Food In Kathmandu

Food History of Kathmandu, Nepal

The food culture of Kathmandu is a rich tapestry woven from its diverse ethnic backgrounds and topography. The valley, being the cultural and political hub of Nepal, has seen centuries of migration and trade, which have greatly influenced its cuisine. Traditionally, the Newar community, the original inhabitants of the valley, offers a vast array of dishes, which have become synonymous with Kathmandu’s food heritage.

Nepali cuisine is also heavily influenced by its neighbors, India to the south and Tibet to the north, creating a unique fusion of flavors and ingredients. The staple foods include rice, lentils, and vegetables, while the use of spices and herbs is moderate, typically favoring fresh, subtle flavors over fiery heat.

The cuisine here is predominantly vegetarian due to Hindu and Buddhist dietary practices, although meat is also consumed except for cow, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. The geography of the valley, rich in fertile soil, allows for abundant vegetable farming, influencing the prominence of vegetarian dishes in local diets.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kathmandu, Nepal

1. Dal Bhat (Vegetarian): A traditional meal of lentil soup (dal), steamed rice (bhat), vegetables (tarkari), and pickles (achar), commonly eaten twice a day by most Nepalese.
2. Momo (Non-Vegetarian/Vegetarian): Tibetan-style dumplings filled with vegetables or buff (buffalo meat), served with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce.
3. Chatamari (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian): Often referred to as 'Newari Pizza’, this is a rice crepe topped with savories such as minced meat or vegetables and an egg.
4. Yomari (Vegetarian): A sweet delicacy, especially prepared during the Yomari Punhi festival by the Newar community. It's a steamed rice flour dumpling filled with a sweet paste of jaggery and sesame seeds.
5. Sel Roti (Vegetarian): A sweet, ring-shaped rice flour doughnut, often accompanied by yogurt or curry, popular during festivals.
6. Bara (Vegetarian): A savory, thick lentil pancake, which can also contain meat, but commonly found in vegetarian varieties in Kathmandu.
7. Aloo Tama (Vegetarian): A soup containing potatoes (aloo) and bamboo shoots (tama) with a slightly tangy taste, representative of typical Nepalese flavors.
8. Samay Baji (Non-Vegetarian): An authentic Newar snack set that usually contains beaten rice, spiced soybeans, grilled buffalo meat, and other assortments.
9. Thukpa (Non-Vegetarian/Vegetarian): A noodle soup of Tibetan origin, filled with vegetables and meat (usually chicken or buffalo) flavored with locally grown herbs.
10. Gundruk (Vegetarian): Fermented leafy green vegetable (usually mustard greens) which is often used to make a soupy dish with beans and potatoes.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kathmandu, Nepal

• Or2k
  Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Middle Eastern Platter (Vegetarian)

• Krishnarpan Restaurant
  Dwarika’s Hotel, Battisputali, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Six-course Nepali meal (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian options)

• Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop
  Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Chicken Sizzler (Non-Vegetarian)

• Third Eye Restaurant
  Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Tandoori Chicken (Non-Vegetarian)

• Bhojan Griha
  Dillibazar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Traditional Newari Set Menu (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian options)

• Fire and Ice Pizzeria
  219 Sanchaya Kosh Building, Tridevi Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Napoli Pizza (Vegetarian)

• Sarangi Vegetarian Restaurant
  Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Vegetarian Thali (Vegetarian)

• Newa Lahana
  Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal

  Famous food: Newari Cuisine (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian options)

• Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
  Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Shapta (Spicy fried beef with vegetables) (Non-Vegetarian)

• Gaia Restaurant & Coffee Shop
  Thamel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

  Famous food: Hummus with Pita Bread (Vegetarian)