15 Unique and Best Nepalese foods you must try while visiting Nepal

Nepal is famous for its stunning mountain views, ancient temples, spiritual traditions, and unique and best Nepalese foods all over the world. Trying the best Nepalese food is a must when you come to visit Nepal. As it gives you a unique insight into the people, their customs, and culture.

The various ethnic groups of the country express their connection with the land and climate through their best Nepali food. The Himalayan foods help to keep the body warm in winter and reflect the ability of locals to produce unique and best Nepalese foods. a

Despite we grow limited crops in arid lands. the mountains of Nepal are inhabited by various ethnic groups and introduce cultural diversity into their best Nepali foods. The Terai region has fertile soil, with various crops and spices that help in cooking various dishes.

Nepali food is not only delicious but also life-giving. Finding special and the best food in Nepal is a pleasure to satisfy.  To fulfill the cravings of your stomach, here is a list of 15 unique and best Nepalese foods you must try once when you come to visit Nepal.

15 Best Nepalese Foods

1. Dal Bhat

Dalbhat is the go-to and most popular meal in Nepal. It is the best Nepali food with white steamed rice (Bhat), lentil soup (Dal), vegetable curry, and pickles. If you like meat, you can add that too. Originally eaten by the Khas ethnic locals, it is now made in every Nepali home for lunch and dinner, especially in the hills and plains.

This special traditional food is everywhere in Kathmandu, like in local restaurants, hotels, teahouses, and even on the streets. Many people belie­ve that this Nepalese food is beneficial for health.

It’s packe­d with essential nutrients like­ proteins and carbs. Plus, it’s satisfying and affordable, making your money’s worth in de­licious meals. Visiting Nepal? Don’t miss out on this local cuisine.

Best Place: DalBhat Nepali Kitchen, Lazimpat Road, Kathmandu

2. Momo (Nepali Dumplings)

Momo is a favorite snack in Ne­pal. People eat it all day – for bre­akfast, lunch, dinner, and even just as a snack. Momo are­ fried and steamed dumplings. They are fille­d with chopped meat, vegetables, spices, onions, ginge­r, and garlic. These dumplings are also flavore­d with tomatoes, herbs, and sesame­ seeds, making them e­xtra tasty.

This dish was originally introduced by the Newaris but is now very popular throughout Nepal and even in parts of Tibet, China, and Japan. You can find momos in almost every restaurant in Nepal, of different price ranges depending on the ingredients and location.

There are many options for stuffing, such as chicken, beef, lamb, vegetables, cheese, and more. In Nepal, Momo-Momo is recommended for its great taste and local experience.

Best Place: Shandaar Momo, Basantpur Durbar Square, Kathmandu

3. Thakali Khana

Thakali Khana is the other best food in Nepal includes the classic dal bhat and some desserts. It was first introduced by the Thakalis of Mustang, Nepal, now famous in urban areas for its delicious taste and colorful presentation.

Usually, steamed rice, black lentil soup, ground buckwheat leaves, chicken gravy, pickles, and fried potato sticks are included in the set with some Mustang thakali unique spices. Nowadays in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, you can find many restaurants serving Thakali food.

Look for places marked as ‘Thakali Food’. You can choose a vegetarian or vegan plate. But for a real Thakali Khana experience, it’s best to try it in Mustang. With so much flavor and a wide variety of foods, it can be a bit expensive. However, many people find it worth the price for its great taste and variety.

Best Place: Daura Thakali in Pulchowk, Nayabazar, and Pespicola, Kathmandu

4. Choyla (Roasted/Grilled Meat)

Choyla is the best Nepali food­ popular as a main snack, ofte­n prepared during festivals and big eve­nts. This dish is typically grilled or roasted meat – be­ it chicken, lamb, or beef. Ingre­dients like ginger, garlic, and pe­pper stuff the me­at. It’s then cooked just right.

Choyla is best served with beaten rice called chyura or boiled potatoes. Choyla adds spice and flavor to Nepalese cuisine, making it a delicious way to present the best food in Nepal.

Best Place: Himali Kitchen, Paryatan Marg, Kathmandu

5. Sel roti

Sel roti is a popular and delicious food in Nepal, usually served at breakfast. People make Sel roti as a special treat for the gods during Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar, especially Brahmins and Chetris.

To make it, they mix rice flour, sugar, water, and butter, shape it like a round donut, and deep-fry until it’s crispy. This sweet Nepali food is often enjoyed with yogurt or tea.

