Budha Subba Temple, Dharan, Nepal: Food Guide
Budha Subba Temple, a sacred shrine located in Dharan, Nepal, is not just known for its spiritual serenity but also for its rich culinary culture. Although the temple itself isn't directly associated with a particular food history, the city of Dharan boasts a diverse gastronomic heritage influenced by various ethnic groups like Rai, Limbu, Newar, and others. These cultural influences could certainly extend to the food offerings during festivals and occasions in and around the temple premises.
Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Dharan Near Budha Subba Temple
Below is a list of top ten must-try dishes which include both vegetarian (veg) and non-vegetarian (non-veg) options, popular among locals and tourists alike:
- Dhido (Veg) - A traditional Nepali dish made from buckwheat or millet flour served with vegetable curry or lentil soup.
- Yomari (Veg) - A sweet dumpling made of rice flour dough filled with jaggery and sesame seeds.
- Sel Roti (Veg) - A circular, slightly sweet rice bread/doughnut that is typically served during festivals.
- Momo (Non-Veg) - Nepalese dumplings filled with various ingredients, but principally chicken or buffalo meat, served with a spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Gundruk and Dhido (Veg) - Fermented leafy green vegetable served with the traditional Dhido.
- Chatamari (Veg/Non-Veg) - Often referred to as 'Nepali Pizza,' it is a rice crepe which can be topped with vegetables or minced meat.
- Sinki Soup (Veg) - A soup made from fermented radish taproot, which is a specialty of the eastern part of Nepal.
- Sekuwa (Non-Veg) - Grilled meat, often marinated with a mixture of local spices, excluding cow's meat due to religious reasons.
- Thukpa (Non-Veg) - A hot noodle soup with vegetables, spices, and either chicken or buffalo meat.
- Aloo Tama (Veg) - A unique and tangy bamboo shoot and potato curry often savored with rice.
Top Famous Restaurants Near Budha Subba Temple, Dharan
While visiting the Budha Subba Temple, here are some renowned restaurants where you can indulge in the local flavors:
- Bhanchha Ghar Restaurant
Address: Bhanu Chowk, Dharan
Famous for: Traditional Nepali thali (Veg and Non-Veg)
- Thakali Kitchen
Address: Dharan - Itahari Road, Dharan
Famous for: Thakali cuisine, including Dal Bhat (Veg and Non-Veg)
- Sagarmatha Restaurant
Address: Dharan
Famous for: Multi-cuisine offerings, popular for Sekuwa (Non-Veg)
- Yafu Restaurant
Address: Main Road, Dharan
Famous for: Momo (Non-Veg) and Newari dishes
- Aama's Restaurant
Address: BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences Rd, Dharan
Famous for: A wide variety of traditional Nepali dishes (Veg and Non-Veg)
When visiting these restaurants ensure to ask if there is a dish that is a local specialty to further enhance your culinary experience in Dharan. And most importantly, while enjoying your food, you also immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of the Nepalese people.