Nepalese food is a delightful blend of flavors influenced by India, Tibet, and China. Contrary to popular belief, it focuses on healthy cooking with minimal fats. The dishes include soups, lean curries, vegetables, salads, lean meats, pickles, and curd. Ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, coriander, garlic, and mustard oil add a burst of taste. Get ready to savor the aromatic richness and diverse flavors of Nepal’s culinary treasures. Here are the 19 foods you should try in nepal.
- Sel Roti
Sel Roti is a unique and popular Nepalese snack or sweet bread. It is made by fermenting a batter of rice flour, sugar, and water. The batter is then deep-fried in a circular shape, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft and sweet interior. Sel Roti is commonly enjoyed during festivals, weddings, and special occasions in Nepal.
2. Kwati
Kwati is a traditional Nepalese mixed bean soup that holds significant cultural and religious importance. It is typically prepared during festivals, especially during the festival of Janai Purnima. Kwati is made by combining a variety of soaked and sprouted beans like black-eyed peas, kidney beans, mung beans, and soybeans. The cooked beans are simmered with spices and herbs, resulting in a hearty and flavorful soup.
3. Momos
Momos are a popular and delicious dish in Nepal. They are dumplings made from a thin layer of dough and filled with a mixture of minced meat (such as chicken, pork, or beef) or vegetables (like cabbage, carrots, or mushrooms). Momos can be steamed or fried and are often served with a flavorful dipping sauce made from tomatoes, chili, and spices.
4. Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is the quintessential Nepali meal and a staple in Nepalese cuisine. It consists of lentil soup (dal) and rice (bhat). The lentil soup is usually made with a combination of lentils, spices, and herbs, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor. It is served alongside a generous portion of steamed rice and is often accompanied by a variety of side dishes like vegetables, pickles, and curries.
5. Gorkhali Lamb
Gorkhali Lamb is a mouthwatering dish that features tender pieces of lamb cooked in a spicy curry. The lamb is marinated with a blend of traditional Nepali spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, which infuse it with a robust and fiery flavor. It is often served with rice or roti (flatbread) and accompanied by side dishes like pickles and yogurt.
6. Thukpa
Thukpa is a comforting noodle soup that is popular in the mountainous regions of Nepal, especially during colder months. It features boiled noodles in a flavorful broth made with vegetables, meat (such as chicken, beef, or pork), and a blend of spices and herbs. Thukpa is often garnished with fresh cilantro and served with a squeeze of lime, making it a delicious and warming meal.
7. Newari Khaja Set
The Newari Khaja Set is a delightful platter of traditional Newari snacks that offers a diverse range of flavors and textures. It typically includes delicacies like bara (lentil pancake), chhoila (spiced grilled meat), aloo bodi (spicy potato salad), beaten rice, and various pickles and chutneys. This set allows you to savor a combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors that are unique to Newari cuisine.
8. Dhido
Dhido is a traditional Nepali food that holds a special place in the country’s culinary heritage. It is made by cooking maize or millet flour with water until it thickens into a dense, porridge-like consistency. Dhido is often served alongside various curries, lentils, or pickles. It is known for its hearty and comforting nature, making it a popular choice, especially in rural areas of Nepal.
9. shihnu Soup
Sishnu Soup is a flavorful and nutritious soup made from the leaves of the nettle plant, which is abundantly found in the Himalayan region of Nepal. The nettle leaves are boiled and then simmered with spices, herbs, and sometimes lentils or vegetables. Sishnu Soup is known for its distinct earthy flavor and is considered to have several health benefits.
10. Juju Dhau
Juju Dhau, also known as “King of Yogurt,” is a famous sweet yogurt from Bhaktapur, a city in Nepal. It is made by fermenting buffalo milk in traditional clay pots. The resulting yogurt has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy, sweet flavor. Juju Dhau is often served as a dessert or a special treat during festivals and celebrations.
11. Aloo Tama
Prepare to be delighted by Aloo Tama, a flavorful curry that brings together the goodness of bamboo shoots, black-eyed beans, and potatoes. The tender bamboo shoots add a unique earthy taste, while the creamy potatoes and hearty black-eyed beans provide a satisfying texture. The combination of spices and aromatic flavors transforms this curry into a delightful culinary experience.
12. Yomari
Indulge in the heavenly sweetness of Yomari, a traditional Nepalese sweet dumpling. The soft and delicate rice flour shell embraces a luscious filling of molasses or rich sesame seed paste. Each bite unveils a harmonious blend of textures, with the smoothness of the filling complemented by the softness of the dumpling. Yomari is a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional Nepalese desserts.
13. Chatamari
Experience a unique twist on pizza with Chatamari, a Nepali-style delight. The base is made from rice flour, creating a thin and crispy crust that serves as a canvas for a variety of toppings. Whether it’s savory minced meat or an assortment of fresh vegetables, each bite is an explosion of flavors. The combination of the delicate crust, aromatic spices, and vibrant toppings creates a tantalizing dish that will leave you craving more.
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13. Kheer
Indulge in the creamy delight of Kheer, a traditional rice pudding that will transport you to dessert heaven. This delectable treat is made by simmering rice, milk, and sugar together until they meld into a rich and velvety consistency. Infused with the aromatic flavors of cardamom and adorned with a sprinkle of nuts, Kheer is a decadent finale to any Nepalese meal.
14. Samosa
Treat your taste buds to the enticing flavors of Samosa, a beloved Nepalese snack. Imagine a crisp, golden-brown pastry enveloping a delightful filling of spiced potatoes and peas. The savory blend of spices and the satisfying crunch of the pastry create a perfect balance of textures. Samosas are often enjoyed as a quick bite or as an appetizer, tantalizing the senses with their irresistible aroma.
16. Chhurpi
Discover the unique taste of Chhurpi, a hard cheese made from yak milk. This traditional Nepalese cheese is not only a delicious snack but also a cherished part of the local culture. Its firm texture and rich flavor make it perfect for savoring on its own or as a chewy treat. Chhurpi is a testament to the resourcefulness of Nepalese cuisine, offering a distinct and unforgettable experience.
17. Gundruk
Delve into the world of fermented leafy greens with Gundruk, a traditional Nepalese side dish. The leafy greens, typically harvested from mustard or radish plants, undergo a fermentation process that enhances their flavor and nutritional value. The resulting Gundruk is tangy, slightly sour, and packed with probiotics. It is commonly enjoyed as a side dish accompanying dal bhat, adding a zesty and unique element to the meal.
18. Bara
Delight in the savory goodness of Bara, a popular lentil pancake served with achar (pickle) and yogurt. These crispy and flavorful pancakes are made from fermented lentil batter, creating a unique texture and tangy taste. The combination of the savory pancake, tangy pickle, and creamy yogurt makes Bara a delightful dish that showcases the diversity of flavors in Nepalese cuisine.
19. Lassi
Quench your thirst and refresh your senses with Lassi, a cooling yogurt-based drink that is a popular choice in Nepal. Made by blending yogurt with water, Lassi has a smooth and creamy consistency. It can be enjoyed plain or infused with various flavors, such as mango or other fruits, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and tanginess. Lassi is the perfect beverage to complement a spicy meal or to enjoy on a hot day, providing a rejuvenating experience for your taste buds.
