Nepalese food is gaining popularity for its amazing flavors, ingredients, and unique culinary experience worldwide. The country’s diverse cuisine reflects its diversity and welcomes many epicureans worldwide. Nepalese food is more than just a meal and taste buds; it also represents the country’s way of life, as each dish has an internal connection with ancient traditions and local ingredients. Whether you’re a gastronome or simply looking to try new flavors, the culinary journey to Nepal is for you.
From the spicy, tangy pickles that accompany the national meals to steaming hot dumplings in chilly weather, Nepalese food has everything to offer a food lover and people with every taste. Along with its local dishes, Nepalese food has greatly influenced Tibetan, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, offering a unique culinary experience that makes food lovers crave it more.
Table of Contents
10 Best Nepalese Foods to Try
Nepal is one of the countries with vast food options, from traditional Newari and Thakali to street foods. The country offers everything whether visitors consider having something heavy or want to please the tongue. The more you explore, the more you’ll find delicious meals in every corner of the country. Thus, to help you explore the best Nepalese food, here’s the list of ten must-try dishes:
Thakali Khana
Thakali Khana is one of the must-try Nepali dishes that represents the culture and ethnicity of the Thakali ethnic group. The dish is a complete set meal and looks similar to the regular Dal-Bhat but has different ingredients, including rice, lentil soup, meat curries (per the preference), Kanchhemba (Buckwheat finger chips), and pickles along with luscious ghee. It is served on a bronze plate, with each side seasoned, creating visually appealing looks. Moreover, the dish balances the taste and nutrition, making it one of the Nepali dishes to try if you visit Nepal.
Momo
Momo is one of the most famous and delicious dishes in Nepal. Also known as dumplings, the dish is available at every restaurant, hotel, and street corner in Nepal, and many tourists and locals love it. It is filled with either vegetable or minced meat, then steamed or fried. The tangy dipping sauce served with momo enhances the taste, adding an extra kick.
Bara or Wo
Bara, or Wo, is a tangy lentil pancake and part of Newari cuisine. Newar communities enjoy it as a snack or even a main dish during the festivals. Made from soaked lentils and spices like garlic, ginger, and cumin, Bara is rich in protein and delicious. Trying Bara is a great way to experience the traditional and nutritious snack famous in Kathmandu Valley.
Sel Roti
Sel Roti is a sweet traditional Nepali dish, rice-based doughnut or ring-shaped bread prepared especially during Tihar festivals and other celebrations. Enjoyed by people of all ages, the food is slightly sweet and pairs well with milk tea. Nepalese make it by mixing rice flour with sugar, milk, and other species, then deep-frying it for the crispy outer layer.
Yomari
Yomari is a traditional Nepalese sweet steamed dumpling made from rice flour filled with chaku or Khuwa and sesame seed. The name combines two words and has a separate meaning, where Yo means “favorite” or “loved,” and Mari means “bread/delicacy.” The food is popular among Newar communities, and they even celebrate the festival called Yomari Punhi, when the dish is specially made, and the festival is incomplete without it.
Gundruk
Gundruk is a fermented and dried leafy green vegetable of mustard, spinach, and radish leaves. It is also a crucial part of Nepalese cuisine. It is popular in rural areas and a good source of vitamins and minerals. The vegetable is tasty with Dhido and simple to make yet delicious. Moreover, it is best to have it as a soup, but it can be prepared as a pickle, salad, and other varieties.
Choila and Sekuwa
Choila and Sekwa are two popular Nepalese dishes you must try. The foods contain spices and smoky flavors and are a favorite food among meat lovers. Choila is a grilled meat made especially with buffalo, which comes from the Newar community. It is generally served with baji (beaten rice) during the cold season and prepared during festivals and celebrations. Likewise, Sekuwa is another popular dish among food enthusiasts. It is also a grilled meat cube made by marinating meat with spices and grilling over an open fire or charcoal.
Juju Dhau
Juju Dhau is a sweet, thick, creamy yogurt and a part of traditional Newari cuisine. It is made with buffalo milk in a traditional clay pot called a maato ko kataaro in the Bhaktapur area. The yogurt also symbolizes Bhaktapur’s food and culture. Also known as the “king of yogurt,” Juju Dhau is the must-try dessert while you are in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Thukpa
Thukpa is a popular dish, especially in the northern regions and trekking destinations of Nepal. It originates from Tibet but has entered Nepali cuisine so far. The dish features hand-pulled wheat noodles, small pieces of meat or vegetables, and a flavourful broth. Seasoned with garlic, chili, and ginger, it is perfect for chilly weather.
Tongba and Chyang
Tongba and Chyang are two traditional alcoholic drinks from Nepal’s Himalayas. Tongba is fermented millet beer and is also known as hot beer. It is a popular drink among Limbu communities of eastern Nepal and is consumed through a bamboo straw with a seed-filtering bottom. Likewise, Chyang is known as rice beer and is a milky white drink made from fermented rice or barley.
Yakkha, Limbu, Dura, Newar, Sunuwar, Rai, Bhutia, Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, Tamang, Tharus, and Lepcha communities enjoy the drink during family gatherings and festivals. If you don’t mind consuming it, take a sip while you’re in Nepal.
