Are you fascinated by Nepalese traditional foods and looking for famous foods in Nepal?
If yes, you’re in the right place! Nepali food offers a unique blend of local flavors, traditions, and ingredients, known for its rich taste and global popularity.
In this blog, you will explore the unique and popular Nepalese foods you must try.
KEY POINTS
- Some of the famous foods in Nepal are dal bhat, momo, sekuwa, thakali khana, chatamari, and chatpate.
- The national food of Nepal is Dal Bhat.
- Momo and chowmein are the common food in Nepal, available in almost every restaurant.
- Sel roti, dhido, gundruk, titaura, and gudPak are the unique food you won’t find elsewhere.
Ready for a flavorful adventure tour? Let’s dig in
15 Famous Foods in Nepal: Nepali Food Guide
Here’s a list of popular foods in Nepal, featuring some unique local delights you won’t find elsewhere. Additionally, there are dishes not originally from Nepal but have gained immense popularity within the country.
1. Dal Bhat – National Food of Nepal
Dal Bhat is a famous Nepali traditional food where “dal” refers to lentils and “bhat” refers to rice. It typically comprises boiled rice and lentils complemented by side dishes like vegetables, meat, pickles, ghee, yogurt, and green salads.
Dal Bhat, Nepal national food, is more than a meal. It symbolizes cultural richness and holds a special place in the nation’s identity. It is a comforting and energy-rich meal admired by the Nepalese for both lunch and dinner.
If you’re curious to know the taste of authentic Nepalese flavors, Dal Bhat is a must-try.
2. Momo – Common Food in Nepal
In Nepal, it’s normal for Nepalese to choose momo after checking the menu for an hour, which clearly shows how much they love this dish. It is a go-to brunch choice for many people in Nepal.
Momo is typically made with a thin wrapper made up of all-purpose flour “Maida” dough and filled with minced vegetables or meat. These steamed or fried dumplings are served with sesame seeds and tomato chutney in Nepal giving a unique taste.
The taste of Nepalese momo is unbeatable, you should definitely try this famous Nepal food if you are planning to visit Nepal.
3. Thakali Khana – Nepali Cuisine
Thakali Khana is somehow similar to Nepali dal bhat other than the food is cooked in an authentic Thakali way. This dish is not only famous among the Thakali community but all over Nepal.
The Thakali Khana set features boiled rice, lentils, and side dishes including vegetables, meat of your choice, Mustang aloo (potato from the place Mustang), yogurt, papad, and a variety of pickles.
Nowadays, you can find many Thakali restaurants offering authentic Thakali khana sets. If you haven’t had the chance to try it yet, it’s worth exploring.
Find Out Best Thakali Restaurants in Kathmandu
4. Newari Food – Popular Cuisine of Nepal
Newari food belongs to the Newar community in Nepal. These foods are an experience that, once tasted, becomes an irresistible craving. It includes various dishes.
Newari food offers a wide range of dishes that delight the taste buds. Some of them are
- Samay Baji : Samay Baji is a popular Newari khaja set. It includes baji (beaten rice), chhoila( smoked meat), black-eyed peas curry, fried bhatmas (soybean), aloo tama (bamboo shoots curry with potato and beans), bara(black lentils pancake), aloo ko achar (potato pickle) and boiled fried egg.
- Chatamari: Chatamari is a Newari pizza made up of rice flour batter topped with minced meat (keema) and cooked on a low flame covered by the lid.
- Yomari: Yomari is a dumpling made up of steamed rice flour filled with molasses or jaggery (chaku in Nepali) or khoya (meaning khuwa in Nepali) and shaped like a fish. The wrapper does not have any taste while the filling has a sweet taste.
- Ju Ju Dhau: Ju Ju Dhau, also known as the king of curd is a sweet curd made in a clay pot using milk (mostly buffalo) and yogurt culture.
Chhoila and bara can also be served individually other than samay baji and they both are a famous Newari dish. Other than these foods, Kachila, Lakhamari, and Sapu Mhicha are also famous among the Newar community.
