Must-Try Foods In Janakpur (Nepal) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Janakpur, Nepal

Jankapur, with its profound historical and cultural importance in Nepal, has a rich culinary tradition that is a mix of local Maithili and broader Nepalese influences. The city is considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and holds a significant place in the Hindu epic Ramayana, thus the food culture here is deeply intertwined with religious and traditional practices. The cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, following the Hindu ethos of nonviolence and religious sanctity, especially given the prohibition on cow meat due to the cow's sacred status in Hinduism. Maithil cuisine is characterized by simple yet flavorsome dishes made using local ingredients like rice, lentils, vegetables, and an array of spices.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Janakpur, Nepal

1. Chiura (Beaten Rice) - Veg: A staple food that's often served alongside other dishes.
2. Daal Bhat (Lentils and Rice) - Veg: A daily meal for most Nepali households and a must-try for its simplicity and flavor.
3. Tarkari (Mixed Vegetable Curry) - Veg: Typically eaten with rice or roti, it includes seasonal vegetables.
4. Sel Roti (Rice Flour Doughnut) - Veg: A traditional homemade, ring-shaped rice doughnut that's sweet and often enjoyed at festivals.
5. Aalu ko Achar (Potato Salad) - Veg: This spicy potato salad often accompanies other dishes in a meal.
6. Yomari (Rice Dough Dumplings) - Veg: A sweet dish made from rice dough and filled with jaggery and sesame seeds. A special delicacy in the Newar community.
7. Momo (Dumplings) - Veg/Non-Veg: Stuffed with either vegetables or meats other than cow meat, momos are a favorite snack in Nepal.
8. Bara (Lentil Patties) - Veg: A savory snack made from ground lentils and typically enjoyed with chutneys.
9. Dhido (Traditional Porridge) - Veg: This is made from flours of various millets and consumed instead of rice with vegetable curries or pickles.
10. Kheer (Rice Pudding) - Veg: A dessert made from rice, milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom, nuts, and raisins.

Top Famous Restaurants in Janakpur, Nepal

• Manaki Restaurant

  Address: Janakpur 45600, Nepal

  Famous for their Thali Set - Veg: A complete meal set with rice, daal, tarkari, pickles, and more.

• Shivam Restaurant & Sweets

  Address: Janaki Temple Road, Janakpur.

  Famous for their Sel Roti - Veg: Sweet, crispy rice flour doughnuts often served with yogurt or curry.

• London Cafe

  Address: Bhanu Chowk, Janakpur.

  Famous for their Vegetarian Pizzas - Veg: Offering a variety of Western-style pizzas with a local twist.

• 20 Number Restaurant

  Address: Chhota Bigha, Janakpur.

  Famous for their Momos - Veg/Non-Veg: Steamed or fried dumplings served with a spicy tomato chutney.

• Kumaripati Restaurant

  Address: Janakpur Dham, Janakpur.

  Famous for their Bara - Veg: Savory, spiced lentil patties that are both hearty and delicious.