Admin UserNepali cuisine reflects the country's mix of mountains, hills and lowlands, and of Hindu, Buddhist and Newar traditions. It is simpler than Indian food and gentler on the spice, but full of flavour: lentils, rice, fermented greens, dumplings and fresh herbs. This list of Nepali food gives you 15 dishes worth seeking out, what each one is and where to try it. For a wider introduction, see our Nepali food guide.
The everyday classics
1. Dal bhat. Rice with lentil soup, a vegetable curry, a pickle and often greens, served on a metal plate. It is the national meal, eaten twice a day by millions of people, and in most places the dal, rice and vegetables come with free refills. "Dal bhat power, 24 hour" is the trekkers' joke.
2. Momo. Steamed or fried dumplings filled with buffalo, chicken, vegetables or cheese, served with a spicy tomato sauce. You will find them everywhere, from street stalls to restaurants. Try them steamed first, then fried or in a spicy "jhol" soup.
3. Thukpa. A warm noodle soup with vegetables or meat, popular in the mountains and Tibetan communities. It is a good, filling meal on cold days.
4. Dhido. A thick porridge of buckwheat or millet flour, eaten with gundruk (fermented greens) soup or meat curry. It is a traditional hill food and gives plenty of energy.
Snacks and street food
5. Sel roti. A ring-shaped, slightly sweet rice-flour bread, deep-fried until golden. It is especially popular during Tihar and Dashain, and often served with potato curry or tea in the morning.
6. Chatamari. A thin rice-flour crepe from the Newar community, topped with minced meat, egg or vegetables. It is sometimes called Nepali pizza, though it is lighter and crisp.
7. Bara. A fried lentil patty from the Newar kitchen, often served with egg on top. It is a classic snack in Kathmandu.
8. Sukuti. Dried, spiced meat, usually buffalo, eaten as a snack with drinks. It is chewy and flavourful.
Newar and festival foods
9. Samay baji. A Newar set of beaten rice (chiura), grilled meat, boiled egg, black soybeans, ginger and pickle. It is a festival and feast dish and a good way to sample many flavours on one plate.
10. Yomari. A steamed rice-flour dumpling shaped like a fig, filled with sweet molasses and sesame, served in December around Yomari Punhi. It is a seasonal sweet worth trying if you are in the Kathmandu Valley.
11. Choila. Grilled, spiced buffalo meat with ginger, garlic, chilli and mustard oil. It is a favourite of Newar feasts.
12. Juju dhau. "The king of curd," a thick, creamy, sweet yoghurt set in clay pots, famous in Bhaktapur. Try it after a day of sightseeing; you can taste it on our Bhaktapur and Panauti Day Trip.
Regional specialities and drinks
13. Aloo tama. A tangy curry of potato and fermented bamboo shoots, common in the hills and a good vegetarian option.
14. Thakali set. A meal from the Thakali people of the Annapurna region: rice, dal, vegetables, spicy pickle and sometimes buckwheat or local meat. Thakali restaurants are known for being clean, generous and well-seasoned.
15. Chiya. Nepali milk tea, brewed with milk, sugar and sometimes ginger or cardamom, sold in tiny cafés and roadside stalls. It is sweet, hot and the best excuse to pause.
Where to eat in Kathmandu
Thamel has restaurants for every budget, but the best local food is a short walk away. The lanes around Asan and Indra Chowk have snack stalls and tiny kitchens. For traditional Newar food, look for the small restaurants called bhojanalaya in Patan and Kirtipur. If you would like a guide, our Kathmandu Street Food Walking Tour includes around eight tastings, and our Nepali Cooking Class teaches you to make dal bhat and momo. On the trail, the menus are simpler, so read our Nepal trekking guides for what you can expect to eat.
Tips for eating safely and well
- Choose busy places. A restaurant or stall with lots of local customers cooks food fresh and turns it over quickly.
- Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice in drinks unless you know it is made from filtered water.
- Ask about spice. Most dishes are mild, but chilli pickle (achar) can be fiery. Ask for it on the side.
- Vegetarians do well. Dal bhat, vegetable momo and many Newar dishes are vegetarian, and many hotels and lodges offer vegetarian versions.
- Try the set meal. A thali is often the best value and lets you taste several dishes.
For prices and daily budgets, see our guide to how much a trip to Nepal costs. The Nepal Tourism Board also has visitor information on food and culture.
One more tip: ask your guesthouse or guide where they eat. Families who run lodges and tour companies usually know the cleanest and tastiest local restaurants, and are happy to point them out. If you only have one evening in Kathmandu, a plate of dal bhat followed by juju dhau and a cup of chiya is a simple, satisfying way to taste the country. Eating together is central to Nepali hospitality, so do not be surprised if you are offered a second helping before you have finished the first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national dish of Nepal?
Dal bhat, rice with lentil soup and vegetable curry, is the everyday national meal, while momo is the most popular snack.
Is Nepali food spicy?
Generally mild to medium. Chilli pickles and some sauces can be hot, but you can control how much you add.
Is Nepali food good for vegetarians?
Yes. Many staples, including dal bhat, vegetable momo, aloo tama and sel roti, are vegetarian, and most restaurants offer vegetarian options.
What should I try first in Nepal?
Start with dal bhat and steamed momo. Then try sel roti for breakfast, chatamari or bara as a snack, and juju dhau for dessert.
