Nepal has a diverse list of food that no one can find anywhere else in the world. Here is a list of the must-try when in Nepal. These are the most popular food in Nepal and are found widely in every part of the country. The food is rich in flavour as well as tradition and culture.
Table of Contents
MO:MO
Momo is a kind of South Asian dumpling originating from Tibet. It is the popular food across the border of South Asia. But it was popular among the Newari community of the Kathmandu Valley only. It is said that during travel, Newari merchants brought this recipe and the name Momo. You can find both veg-Momo and Non-veg Momo in Kathmandu. Momo is basically served with achar (pickle ). And on the basis of cooking style, it varies from steamed, Khothey (half steamed half fried) or deep-fried. It is one of the most widely consumed and best Nepali food. You can find it literally everywhere in Kathmandu.
Panipuri
Panipuri is one of the Indian subcontinent street foods which is famous all over India and Nepal. It has a different name based on regions such as Golgappa in India, Phuchka in Bangladesh. Even though panipuri is an Indian based food it is more famous in Nepal. It consists of a hollow round puri test like cracker filled with potatoes, onions, etc. Panipuri comes with sweet and sour water called Imli pani. It is the best street food in Nepal amongst young kids and teenagers.
Newari Khaja
Newari Khaja is one of the famous foods in Kathmandu which originated from the Newari Community. It is one of the traditional foods in the Newari Community. Newari khaja is one of the unique foods where you can taste more than 5 dishes on a plate. It consists of chiura (bitten rice), vegetable pickle, aalu ko achar (potato pickle), Vatmash (soybeans), Omelet, etc. Depending upon the place this food is served with cold drinks or Local liquor (traditional Newari Hard Drinks).
Sekuwa
Sekuwa means roasted meat in natural firewood. This food is mostly famous in Dharan, Kathmandu and the small town of Sunsari District of Koshi State. Sekuwa is similar to Barbecue. You can find Pork sekuwa, buff sekuwa, and lamb or goat sekuwa in Kathmandu. The most famous restaurant for Sekuwa is Bajeko Sekuwa. It is one of the best Nepali foods when it comes to eating with alcohol.
Chatamari
Chatamari, a must-try delicacy of Nepal, is referred to as Newari Pizza by many foreigners. It is made from rice flour. The rice crepe is topped with minced meat, egg and seasoned with vegetables. Prepared in a special way, it is quite different from other “Roti”- bread prepared in Nepal. The bread is baked without flipping it in the pan, unlike other bread. It is one of the best Nepali food in terms of flavour and tradition.
Sukuti
Sukuti is a unique Nepalese dish consisting of dried meat that is cut into thin slices. One of the popular food in most of the kitchens in Nepal. The dried meat is marinated in cumin, turmeric, black pepper, coriander, chilli, and ginger, garlic, and onion paste. It is then mixed with chopped onion and tomatoes and topped with chopped green onions or coriander leaves. It can be prepared in multiple ways.
Dheedo
Dheedo is a sugar-free dish made up of wheat, maize, or Kodo. It is a healthy dish made by adding flour to hot water. The food is high in nutrition level and satisfies the taste buds as well. This dish is the national food of Nepal which can be found in typical Nepalese cuisine restaurants and the local homes of the villages. Dheedo is eaten with gundruk, butter, vegetable curries, pickles, buttermilk, and yoghurt.
Popular foods of Nepal aren’t just limited to our list but these described foods are probably the best Nepali foods. How many of them have you tried?