16 Famous Foods to Try in Nepal

Nepal is a melting pot of diverse communities – from the indigenous Newars to the Tibetan settlers. Nepal’s culinary scene has been influenced by various dishes that originate near and far. From beloved everyday staples to flavourful street snacks. Dive into the list of famous foods to try in Nepal. 

The Everyday Classic Nepalese Foods 

1. Dal Bhat Tarkari: 

Ask any Nepalese what they had for lunch and the most common answer would be dal bhat tarkari. It simply means lentils, rice and vegetables. This is a staple dish for Nepalese that consists of enough nutrients required for the day. It is a simple yet filling dish made up of steamed rice, lentil soup and any kind of vegetables, fried or stewed. Add to that a dollop of spicy pickles (achar), and you have yourself a hearty meal. 

2. Dhindo: 

Just like Dal Bhat Tarkari, the dhindo is another staple dish. Although it is eaten less in city areas, it is more commonly eaten in rural farmlands. It is made from buckwheat or millet flour and served similar to dal bhat with vegetables or meat curry, lentils and achar. A rustic and highly nutritious dish, it is deeply rooted in Nepalese village life. 

3. Kheer: 

Kheer is a Nepali rice pudding. A sweet dessert-type dish made from rice, milk and sugar, with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon, kheer is a sweet treat commonly served during festivals, celebrations and religious events. 

4. Thakali set: 

The upgraded version of the Dal Bhat Tarkari, the Thakali set is a lavish feast on a platter which originated from the Thakali community. This typically includes rice, lentil soup, fried greens, spicy pickled vegetables, meat curry, fried potatoes, and gundruk achar, pickles made from fermented green vegetables. The highlight is the melted ghee which is poured generously over the mountain of rice. 

5. Sel Roti: 

Crunchy, sweet and soft inside, the sel roti is one of the most popular Nepali desserts that is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. It is made from rice flour soaked in water overnight and deep fried in the shape of rings, similar to a donut. 

Which Foods to Try in Nepal?

If you are traveling in Nepal, here are some popular and some less common foods to try on your culinary journey in Nepal. 

Momo: 

The most beloved dish in Nepal, the momo is hearty and tasty dumplings filled with flavourful minced meat or vegetables and served with spicy tomato achar. There are many varieties of momos in Nepal ranging from steamed, fried, boiled with fillings that vary from ground buffalo meat, vegetables, tofu or cottage cheese. There are even different flavours of momo depending on its origins such as the typical Nepalese momo, Tibetan-style momo, Darjeeling-style momo and so on! So make sure to try all varieties.

Chowmein: 

Although the Chowmein originates from China, this Nepalese dish has been adapted to have an identity of its own. Eaten typically as a fast food for quick meals, the Nepali chowmein is stir-fried with vegetables, eggs or meat, reflecting the city’s blend of local and Asian influences. 

Taas and Sekuwa: 

Often enjoyed with drinks during the evenings, the Taas (fried meat cubes) and Sekuwa (skewered barbequed meat) are often served together with a side of puffed rice or beaten rice and crunchy, raw vegetables like radish, carrots and cucumber. The smoked and fried meats perfectly complement the drink of your choice, which the raw vegetables act as a palate cleanser. 

Newari Samay Baji: 

The Newar or Newah ethnic community of Nepal are the indigenous settlers of Kathmandu valley. They are known for their rich culture and food. Newari food is famous for its vast varieties, flavours and unique cooking methods. One of the popular dishes is the samay baji, a platter of beaten rice with side dishes including marinated buffalo meat, boiled egg, black soybeans, fried fish, lentil patty, rice crepe, spicy pickles. A must try for anyone wanting the full Newari experience. 

Yomari: 

Another popular Newari dish, the Yomari is a sweet delicacy made from rice flour dough filled with molasses and sesame seeds. It is steamed and eaten hot during the coldest months of winter. The Yomari symbolizes abundance and prosperity as it is typically eaten during the full moon of December or January after the harvest season ends. 

Thukpa: 

A flavourful noodle soup originating from Tibetan settlers in Boudha, the Thukpa is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for winter or rainy days. It usually consists of thick noodles that soak up the flavours from the soup stock, thinly sliced boiled meat, and some greens. The Thukpa also has its different variations with each chef adding their speciality such as chickpeas, peanuts or a spicy chilli paste. 

Street Food to Try in Kathmandu 

Kathmandu’s streets are alive with the scent of sizzling snacks and spicy flavors. Street food is an essential part of the city’s daily rhythm — quick, cheap, and delicious.

Pani Puri: 

Originating from India, the pani puri is a refreshing hollow, crunchy puris filled with mashed potatoes and spicy, tangy water. 

Chatpatey: 

A spicy mix of puffed rice, onions, potatoes, crunchy noodles, chilli, lime, and spicy and tangy sauces, the chatpatey is a mix of all things salty, spicy and tangy. A loud explosion of flavours, chatpatey is a favourite among spice lovers. 

Laphing: 

A spicy cold noodle dish made from mung bean starch, and fiery chilli oil. This dish originates from Northern China with the Sichuan version being popular in the country. The Laphing is found especially in Tibetan concentration areas such as Boudha and Ekantakuna in Kathmandu and Tashiling Tibetan Settlement in Pokhara. 

Roasted Corn Cob: 

One of the first street foods to appear in Nepal, the roasted corn cob is a simple, yet beloved street snack. Corn cobs are grilled over charcoal and seasoned with salt and chilli. These fresh corn are sweet and chewy and are often sold by the corn farmers themselves, making it very fresh and tasty. 

Juju Dhau: 

The famous “king curd”, the King of Yogurts as it is known, the Juju dhau comes from Bhaktapur, a quaint, old Newari city in Kathmandu. The curd is known for its thick, creamy and sweet texture. It is typically served in small clay pots that serve one. One trick to pick the original juju dhau from its impersonators is by tipping the cup upside down. Original juju dhau will not spill thanks to its thickness.

Nepal is a treasure trove for culture and history, and along with it comes different types of foods that are indigenous to different communities of Nepal. There are thousands of unique dishes that you can find wherever you go in Nepal. Consider this list to be your beginners guide to exploring famous foods to try in Nepal.