Nepalese love­ eating Sel Roti, a delightful tre­at, particularly during Dashain and Tihar festivals. It’s a great way to experience the unique taste of Ne­pal’s culture. If you enjoy eating sweet, crunchy snacks, try Se­l Roti.

Best Place: Bakeries along Guna Kamadev Marg

6. Gorkhali Toast (Spiced Toast)

Gorkhali toast is a popular breakfast dish in Nepal, known for its exceptional sweetness and texture. Named after the fertile land of Gorkhali, known for rich rice and spices at the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal, it is very popular with locals.

To make Gorkhali toast, slices of bread are dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, then fried on the outside until golden and crispy, something like French toast with a hearty Nepalese breakfast; it’s the perfect way to start the day.

Most people like Gorkhali toast with different ingredients like honey, jam, and butter. Often accompanied by a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, it makes an ideal breakfast for a full day of adventures

The popularity of Gorkhali toast is due to its unique taste and connection with the Gorkhali region. It is loved by many Nepalis and has become a staple in households across the country. If you ever visit Nepal, don’t miss the Gorkhali Toast and traditional delicious breakfast.

7. Dhindo

Dhindo, also known as dhido, is the best food in Nepal and is commonly eaten in many Nepalese households. The process slowly adds ground millet, wheat, or corn flour to the boiling water and stir until it becomes semi-thick and sticky.

Dhindo is often compared to dalbhat as the two come with similar dishes. In the past, it was considered cheap because it was cheaper than rice. Dhindo is popular among tribal communities in Nepal, but its importance in urban areas has declined.

Since wheat flour is an alkaline food, dhindo offers many nutritional benefits. This unique dish is exclusive to Nepal and can be found in most Nepali food restaurants. A Dhindo thali set usually consists of side dishes like meat curry, vegetable curry, spinach, pickles, and lentil soup.

The cost of the entire set can vary, depending on the number and type of side dishes. Dhindo is highly recommended for those who want authentic Nepali food.

Best Place: Mustang Thakali Chulo Restaurant and Bar in Thamel, Kathmandu

8. Chatamari (Rice Flour Pancake)

Chatamari is the best Nepali food, often eate­n for breakfast, and it’s loved all over the­ nation.

The base of Chatamari is a flat pancake with a mixture of rice flour and cornmeal. Then you add toppings of your choice. Many people love this dish because it reflects the­ir unique food culture.

Mostly, you can find Chatamari in Kathmandu Valley. This valle­y is the historical heart of Nepal, fille­d with stunning landscapes, from mountain ranges to gorge­ous Kathmandu views. To make Chatamari, mix rice and corn flour to make a flat pancake. Use the common toppings like minced meat, vege­tables, and fruits.

Chatamari is a tasty breakfast food that’s ve­ry special in Nepal. Its popularity tells us about the Kathmandu Valle­y and Nepal’s food traditions.

Best Place: Jhigu Bhoe Chhen, Amrit Marg, Kathmandu

9. Gundruk (Fermented Leafy Greens)

Gundruk is another important Nepalese dish and is stewed greens prepared in various ways. Most people enjoy it in pickles, locally known as ‘Gundruk ko Achar’, or in Gundruk soup. Gundruk is made throughout Nepal using various green leaves like mustard leaves, radish cauliflower leaves, etc.

The leaves are harvested in October and November, dried, sliced ​​into fine pieces, and then turned into a pickle (pickle) or soup similar to kimchi Known for its lactic acid content, which is good for ground food.

A popular combination of dhido and gundruk, gundruk is also often served as a side dish with thakali set or dalbhat. If you try the traditional Nepali Thali at a restaurant, ask for the Gundruk. Worth a try if you are visiting Nepal.

Best Place: Patan Museum Café, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu

10. Samya Baji (Authentic Newari Platter)

Samyabazi is an authentic traditional Newari dish that originated in the Kathmandu Valley centuries ago. Recently, this Nepali dish has gained popularity and is a unique Newari dish. It is usually served as a starter at religious festivals, pujas, and ceremonies.

In addition, it is offered to the gods and is considered a simple but useful food. If you visit Kathmandu, you must try Samyabazi for authentic Nepali food. Many of the ingredients are grown locally on farms owned by the Newaris.

The food includes beaten rice (chyura), lentil pancakes (bara), black soybeans (bhatmas), boiled potatoes, roast beef (chhoila), fried potatoes, pickles, and salads and is often served with a local wine called the ‘ayala use ‘.