Explore Here the Best Newari Restaurants in Kathmandu Valley
5. Sel Roti – Nepali Traditional Food
Sel Roti is a special part of Nepalese culture, usually prepared during festivals. The preparation involves making a rice batter using rice flour, sugar, ghee, and water and pouring it into hot oil in a circular motion. Sel Roti is soft, sweet, crispy, and fluffy and served with tea, or with vegetables or pickles.
Not just limited to festivals, Sel Roti is also a famous breakfast and brunch in Nepal served by many small local hotels. You can also buy this unique Nepali food from a department store or street stall.
6. Pani Puri – Famous Street Food in Nepal
Pani Puri is a famous street food in Nepal. It is affordable and has a perfect blend of spicy and sour. It combines small deep-fried puri, filling, and water (pani).
The puri is made either from Suji or Wheat flour. A hole is made in puri and it’s filled with a mixture of chickpeas, onion, and mashed potatoes. The finishing touch is water mixed with mint, tamarind, and coriander, poured into the puri for a burst of flavor.
Beyond the streets, Pani Puri has successfully gained popularity in premier restaurants, events, and prominent hotels in Nepal.
7. Dhido – Famous Nepali Food
Dhido is a famous staple meal in the hilly region of Nepal. It is made by slowly adding flour to boiling water, and stirring continuously. The flour can be of maize flour, millet flour, buckwheat flour, or wheat flour. It is healthy food best served with gundruk, local chicken curry, or pickles and is perfectly warm for the cold climate. Dhido and gundruk combination is loved by many Nepalese.
Today, dhido has become a hit in Nepal, making its way from homes to restaurant menus as Nepali dhido sets. If you want to taste the authentic food in Nepal, you should definitely go for it.
8. Gundruk
Gundruk is a fermented leafy vegetable typically made of spinach or radish leaves. It has a tangy flavor and can be enjoyed as a pickle “Gundruk ko achar”, or in soupy vegetable “Gundruk ko jhol”. The soup is perfect for staying warm on cold days.
Gundruk is usually cooked with a combination of fried soybean (bhatmas) to enhance its flavour. You can easily find this famous dish in Nepalese restaurants served with dal bhat, Thankali khana, or dhido.
9. Chowmein – Popular Brunch in Nepal
Chowmein, originating from China is the second most popular brunch choice in Nepal following momo. It is a stirred fried noodle loaded with vegetables like onions, capsicum, carrots, green beans, spring onions, meat, and soybean, and chili sauce.
Chowmein is enjoyed everywhere from local spots to high-end hotels in Nepal. For an authentic taste of chow mein in Nepal, go for local spots where you can find the true essence of local flavors.
10. Chatpate
Chatpate meaning “spicy” and “tangy” is a famous street snacks in Nepal. It is a light, and crunchy delight somewhat similar to Bhel. Chatpate is made with puffed rice, Nepali instant noodles, assorted spices, and vegetables like onion, green peas, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Originating from the streets of Nepal, this unique Nepalese dish has now found its way onto the menus of local restaurants. If you love spice, it’s a must-try in Nepal.
11. Sekuwa
Originating from Nepal, Sekuwa is the famous food of Nepal, especially among meat lovers. It is skewered meat marinated in flavorful spices like cumin, coriander, red chili, turmeric, salt, and Szechuan pepper, and grilled to perfection. It’s typically made with goat, buffalo, chicken, or pork meat, threaded onto skewers, and grilled over a fire for a smoky flavor.
The unique Nepali dish Sekuwa fits well into celebrations, family gatherings, or as a popular street food choice. You can eat it with puffed rice, beaten rice, tortillas, or regular rice. In Nepal, it is usually served with puffed rice, radish pickles (mulako achar), and spicy tomato or mint pickles (chutney).
