed with yogurt or pickles for a better taste.
- Sukuti (Dried meat): It is high in protein and keeps you strong during long walks.
- Hot drinks: Have hot water with ginger to stay warm and hydrated,
Thukpa
Thukpa is a popular comfort food of the Himalayas that works as a survival kit for the shivering cold of the area. Originating in eastern Tibet, the dish is a staple food in Ladakh and popular in Nepal, Darjeeling, and India. Prepared with noodles, vegetables, and meat (per desire), it is a hearty dish popular for chilly days in the mountains of Nepal.
Authentic Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is an everyday Nepal meal deeply rooted in Nepalese cuisine. It is a traditional meal in Nepal; most households consume it twice daily. The combination of lentils and rice provides protein and makes a wholesome meal. “Dal Bhat power 24 hours” is a popular phrase in Nepal, emphasizing its energy-giving properties. It is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Nepal, providing an authentic taste of the country.
Nepalese-Tibetan Dishes
Tibetan Style Milk tea and shapely are two popular Nepalese-Tibetan dishes found in both countries. Shapaley is a crispy fried bread stuffed with meat or vegetables. It is crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. Minced buff or chicken with onions, garlic, and spices are the common filling in the dish. Tibetan-style tea, known as Po Cha, is traditional with yak butter and salt. It is savory and creamy and ideal for the coldness of the Himalayas.
Some Popular Nepalese Local Beverages
Along with dishes, Nepal offers a vast range of options for local beverages. From refreshing to more potent drinks, the country offers a variety of drinks. Whether you are sipping a cup of tea or sharing a glass of Tongba or Chyang with your friends, the beverages provide a complete Nepalese taste. However, remember to drink responsibly and don’t harm anyone’s peace. Here is a list of some popular Nepalese local beverages:
Local Tea
Chiya is the local tea of Nepal and a staple in every Nepalese household. It is shared with guests as a warm gesture of hospitality. Milk tea and black tea are two common types of tea Nepali people consume. The local tea is prepared by boiling tea leaves with milk (if milk tea is being prepared), sugar, and some spices like ginger and cardamom. People enjoy tea anytime and share it with friends and families. It is a traditional drink you must have if you want a comforting beverage.
Tongba
Tongba, made from a millet-based alcoholic drink, is native to the eastern mountain region of Nepal. Tongba is a standard drink among Limbu communities and a crucial aspect of any occasion. Serves in a large wooden or metal mug; hot water is poured over the fermented millet and sipped through a straw.
Chyang
Chyang is another popular alcoholic beverage the mountainous and hilly region’s residents enjoy. Made from millet, rice, or barley, the drink has a mild and refreshing flavor with a slightly sour taste, similar to beer. Although Chyang sounds harmless, it leads to buzz if drunk in a large amount. Thus, drink responsibly to appreciate Nepal’s beverage’s flavor and authentic taste.
Some local Beer Brands
Nepal has some local beer brands with unique flavors. Often brewed with local ingredients, the beers are available in bars, hotels, and restaurants in Nepal. International beers are also available in Nepal, but local brands are more popular. Some of the local beer brands of Nepal include:
- Barahsinghe Beer
- Gorkha Beer
- Nepal Ice
- Everest Beer
- Carlsberg
Conclusions
If you are on vacation to Nepal, remember to savor the taste of Nepalese cuisine, as they are one of the experiences you’ll never forget. From the national dish, dal bhat, to traditional Newari dishes and local beverages, Nepal promises to offer everything to food enthusiasts. Whether you prefer heavy meals or a familiar taste, Nepalese cuisine will definitely make a lasting impression.
