Nepal is known for its variety and tasty cuisine as much as it is for its towering mountains, vibrant culture, and abundance of Buddhist and Hindu temples. Nepali foods and cuisine reflect the country's many ethnic groups, climate, and geography, with influences from nearby nations such as Tibet, India, and China. The chilly weather of the Himalayan area has influenced Nepal's native cuisine. Some of the most popular and hearty staple foods used for warmth and nutrition are buckwheat, millet, high-altitude rice, and beans. Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), tea, and strong alcoholic beverages (such as rice beer) are local favourites. Featuring the best of Nepalese cuisine from throughout the country, we whisk you away to the Nepali countryside with the famous food in Nepal that you should try!
Famous food in Nepal
Dal-bhat – the staple of Nepal
Dal bhat means "rice with lentils" in its literal sense. The majority of the population in Nepal eats dahl baat, the national meal, twice a day. Even though it seems dull, lentils and rice make up so much of dal bhat. You may expect variety in the dal bhat you eat in Nepal. The lentils and rice are only the foundation. The accompanying sauces and curries give this meal its true taste.
Some Nepalese curries change with the seasons, while others use garden-fresh veggies. Curries made with potatoes, cauliflower, or pumpkin are common. The green, leafy vegetable curry known as saag is a common component of dal bath dishes. You will never get tired of Dal Bhat since there are so many different regional versions. Even though it's mostly vegetarian, there will be instances when chicken is provided. Whatever your preference, this curry is one of the most famous Nepali foods out there!
Dhindo- a rustic take on Nepali foods
Millet or buckwheat flour and water make dhindo. In hilly regions, where rice is expensive, it is a daily staple. Despite its reputation as a poor man's dish, it is seeing a surge in popularity these days. Dhindo is packed with nutrients and is great for your health. It turns out to be a delicious porridge; however, it takes on a greyish-thick appearance when prepared from millet and a yellow hue when made from cornmeal. Indulge in the accompanying curries and chutneys by tearing out bite-sized pieces and enjoying them with your hands. Truly a must-try food in Nepal if you want to try something offbeat!
Nepalese street cuisine
For breakfast, the most common street food in Nepal is deep-fried doughnuts called Sel rotis, which are formed like rings of flour. Another famous dish in Nepal is the bara pancake, which is cooked with lentils and your choice of meat, veggies, or eggs. Chatamari is a rice flour pizza that has pancakes layered with meat, eggs, cheese, and veggies. An integral component of the Nepalese cuisine is juju dhau, a sugary curd produced from buffalo milk and preserved in clay pots.
Traditionally, they offer Samay Baji during festivals. It consists of a variety of beans, aalu saag, chhoyela (grilled meat), puffed rice, egg, achaar (pickles), and vegetables presented on a tray. The Nepalese treat yomari is steamed dumplings filled with jaggery or molasses, crushed sesame seeds, cashew nuts, and shredded coconut.
Raksi- a must-try alcohol in Nepal
While walking through rural Nepal, you may come across this traditional alcoholic beverage. Raksi is a Nepalese alcohol prepared from millet or rice. The name of the drink derives from the sound it makes when combined with heated ghee and rice. It's served hot and often accompanied by fried rice; the flavour is intense and unlike anything you've ever tasted.
Potato dishes- Nepal’s popular food
- Aloo Tareko: The potatoes in Aloo Tareko are fried after soaking in a mixture of spices and lemon juice. For the most delightful evening strolls, try it on its own or with tea.
- Aloo Chilly: Aside from dahl bhat, aloo chilly is one of our favourite dishes in a typical Nepali cheap restaurant. Fry the potatoes in a sauce made of sweet and spicy tomatoes after they've marinated in the sauce. It really varies on the restaurant, but they aren't quite as hot as the name says. You can't go wrong with a little serving of Aloo Chilli for lunch or a snack.
- Aloo Tama: Aloo Tama is one of the few Nepalese curries that is really distinctive. Curry made with potatoes and fermented bamboo shoots is called aloo tama. This second ingredient gives the soup a somewhat sour flavour. Because it lacks both meat and dairy, this curry is perfect for vegans.
Thakkali thali- the taste of Nepal
The distinct culture and culinary heritage of the indigenous Thakali people are reflected in their food, which hails from the Pokhara and Mustang areas of Nepal. The peculiar cuisine of the Thakali people, who are known for their high-altitude lifestyle and trade activities, features dried ingredients and intense tastes. Green leafy vegetables fermented with soybeans (locally called gundruk), dried goat and yak meat, buckwheat and barley flour, a spicy tomato pickle, and other traditional ingredients make up a Thakali thali. Thakali cuisine in Nepal is characterised by the usage of timur, a hot pepper from the Himalayas made from the dried outer pod of the fruit of a tree in the prickly ash family. This pepper adds a unique taste to soups, vegetables, and gravies.