Top 5 Popular Food In Nepal That You Must Try

Until now you might have known about Nepal as the country where the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest lies, or the Birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. But there is more to this country than those two things, the natural sceneries, and peaceful environment. Nepal also offers a wide range of dishes that will give your taste buds a treat. Influenced by two large countries, India and China covering from all four sides, you will find the mixture of all the spicy foods from India and something healthier and lighter from China. The culture, lifestyle, and foods of Nepal have been influenced by India and China mostly but it takes inspiration from other places as well.

Despite the influence from its neighboring countries, it has been able to maintain its unique foods that come from the native people living in Nepal. Most of the foods that you will find here are a product of a religious or cultural group which is what makes it special. There are certain things that you will only be able to find here but nowhere else. Even if you do, the taste and the feeling will not be the same. However, some of the Nepali restaurants have tried their best to maintain that authenticity and make it feel and taste as good as it would when you go to the native place where it originated from.

The foods that you will find here are distinct from what you will find anywhere else in the world. The different tastes and variety mixed with the cultural background set Nepalese dishes apart. Since there is a wide range of foods coming from the communities of Nepal, restaurants have tried to offer the same experience to everyone. There are some dishes which are only prepared on special occasions like, there is one which is specifically made for the son in law when he comes to visit the house of his wife so you know how special it is. Nepali restaurants will offer you those same dishes in the city or any other place which is extra special. So let’s find out about the top 5 of such popular foods available in Nepali restaurants.

Gundruk and Dhido
Gundruk and Dhido are similar to Dal BhatTarkari but instead of rice and other curries, your main ingredients will be Gundruk and Dhido. Dhido is prepared by cooking millet flour, wheat flour, buckwheat flour, or maize flour in a traditional way. Alongside is Gundruk, which is fermented or pickled green leafy vegetables like mustard, radish, and cauliflower in an earthen pot. These two along with other curries, meat, pickle, and ghee will make a great combination. You will be able to find this dish in most authentic Nepali restaurants.

SadhekoSukuti
If you are someone who loves meat items then this is something that will win your heart. The tangy, smoky, and spicy meat dish will be a feast for your taste buds. It is prepared with dry meat which is mixed with little spices and raw onions, garlic and chills. It is served as a side dish or starter as well. You shall find sadhekosukuti in most of the places in Nepal. It would be easier to find in Newari restaurants or other authentic Nepali restaurants.

NewariKhaja
NewariKhaja which is also called ‘SamayeBaji’ or ‘NewariBhoye’ is an ethnic food of the Newari people. It is a special food which was consumed by only Newari people during certain occasions but now you can find it in many restaurants. It comprises several items like Baji(beaten rice), egg, bara, soybeans, chhoyela, achar, Aalu Tama, and Chhyang(an alcoholic beverage made from rice). You can find it at any Newari restaurants in Nepal. If you’re looking for the best NewariKhaja then visit Newari restaurants around Lalitpur (like New Lahana) because the people who prepare the food are actual Newari people in their ethnic dresses.

Momo
Momos are undoubtedly the most consumed and most popular cuisine in Nepal. It is another must-try dish in Nepal. Wherever you go in Nepal, you will be able to find momos. You might not find a restaurant that does not serve momos so it would be easy to find anywhere. Momos are dumplings in various size, flavours and shape varying from veg to non-veg items inside the dumpling. Along with that, you will also have momo sauce to dip your dumplings which will enhance its taste.

Dal BhatTarkari
This is the most common and heaviest dish that you can easily find anywhere in Nepal. This is a traditional meal that is commonly cooked anywhere in Nepal so you can also call this a national dish. You will be served rice with lentil and dal which will be complemented by many other dishes. You shall have meat, vegetables, curd, pickles or other things as per your preference. It is a common but yet popular dish which will keep you full day long. Without having dal bhattarkari your visit to Nepal is incomplete.