Highlights of Nepalese Foods
- Taste the foods that are rich in flavor and have a blend of spices and local ingredients.
- Savor national dishes, Dal Bhat and Dhido, that provide energy for the whole day.
- Flavor momos, a Nepalese dumpling that is world famous for its taste.
- Savor delicious Thali Khana, the cuisine of the Thakali ethnic group, with its unique ingredients and presentation.
- Taste the traditional dishes of different ethnic groups, from Newari to Tibeto-Nepalese.
History of Nepalese Foods
Nepalese foods have a rich history linked with the country’s culture, tradition, and location. Located between China and India, Nepalese food has observed the flavors and dishes from the neighboring countries. However, the topography and environment of the region have influenced the earliest form of Nepalese cuisine. In the mighty Himalayas, the diet was mainly based on what the environment could support. Staple foods included millet, barley, and buckwheat, as rice was yet to be widely cultivated in the cooler climates. These grains were often turned into porridges or simple breads.
As agriculture developed in Nepal, rice became more prominent. Along with rice, lentils and other vegetables became the essence, leading to the creation of Dal Bhat (lentil soup served with rice), which remains the basis of Nepali cuisine today. Likewise, the Newar community has had a significant impact on Nepalese cuisine. Furthermore, ethnic diversity, modern influence globalization, and tourism have contributed to the country’s gastronomic diversity.
National Dish of Nepal
Dhido and Dal Bhat stand out as Nepal’s national dish. The dishes are the symbol of Nepalese culture, history, and simplicity. Both dishes include local ingredients to provide healthy and energy-boosting meals; they are still tasty and have different tastes. However, the Nepalese people’s warm love and hospitality make those simple dishes taste delicious. Dal Bhat and Dhido provide an authentic taste of Nepal, no matter which area you are exploring.
You can also check About: Culture And Traditions in Nepal
Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is Nepal’s most popular and common dish, eaten daily by Nepalese families. It is the national dish of Nepal and forms the backbone of the country’s cuisine. Dal means lentil soup, and Bhat means rice, making the dish itself simple. However, the dish is served with various side dishes, including vegetables, pickles, meat curries, and sometimes yogurt and papadam. The meal provides energy, rice provides carbohydrates, lentil soup includes protein, and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. Also, there is a slang “Dal Bhat power 24 hours”.
Dhido
Dhido is a traditional and national food of Nepal that is primarily enjoyed in the hilly region of Nepal. It is a thick, sticky porridge mixing millet or buckwheat with boiling water. It is a very natural and wholesome food that doesn’t require much processing. Also, it is a popular choice for health-conscious people as it is gluten-free and fiber-rich. Popular dishes, including gundruk (fermented greens), vegetable curries, yogurt, and spicy pickles, accompany Dhido.
Conclusion
All in all, Nepalese food has a diverse flavor, ingredients, and options, and each dish has a different authenticity and represents the various cultures of the nation. Nepali food offers an exceptional taste, from meals like dal bhat and Thakali Khana to snacks like momo and sel roti and beverages like Chyang and Tongba. Anyone planning to visit Nepal and experience its natural beauty should remember to taste its diverse foods.
FAQs
What is the national dish of Nepal?
Dal Bhat and Dhido are Nepal’s national dishes. These dishes are simple yet nutritious and represent Nepalese’s culinary delights and way of life. To anyone visiting Nepal, it is a must to taste the food.
Are Nepalese foods spicy?
While some foods are spicy, some are not. However, Nepalese food is highly adaptable, and the spicy level can be adjusted to the eater’s preference. So, the Nepalese cuisine offers dishes that suit your taste.
Can I find vegetarian-friendly Nepalese cuisine?
Nepalese cuisine is vegetarian-friendly, so you can quickly find vegetarian food options. Many dishes like dal bhat, vegetable curries, aloo tama, and gundruk are naturally vegetarian that you can have. Also, foods including Momo, thukpa, and thakali khana offer vegetarian options.
Is Nepalese food healthy?
Yes, Nepalese food is generally healthy. Most of the dishes are made with fresh and seasonal vegetables and balanced with combining protein-rich ingredients. However, if you are more health-conscious, choose foods that are less fried and oily,
Which food is only found in Nepal?
In today’s globalized world, many Nepalese have promoted Nepalese dishes to different countries. In such cases, most Nepalese food is available worldwide. However, Sel Roti, Dal Bhat, Dhido, Gundruk, Chatamari, Juju Dhau, and Kwati are unique dishes from Nepal.
What meat do Nepalese not eat?
Nepalese do not eat beef due to cultural and religious reasons. As the country is known as a Hindu nation, and in Hinduism, Nepali people consider cows to be another form of goddess, Laxmi. However, chicken and goat are commonly consumed in the country.
What is the most delicious food in Nepal?
Each food is delicious in its own way, made differently, and uses different ingredients. Thus, delicious food depends on individual taste. However, Momo is a widely preferred food in Nepal.
Is Nepalese food the same as Indian food?
Nepalese and Indian food share similarities in their cuisine due to geographical closeness, yet flavors and preparation methods differ. While both nations share certain elements, Nepalese food is simpler and made with milder and fresher ingredients than Indian.
