Top 10 Must-Try Nepalese Foods and Beverages for Your Trekking Adventure

Being a beautiful country full of natural beauty, Nepal is also rich in food and delicious dishes not found anywhere else in the world. From Kathmandu street food to mountain-cultural foods, Nepali food takes you through a mouthwatering treat that truly reflects the country’s geographical and cultural richness. Presenting below the list of the top 10 food items that you must try when you are in Nepal.

One of the best things about Nepali food has to be the spirit of welcoming and serving food with it. The people of Nepal are extremely hospitable and they are very selective with their food, they will ensure that their guests are offered a second or third portion. Eating a meal in a Nepali home is not just about food and taste, it’s about attachment, comfort, and culture.

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   Momo

Any time you are in Nepal, it is strongly recommended that you taste Momos. These tasty and soft round-shaped patties are made with mince meat stuffing which can be chicken, buffalo, or other vegetables or cheese. And they can be either steamed or fried for consumption with a ripe tomato-based tangling sauce. So, it does not matter if it is a five-star restaurant or a food cart by the street, Momos are a must-have!

2. Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is the national dish of Nepal and is usually consumed in every household in the country every day. This is cooked rice (Bhat) mixed with lentil’s soup (dal) and may also include vegetables, pickles and sometimes a portion of meat or fish. This is a very tasty and very fulfilling meal for anyone intending to have a taste of Nepalese meals.

3. Newari Cuisine

Newar people of Kathmandu Valley have a diverse and colorful history connected to various culinary cultures. The Newari food is highly diverse in terms of flavors and some of the famous dishes include the following: Yomari which is a kind of steamed dumpling that is stuffed with molasses and sesame seeds respectively, Choila which is a type of spicy grilled meat, and Baras which is made from lentils which has been formed into patties. These dishes are normally eaten during festivals and other celebrations but are available in the Newari restaurants.

4. Sel Roti

Sel Roti – Another favorite during Festival time, it is ring shaped sweet rice bread which is crispy by frying. It is a Nepalese delicacy that is normally cooked during Tihar and other occasions. It is crunchy outside and slightly soft and sweet inside, which is perfect for snacking and is commonly eaten with yogurt or during tea time.

5. Thukpa

Thukpa is a noodle soup, which originates from Tibet, but Nepalese people simply love it very much, especially in the Himalayas. This heartwarming soup mainly consists of noodles, vegetables, and meat, notably poultry or Yak. It is ideal for warming up after a hike or in the evening when temperatures are low.

6. Chatamari

Also known as ‘Nepali pizza,’ the food mostly resembles a very thin pancake with a base of rice flour known as Chatamari. It has to be enriched through items like minced meat, eggs, and vegetables, then it is fried or baked to be crispy. It is one of the traditional Newari cuisines which tastes great and is quite satisfying to the taste buds.

7. Gundruk

Gundruk is a fermented leafy vegetable that can be also prepared using mustard, radish or cauliflower leaves. It is common in many Nepali homes, especially those in the rural setting, and it is normally taken as a relish or as a vegetable. It is made through a fermentation process that gives Gundruk a sour taste, in addition to this, it has a rich source of probiotics.

8. Juju Dhau

Juju Dhau is an exquisite yogurt originating from Bhaktapur city and is locally recognized as the ‘king of curds’. It is prepared from buffalo milk and is creamy, smooth textured with a slightly sweet consistency. Juju Dhau is one of the most famous in Nepal and it is usually consumed during festivals or any festive occasion.

9. Sukuti

Sukuti is a form of dried meat, though usually made out of buffalo or lamb, which is common in Nepal. This is done by applying some spices on the meat and exposing it to the sun then later on, it is cooked through frying or broiling. It is usually accompanied by chili sauce or can be a part of a Newari course meal. This gives it a chewy textural profile that combines with the spicy flavor to make it very appetizing.

10. Tongba

And who could talk about Nepali food without trying Tongba which is actually an alcoholic drink originating from the mountainous areas of eastern Nepal. It is ready by fermenting millet then adding hot water on it hence making it warm slightly liked an alcoholic content. Drinking from the tongba, the bamboo container is one traditional way of enjoying it especially when taken in cold climates.

Conclusion

Nepal is blessed with a diverse and vibrant food culture that reflects its geographical location, history, and the culture of the people living in the country. Whether one is relishing the bowl of Dal Bhat or exploring the marvelous taste of Newari cuisines, or even the food walking around the street, every grain of food is a history of the Nepali cuisine. While touring Nepal, allow food to be your compass and see the soul of this beautiful land in every bite.