Kathmandu valley is the home of the Newar community who take pride in their diverse cuisine comprising over 200 dishes. Added to this are Tibetan, Indian, and Thakali specialties that make it one of the richest food cultures in South Asia. The traditional Nepalese dishes mostly feature:

• Fresh produce such as buffalo, lentils, and black soybeans
• Mustard oil, timur (Sichuan pepper), Jimbu, and Fenugreek
• Fermented and preserved foods like gundruk and tama
• Festive delicacies and rituals associated with each dish

1. Momo – The Most Popular Street Eats in Kathmandu, Nepal

No food tour in Kathmandu is complete without trying this local specialty. Momo, a steamed dumpling with a filling of buffalo, chicken, pork, or vegetables, is served with a spicy tomato achar (chutney). You can enjoy it in various preparations:

• Steamed (Plain): The most popular and ordinary way of eating momo
• Jhol momo: Momos served with a hot and spicy soup
• Fried or kothey: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside
• C-momo: Momos cooked in spicy and saucy masala

The best places to try momo are the local momo joints in Thamel, Durbar Marg, Baneshwor, Asan, and Indra Chowk. You know you have come to the right place if the joint is busy with local Nepalis. A good plate of momo with 8 to 10 pieces costs between NPR 150 – 300 depending on the type of stuffing and the restaurant.

2. Choila – The Signature Newari Specialty Dish

This is the favorite dish of the Newari people of the Kathmandu Valley. Made up of marinated and grilled buffalo meat seasoned with mustard oil, ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs. Choila is a spicy and smoky delicacy best experienced when you order it with chiura (beaten rice) and pickles on the side, together with a local drink.

• Where to find it: Newari specialty restaurants in the old city, Patan, Kirtipur, and Bhaktapur. It is also served in most traditional Nepalese restaurants as part of a Newari khaja set.
• A vegetarian version: Some places offer egg and potato-based choila.

3. Newari Khaja set and Samay Baji – The Classic Newari Meal

If you want to experience the authentic flavors of Newari cuisine, order either a khaja set or samay baji. It is a plate of beaten rice with a choice of the following:

• Choila (spicy and smoky grilled meat)
• Bhatmas sandeko (spiced black soybean)
• Aalu achar (spiced potato pickle)
• Boiled or fried egg
• Pickled radishes and ginger
• Bara (lentil cake) or wo (lentil flour steamed in banana leaf)

Samay baji is made up of a variety of delicacies and is traditionally prepared on festive occasions. However, most restaurants now serve it as a regular meal. You can find the traditional Newari delicacy in most Newari specialty restaurants in Patan Durbar Square, Kirtipur, Asan and Kel Tole, and in the old city of Bhaktapur. A khaja set or samay baji costs NPR 300 – 700 depending on the number of delicacies and the restaurant.

4. Dal Bhat and the Thakali Set – The Nepalese Everyday Meals

In Nepal, dal bhat is the most common dish and is a staple among Nepalis. It is a plate of rice, lentils soup, vegetable curry, and pickle. Most restaurants offer it in an ‘unlimited’ quantity where you can help yourself to more portions of dal, rice, and vegetables. A Thakali set is a variation of dal bhat, which originates from the Thakali people of Mustang. It comes with aromatic dal, seasonal vegetable, gundruk (fermented leaves), and timur pickle.

• Where to find it: Thakali set is available at most Thakali restaurants around Kathmandu, including Thamel and Lazimpat.
• Why to try: It is a wholesome meal that serves as the perfect lunch before exploring the valley on foot.

5. Laphing and Street Foods of Kathmandu

Laphing is a cold noodle dish that is very popular among locals and tourists. Made from mung bean, this Tibetan specialty has gained tremendous popularity in Kathmandu for its unique flavor made up of vinegar and chili. Street foods snacks are the best way to experience local flavors while being on a tight budget. Some of the must-try street foods in Kathmandu are:

Chatamari: This local street food is similar to pizza and is made from a thin rice flour pancake with various toppings. It is one of the cheapest street foods in Kathmandu.

Pani puri and chaat: A sweet and spicy street food specialty available in most street corners in Kathmandu.

Sekuwa: Marinated meat skewers are another street delicacy that is popular in Kathmandu. It is grilled over an open fire to perfection, making it juicy and tender.

Samosas and chiya: One of the most popular afternoon tea snacks in Nepal.

• Where to find them: Asan bazaar, Indra Chowk, Basantapur, New Road, and Thamel are the best places to try street foods in Kathmandu. Look for busy street vendors whose food is sizzling on hotplates.

6. Yomari and Juju Dhau – Sweet Treats for Dessert

Yomari is a steamed rice flour dumpling that is filled with molasses and sesame seeds and is popular in the winter season. It is mostly prepared on Yomari Punhi, a local festival that marks the beginning of winter.

Juju dhau, on the other hand, is a sweet and thick yogurt that is served in clay pots. It is a specialty of Bhaktapur and can be found in most sweet shops in Kathmandu.