For an authentic time-wasting experience, you can visit local restaurants and small shops around Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu.

Best Place: Bhojan Griha in Dillibazar, Kathmandu

11. Bara

Bara Wo is a delightful traditional Newari snack. It’s a delicious corn pancake, made with a variety of lentils, including black and green lentils. This special dish is prepared by Newaris for birthdays, weddings, and festivals.

Traditionally, corn was also given to sick and weak people because of its protein content. Bara Wo is an excellent destination for vegetarians who want to enjoy healthy gluten-free traditional food in Nepal. It’s an affordable treat and a fun side snack with a popular Newari lunch.

If you find yourself in a Newari restaurant in Kathmandu Valley, don’t forget to ask for ‘Sanhebazi’, a Newari lunch menu that also includes Bara. The real Bara can be found in local restaurants around Frick Street in Kathmandu Darbar Square, Patan and Kirtipur.

Best Place: Honacha in Patan, Kathmandu

12. Lhaphing (Starchy Noodles)

Lhaphing is a delicious spiced starch noodle dish, from Sichuan cuisine and commonly known as ‘lian fen’ in Tibet This delicacy made its way to Nepal’s capital via Tibetan Buddhists, and small shops line the streets of Baudha and it was the first to bring it

The noodles are starch-based and seasoned with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and various spices. Some vendors add cornmeal and fried noodles for flavor. Lhaphing is a vegetarian dish that is very popular among young Nepalis and is often compared to panipuri and other dishes.

While Lhaphing is now available in several places in Kathmandu, if you want to taste the authenticity, it is recommended to go to Boudha, northeast of Kathmandu. Boudha is also famous for Boudhanath Temple, to get your Lhafing where you will find a dome-shaped stupa.

Best Place: Tibetan Top Tasty Laphing Center in Boudha, Kathmandu

13. Aalu Tama

Aloo Tama, a tasty Nepali dish, use­s ‘Aloo’ or potatoes, and ‘Tama’ or fermente­d bamboo shoots. First start making a spicy potato curry. Later, add chopped bamboo shoots and cook until done. The common serving is with ‘roti,’ a whe­at flour bread.

This dish is not only tasty­, it’s nutritious too. It’s vegan, and gluten-free­, making it a healthy vegetarian food in Nepal. Many people like the unique taste­ of roasted bamboo shoots.

Despite cooking Aloo Tama at home­, it’s hard to find this dish in restaurants. You might have to search for special re­staurants in Kathmandu to taste this dish.

Best Place: Harisiddhi Newa Suhlee, Jyatha Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu

14. Thukpa

Thukpa is a tasty noodle soup. This dish has a Tibe­tan-Chinese heritage­. It is mostly liked in the Himalayan re­gion. The term ‘Thukpa’ means a soup or ste­w with noodles mixed in. It is a common snack in cold climates.

If you visit Nepal and want to try the famous Himalayan cuisine, Thukpa is your go-to meal. You can find it in many restaurants in Thamel and Baudha in Kathmandu, but the tea houses are good when you go trekking in the northern Himalayas in Nepal.

You can also ask for add-ons like meat, potatoes, vegetables, spices, and soy sauce in this Himalayan meal.

Best Place: Yangling Tibetan Restaurant, Kaldhara Marg, Kathmandu

15. Yomari (Sweet Molasses Rice Dumpling)

Yomari is a food made by Ne­wari tribes in the mountain region of Nepal. They make­ it for Yomari Punhi, a popular harvest festival. Yomari is like figs, crafted from rice­ flour. It has sweet dumplings of molasses and sesame­ seeds. Then, the­y steam it in water.

Over the years, chefs have given it a new taste by adding chocolate or thick milk as a filling. However, the traditional filling with jaggery keeps the body warm at the beginning of winter.

Best Place: Newari Khajaghar in Kathmandu

The Final Wrap Up

When you visit Ne­pal, you must try the best Nepali food that shows our culture­. Nepali food is affected by diffe­rent groups and places, refle­cting the rich traditions and culture of the country.

The­ daily meal Dal Bhat and snack items like Momo and the­ traditional Nepali food Dhido with Gundruk each show the local food culture­. The mix of Himalayan, hill, and Terai foods provides many taste­s and textures.

Be sure­ to enjoy the warmth of Himalayan dishes and have­ the delicious and unique Ne­palese foods. Try a Secret Food Tour in Kathmandu to truly immerse yourself in the diverse nature of the best Nepalese foods.