Nepali Food Basics
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What is Nepali food like? Did you know that Nepalis have their own original versions of pizza and pancakes?
Most Nepalis will tell you that their food is like Indian food but with some distinct differences and quirks. One of the most popular Nepali dishes is chow mein.
Read about some favorite Nepali dishes and drinks below. Also check out the Glossary of Nepali Food Terms so you can easily understand our menu.
Most Popular Dishes
Momo
Name of dish: Momo (MOH-moh)
Description: The Nepali version of dumplings, the most iconic dish of Nepal
Cooking method: Steamed, pan-fried or deep fried
Main ingredients: The dumpling filling is made of ground meat, vegetables, cheese, or a combination
Main seasonings: Onions/shallots, garlic, ginger, cilantro/coriander, sometimes finely purΓ©ed tomatoes and soy sauce
Spiciness: πΆοΈπΆοΈ
How to eat it: Use chopsticks or a fork, dip the momo in sauce
Tips from Nepalis: Momos to Nepalis are like hot dogs to New Yorkers. You haven't eaten Nepali food if you haven't tried momos.
Thakali
Name of dish: Thakali (Tah-KAH-lee)
Description: A mixed platter consisting of rice surrounded by lentils, and other ingredients served in individual small bowls
Cooking method: Steamed, fresh
Main ingredients:
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it: Mix the various ingredients with the rice
Tips from Nepalis:
Khaja
Name of dish: Khaja (Kah-JAH)
Description: A combined dish of baji (beaten rice) surrounded by other ingredients
Cooking method: Ingredients are steamed, fried, boiled
Main ingredients: Baji, achar (pickles), egg, soybeans, potatoes
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it: Mix the surrounding ingredients with the rice
Tips from Nepalis:
Chatamari
Name of dish: Chatamari (Cha-tah-MAH-ree)
Description: Nepali pizzas made from rice flour
Cooking method: Pan fried
Main ingredients: Toppings can be vegetarian or meat
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it: It's a soft dish, not crisp like western pizza; it's best to use a fork
Tips from Nepalis:
Sel Roti
Name of dish: Sel Roti (Sel-ROH-tee)
Description: It's like a cross between a doughnut and pretzel
Cooking method: Fried
Main ingredients: Rice, butter, sugar
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: Not spicy
How to eat it: Eat with yogurt, hot beverages and fried vegetables. It's OK to eat it with your fingers.
Tips from Nepalis:
Choila
Name of dish: Choila (CHOY-lah)
Description: Spiced and grilled meat
Cooking method: Grilled
Main ingredients: Water buffalo meat, or mutton, chicken, duck, mushroom
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ
How to eat it: Usually eaten with rice flakes (chiura)
Tips from Nepalis: If you see "buff" on Nepali restaurant menus, it refers to buffalo meat.
Name of dish: Sekuwa (SEH-koo-wah)
Description: This is the Nepali version of barbecue
Cooking method: Roasted
Main ingredients: Pork, lamb, goat or chicken, or a mixture
Main seasonings: Mustard oil, ginger garlic, red chili powder, black paper powder, cumin coriander powder, meat spice, soy sauce and salt
Spiciness: πΆοΈπΆοΈ
How to eat it: Use chopsticks, dip in sauce
Tips from Nepalis: You can't get the pork version at Vansha Ghar
Dhido
Name of dish: Dhido (DEE-doh); sometimes called Dhindo (DHEEN-doh)
Description: A thick porridge made by adding boiling water to buckwheat or millet, or corn meal
Cooking method: Boiled
Main ingredients: Flour, ghee, garlic, and salt or sugar
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it:
Tips from Nepalis: This is a very filling dish.
Bara
Name of dish: Bara (BAH-rah)
Description: These are Nepali pancakes
Cooking method: Fried
Main ingredients: Black lentils,
Main seasonings: Asafetida, cumin, turmeric, ginger
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it:
Tips from Nepalis:
Chow Mein
Name of dish: Chow mein (CHOW-mayn)
Description: Nepali noodles (very similar to Chinese chow mein)
Cooking method: Stir-fried
Main ingredients: Noodles, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu
Main seasonings: Onions, celery
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it: Use chopsticks, pour ketchup over it!
Tips from Nepalis:
Yomari
Name of dish: Yomari (Yoh-MAH-Ree)
Description: A dumpling made with rice with sweet fillings
Cooking method: Steamed
Main ingredients: Filling is made with sugar, sometimes ghee, nuts
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: Sweet
How to eat it: You can eat it with your fingers but it can get sticky. Use your fork if you prefer.
Tips from Nepalis:
Sapu Mhicha
Name of dish: Sapu Mhicha (Sah-poo-MEE-cha)
Description: A bag of buffalo tripe stuffed with bone marrow
Cooking method: Boiled and fried
Main ingredients: Buffalo tripe, bone marrow
Main seasonings:
Spiciness: πΆοΈ
How to eat it: Place the sapu mhichΔ bag in your mouth and hold the tied end between the forefinger and thumb. The bone marrow will stay inside your mouth when it gushes out as you bite into the bag.
Tips from Nepalis: It's a little like eating Shanghai dumplings
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Popular Nepali Drinks
Raksi
Name of drink: Raksi (RAHK-see)
Description: Alcoholic drink made with millet or rice. It is clear like vodka or gin, tasting somewhat like Japanese sake. It is in CNN's list of the world's 50 most delicious drinks :)
Tips from Nepalis: Most Nepalis will drink their raksi neat. There aren't many mixed drinks made with raksi.
Name of drink: Tongba (TOHNG-bah)
Description: Alcoholic drink prepared by cooking and fermenting whole grain millet. Some Nepalis call it chhang.
Tips from Nepalis:
Pairing Nepali Food with Drinks
While most Nepalis are not in the habit of pairing Nepali dishes with wine, beer or other drinks, here are some tips from some Nepali sommeliers.
Off dry style young Rieslings from Germany ( Mosel, Pfalz, Rheingau) work well
Light young Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, Loire France would also work for many Nepali dishes
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