Best Nepalese Foods You Must Try

Nepal is a beautiful country with big mountains, friendly people, and super tasty food. If you love trying different kinds of food when you travel, Nepal is the perfect place. Similarly, it has warm, homemade meals, spicy snacks, and sweet treats that you'll want to eat again and again. Nepal is also a multi-ethnic country, so all the foods are a way to preserve the culture and art of cooking. Whether you're looking for comfort food or bold flavors, there's something here for everyone.

List of Popular Nepalese Food

1. Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is quite a famous food of Nepal. In fact, it’s a simple but tasty meal that many Nepali people eat every day. The dish has steamed rice (bhat) and lentil soup (dal). It usually comes with vegetables (potato fry, seasonal vegetables), spicy pickles, and sometimes the choice of your meat like chicken or mutton gravy. However, if you’re vegetarian, you can opt for paneer curry, and if you’re vegan, you can simply devour the dal and bhat.

Additionally, Dal Bhat is healthy, filling, and full of flavor. People say “Dal Bhat power, 24 hours” because it gives you energy for the whole day. You’ll find it everywhere—from small homes to big restaurants. It is the heart of authentic Nepali cuisine.

Famous Places Known For Dal Bhat (Also called the ‘Thakali Set’)

Jimbu Thakali by Capital Grill
Mustang Thakali by State III
Lete Thakali Kitchen
Cafe De Tuchke Thakali

2. Momo

Mo are soft dumplings that typically contain meat such as chicken or buffalo. Mo:mo vendors also prepare them with vegetables like cabbage, paneer, soy, potatoes, or cheese. In addition to that, there is an option for everyone, whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian. They are one of the best Nepali dishes and a favorite Nepali snack. Similarly, vendors serve mo:mo as bite-sized delights, often paired with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce. Most people steam them, but many also fry them, add them to soup, or toss them in a chilly sauce. These little bites make the perfect lunch, dinner, or quick snack.

Whether you're at a street vendor's stall or a high-end restaurant, tasting momo is an essential part of experiencing authentic Nepali cuisine.

Famous Places Known For Mo:Mo

Bangalamukhi Mo:Mo
Mahabharat Mo:Mo
Sandar Mo:Mo
Narayan Dai ko Momo

3. Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a sweet, ring-shaped rice doughnut. The cooks make it with rice flour, ghee, and sugar, then deep-fry it in vegetable oil. It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Sel Roti, a traditional Nepali dish, is prepared during festivals like Tihar, weddings, and special family events. In addition to that, people often eat it with a hot cup of tea, it also goes well with yoghurt, spicy pickles, chickpea curries and many more. It’s slightly sweet and very comforting—perfect for cold mornings or late evenings. Its unique texture and flavor make it a standout traditional Nepali dish.

The sel-roti can be found at any local small khaja pasal and if you’re lucky and in Nepal during the festive season, you can ask a friend to make you some.

Famous Selroti shops:

Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square

Secondly, we have some Unique Flavors:

4. Gundruk

Gundruk is a traditional Nepali dish made from fermented leafy greens such as mustard, spinach, or radish leaves. To prepare it, cooks ferment the greens, then dry them in the sun. Later, they cook the dried leaves into a flavorful soup or mix them with boiled potatoes, tomatoes, and spices. People usually serve Gundruk as a side dish with rice and dal. Gundruk is rich in nutrients and offers a taste of Nepal's agricultural heritage. People also enjoy it as a pickle, mixed with toasted soybeans, onions, tomatoes, coriander, and a splash of lemon.

Furthermore, the distinct flavor profile makes it a must-try for adventurous eaters seeking authentic Nepali cuisine. It's truly a dish you won’t find in many other places.

5. Chilli Machha (Spicy Fish Curry)

Chili Machha is a fiery fish curry that's a favorite among spice lovers. Made with freshwater fish, green chilies, garlic, and a blend of spices, this dish packs a punch. Cooks typically serve it with steamed rice, where the heat from the chilies balances beautifully with the richness of the fish. It's a perfect example of how Nepali food can be both bold and comforting, offering a taste of the country's diverse culinary landscape.

If you love spicy food, Chili Machha is one of the must try foods in Nepal.

Famous Spicy Fish Curry stops:

Malekhu Area (On the way to Prithivi Highway)
Dolalghat
Kakani For Trout Fish
Rainbow Trout Godawari

6. Lassi

Lassi is a cold, creamy yogurt drink. It can be sweet (with sugar or fruits like mango) or salty (with spices and herbs). Some even come topped with nuts or pomegranate seeds. It can be a healthy afternoon pick-me-up drink if you have been touring all day around the Durbar Squares. One of the oldest and best Lassi shops can be found in Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu.

List of Popular Newari Food

The Newar community, indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, boasts a rich culinary tradition that's integral to Nepal's food culture. Newari dishes are known for their complexity, bold flavors, and cultural significance.

1. Samay Baji:

Samay Baji is a traditional Newar platter that showcases the diversity of their cuisine. This elaborate dish includes beaten rice (chiura), spicy marinated meat (chhwela), fried boiled eggs, black soybeans (bhatmaas), and a variety of pickles and salads. The plate is served with Aila or Chyaang which are traditional Newari alcoholic drinks. Samay Baji is served during festivals, religious ceremonies, and family gatherings. It's a celebration of Newar culture and a testament to their culinary expertise.

2. Yomari:

Yomari is a sweet dumpling made from rice flour dough filled with chaku (a type of molasses) or khuwa (reduced milk). It is steamed to perfection, these dumplings are traditionally prepared during the Yomari Punhi festival, marking the end of the rice harvest. The triangular shape of the Yomari is symbolic, representing prosperity and good fortune. Tasting Yomari offers a glimpse into the spiritual and culinary traditions of the Newar community.

3. Chatamari:

Chatamari is referred to as "Nepali pizza,". It is a thin rice flour crepe topped with minced meat, eggs, and vegetables. It's cooked like a pancake and is a popular Nepali snack. The dish is commonly enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, reflecting the Newari community's love for communal dining and rich flavors.

4. Bara:

Bara, also known as "Wo," are savory lentil pancakes that cooks make by mixing ground black lentils with spices and eggs. You can also eat this without the egg by requesting the seller. Cooks deep-fry Bara to a crispy golden brown and often serve it with chutney or pickled vegetables. As a staple of Newar cuisine, people enjoy Bara during festivals and in everyday meals alike. Furthermore, its hearty texture and savory taste make it a beloved traditional Nepali dish.

Famous Places in Kathmandu Valley For Newari Cuisine:

Faalcha Newari Kitchen
Honacha (oldest Newari spot)
The Village Cafe
Newa: Lahana
Sasa Twa

Conclusion

Nepal is full of exciting flavors and tasty meals, from warm Dal Bhat to spicy Choila and sweet Sel Roti. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet home-cooked meal or grab a snack on the street, the best Nepalese foods are waiting for you.

Now, it's time to pack your bags and get ready to try traditional Nepali dishes, explore new tastes, and enjoy the amazing and expansive world of authentic Nepali cuisine. Your food adventure in Nepal is just a bite away!