Explore Nepal Cuisine

Nepal is not only diverse in terms of landscape but also is very distinct in terms of culture as such there is an enormous number of cuisines that one can enjoy.

Some of the famous cuisines in Nepal are:

a) Tharu Cuisine

The Tharu are a Nepalese ethnic group that live in the Terai (lowland). They have distinct cultures and customs. They have a rich food culture and specialties in addition to their culture. The Tharu people live mostly among marshlands, rivers, and flooded plains. As a result, most Tharu cuisines incorporate freshwater fish, crabs, snails, mussels, wild mushrooms, etc. Pig, chicken, wild boar, pigeon meat, wild rabbit, and other animals are consumed. 

b) Khas Cuisine

This cuisine is very popular in the hilly regions of the country. 

Dal-bhat-tarkari used to be commonly eaten but as this part of the land is not as productive as the lowlands people living here started looking for alternatives. As such Dhido which can be made of wheat, maize, barley, and millet became very popular. It is usually consumed with spinach, buttermilk, gundruk, meat, yogurt, and homemade pickles as side dishes.

c) Thakali Cuisine

The Thakali are the people who originated from the Thak Khola region of the Mustang District in Nepal. Thakali set consists of bhat(rice), dal(lentil), and tarkari(vegetables). Special pickles, gundruk, spinach, soya beans and ghee are also included. It also includes meat for non-vegetarians. Desserts include sweet curd. 

d) Himalayan or Tibetan Cuisine

Himalayan cuisine is very much influenced by Tibetan cuisine. As the Himalayan regions are pretty cold the daily diet of people consists largely of meat and dairy products, high in protein, to combat the extreme climate conditions. People in this region eat dido (millet or barley cooked dough), potato curry, momo( dumplings) yak or goat or sheep meat, milk, thukpa, laughing or strong alcohol like tonga (millet juice) for their regular diet. 

Some of the popular foods in Nepal are:

1. Dal Bhat: Dal Bhat is a daily consumed food of each Nepali household, Dal Bhat is mainly rice served along with lentil soup and vegetable curry or chicken (or meat). This meal is the most beloved one amongst Nepali people as it’s wholesome and provides the needed nutrition.

2. Momo: Momo is bite-size dumplings made with a spoonful of stuffing wrapped in dough with origins from Tibet. Momo is usually steamed, though they are sometimes fried or steam-fried. It is served with two different sauces; tomato and chilli. It is a very popular street food in Nepal and its craze is transmitted to neighbouring countries as well.

3. Bara: Bara (Wo in Newari) is a kind of pancake made by the Newari people of Nepal. The Newaris are an indigenous group of locals in the Kathmandu Valley. It is made with ground lentil (green or black) batter? These Dal patties are light and perfect for snacks. For non-vegetarians, Bara can also be added with minced chicken and battered egg.

4. Selroti: It is a very common snack in Nepal. Made mostly during the festival of Tihar Sel roti is kind of a fusion of bagel and doughnut. It is a circular rice flour bread which is deep fried to make it crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is crispy and sweet and tastes best with yogurt or veggies.

5. Dhido and Gundruk: Dhido is a thick porridge prepared by boiling stone-ground cornmeal, buckwheat flour, and millet flour with salt in water. It is the staple diet in rural areas and is eaten with butter, vegetable curries, pickles, buttermilk and yogurt. Gundruk on the other hand is a side dish accompanied by Dhido. It is fermented leafy vegetables. It is made by storing mustard, radish and cauliflower in an earthen pot which is then left to be pickled until the veggies inside release acidic juices and have undergone fermentation. Dhido and Gundruk are considered the national food of Nepal.

6. Yomari: Yomari is a sweet dish prepared from rice dough and stuffed with a sweet paste made of sesame seeds and molasses. It is made only during the festival of Yomari Punhi. This festival is celebrated each year in the winter to thank the Gods for a good harvest. This dish is very famous in Kathmandu. 

7. Aloo chop: Aloo chop is a famous and much-loved street snack. A spiced potato croquette/fritter that is irresistibly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. This is served with a spiced sweet and tangy sauce.

8. Laphing: Laphing is a spicy cold noodle dish which is a street food and is popular in Nepal. It can be eaten with red pepper chilli, coriander and green onion sauce. The noodles have a slippery texture and are served with a soy sauce gravy. It is traditionally a summer food. It is commonly found in Boudha.