There is a widespread misperception that Nepalese cuisine is restricted to Momos and Thukpa. Nepalese cuisine is a mash-up of flavours, customs, and gastronomic history. If you go deeper into a Nepalese family, you'll find delicacies for every occasion.
The flavours of Nepalese food are heavily affected by its surroundings, including India, Tibet, and China. While Newari cuisine is famous in metropolitan areas like Kathmandu, Tibetan Thukpa and beef are specialities in highland regions with scant farmland. These meals are a part of their regular diet and play an essential role in traditional Nepalese festivals.
Top 10 Nepalese Foods You Should Try
While there are several sites to see in Nepal, the gastronomic trip is equally fascinating. Apart from momos and pulao, these are the top 10 delicacies you must taste in Nepal if you consider yourself a foodie.
#1. Sel Roti
Sel Roti is a crispy and sweet snack that is a cross between a doughnut and a bagel. Sel Roti, a popular Nepalese culinary dish, is cooked during the holy holidays of Tihar and Dashain.
Image Cr: Kathmandu Post
Caption: Sel Roti
The circular rice flour bread is deep-fried, giving it a crispy texture on the surface and a soft and doughy feel on the interior. It is typically eaten for breakfast with yoghurt, dipping sauces, and veggies.
#2. Gundruk
Gundruk, another famous Nepalese cuisine, is considered the country's national dish. It is a collection of pickled green-leafy vegetables enjoyed as a condiment or side dish with the main course meal.
Mustard, radish, and cauliflower are wilted for a few days before being preserved in a tight ceramic pot, allowing the leaves to emit acidic juices. So it's essentially Nepali kimchi.
#3. Yomari
Yomari is a fish-shaped winter treat that is famous among Nepal's Newar population. To combat the chilly weather in the highlands, it is created with rice dough.
Image Cr: YouTube
Caption: Yomari
Not only will its unusual shape pique your interest, but a delicious filling is hidden inside the dough, making it difficult to refuse for those with a sweet craving. The spicy lentil variant is also available.
#4. Tongba
Tongba is one of the dishes that will round off your gastronomic adventure in Nepal. The alcoholic beverage made from millet is a traditional and indigenous drink of the Limbu people of eastern Nepal.
The popular local brew, also known as 'Tibetan Hot Beer,' is served in cast-iron pots and drunk using bamboo straws. The local homebrew beer may be prolonged into multiple rounds of warm alcoholic beverages, ensuring that you never run out of beer.
#5. Samya Bhaji
This Nepalese cuisine is not only a culinary treat, but it is also one of Nepal's key attractions. The Newari meal has been passed down through generations and is eaten on significant occasions.
Image Cr: YouTube
Caption: Samya Bhaji
Samya Bhaji is an assortment platter that includes beaten rice, grilled buffalo meat, boiled egg, and spicy potato salad. The traditional Newari meal is a must-try the next time you visit Nepal.
#6. Wo - Newari Pancakes
Wo are Newari Pancakes made with ground lentil batter, commonly green and black lentils. The delightful delicacy, also known as Baara, is created during the Newari holiday of 'Siti Nakha.'
The dal patties are light and spongy, making them an ideal snack or lunch meal. To prepare a non-vegetarian version of the pancakes, add minced chicken and battered egg.
#7. Choila
Choila or Chhoyela, another classic Newari cuisine, is a spicy delicacy usually cooked with water buffalo meat. However, duck and beef variants are also available.
Image Cr: Choila
Caption: WordPress
The spicy and delectable meal is served with rice flakes (Chura). It is also a significant element of Samay Bhai and a crucial part of the diet during Nepalese festivities.
#8. Thupka
Nepal has its version of Thukpa, which includes chunks of meat and veggies and noodles and is influenced by Tibet and China. The winter noodle delicacy is available in Kathmandu and the surrounding hilly regions.
The scent of beef stock will whet your appetite, and the spices will tantalize your taste senses. There are several cafés in Kathmandu where you may sample Nepalese cuisine.
#9. Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is the lifeblood of Nepal. The exquisite lentil curry paired with rice is a popular lunch and supper dish in the nation. After eating the Nepalese Dal Bhat, you realize how something so basic can be excellent and soul-filling.
Image Cr: Kathmandu Post
Caption: Dal Bhat
On the side, pickles, meats, and yoghurt dips are available. There are several variants in different sections of the nation, all of which provide you with an authentic experience of other tribes and civilizations.
#10. Gorkhali Lamb
Gorkhali Lamb is a must-try for all meat and mutton enthusiasts when visiting Nepal. Slow-cooked delicious lamb chunks are submerged in a thick curry with wedges of potatoes and coarsely chopped onions.
The cold concoction used to cover the lamb chunks before grilling feels like a flavour explosion in your tongue. The curry goes excellent with flatbread.