Explore Here the Best Sekuwa Places in Kathmandu
12. Titaura
For many Nepalese, the word “titaura” is enough to make their mouths water. Also known as pau, this famous Nepali food offers a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy flavors, depending on the ingredients used.
Typically, made from mango, lemon, and lapsi (Nepali hog plums), Titaura comes in various consistencies, including candy, dry, and soupy.
13. Churpi – Ilam Famous Food
Churpi, also known as durkha, is a unique food in Nepal. It is Ilam’s famous food found easily in the Nepalese market. Traditionally recognized as a hard cheese, it is made from the milk of Chhauri gai, a mixed breed of cow and yak.
However, you can find also softer and medium versions of Churpi in the Himalayan regions, especially in places like Ilam, Langtang, and near the Tibet Border.
14. Gudpak – Famous Sweet of Nepal
Gudpak is among the most loved desserts in Nepal. This popular food is prepared with a mixture of milk, ghee, khuwa, and dried fruits. Initially, cooked over a wood fire, it is now prepared on a gas stove with the same ingredients.
Gudpak is not just tasty but also packed with nutrition, making it beneficial for new mothers. It is comforting during winter, providing warmth and goodness.
15. Pustakari
Pustakari is a traditional Nepali hard candy made from molasses cooked with milk, ghee, nuts, and coconut, and shaped into small round balls. Sweet in taste this popular snack is mostly enjoyed during the festival “Maghe Sankranti”.
Pustakari, a unique Nepali snack, is available throughout the year in local Nepalese markets. It’s not just enjoyed locally but is also taken by travelers abroad, introducing the authentic taste of Nepal to people around the world.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, Nepalese food brings together diverse flavors and cultural stories. From local staples like Dal Bhat, and Dhido, to global favorites like Pani Puri and chowmein, Nepal’s food journey is a delightful blend of tradition and taste.
Whether you stick to the familiar or try new dishes, Nepalese cuisine promises a delicious adventure.
So, which famous Nepali dishes are you planning to try? Feel free to comment below.
FAQ
What is national food in Nepal?
The national food of Nepal is Dal Bhat which includes boiled rice and lentils soup complemented by side dishes like vegetables, meat, pickles, ghee and green salads.
What is the most famous food in Nepal?
Dal Bhat is the most popular food in Nepal.
Is Nepalese food spicy?
Whether Nepali food is spicy or not, depends upon the ingredients, recipes, and your spice tolerance. Some Nepalese dishes can be spicy, while others are milder. Yet, with a variety of spices, it can surely offer a flavorful kick.
What to eat with Nepali food?
You can eat condiments like pickles, and chutney with Nepali food. Additionally, you can also have lemon, green chili, yogurt, and papad to enhance the flavor.
How healthy is Nepali food?
Nepalese cuisine is very healthy compared to other South Asian cuisines. Nepalese people mostly go for less fatty food and more on healthy vegetables and lean meats. Mustard oil, boiled rice, potatoes, and lentils are the typical ingredients used in Nepalese cuisines.
What is Nepali thali called?
Nepali thali is called Dal Bhat Tarkari which includes dal (lentils), bhat (rice), and tarkari (vegetable). It is also complemented by side dishes like meat, pickles, yogurt, papad, and green salad.
How is Nepali food different than Indian food?
Nepalese food contains less fats and more vegetables, and green salad than Indian food. Unlike Indian food, Nepali food typically does not include cream. Additionally, Nepalese people prefer eating less roti or naan compared to Indians.
What is Nepalese curry called?
Nepalese dish includes various curries with distinct names. A Nepalese vegetable curry is called Tarkari, whereas goat meat curry is called Khasi ko masu, and mixed bean soup is called Kwati. These curries include various flavourful spices like turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garam masala.
Asmita Pandey is a travel enthusiast and the founder of Travel Nepal Guides. She enjoys exploring different parts of Nepal, trying local food, and finding lesser-known places along the way. Through her own travel experiences, she shares practical tips and honest insights to help travelers plan their trips and explore Nepal with confidence.
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