10 Famous Nepali Food You Must Try Once In Your Life

The Nepalese (or Gurkhas) are a fun loving, multi-religious and multicultural community spread over a

vast majority of Nepal and parts of North Eastern India namely, the State of Sikkim, Assam and the

District of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

The food that we eat plays a pivotal role in defining our origin, identity and culture. Nepalese cuisine is

affected by a number of factors such as ethnicity, lifestyle and climatic conditions. However, there are a

few staple eats that occupy a special place in the heart of Nepalese all over the world. They are taken

over by an overwhelming wave of nostalgia and sentimentality everytime they’re reminded of it.

Read on to find out about them!

1. Momo

Momo is a form of South Asian dumplings.  It is prepared from a mixture of wheat flour and water

dough, filled with a wide variety of minced stuffings ranging from cabbage, soybean, carrots and

cottage cheese to non-vegetarian options like pork, buffalo, chicken and beef.

They are usually steamed in a vessel, called mucktoo, designed especially for the preparation of the

dumplings. Often served with extra spicy red chilli and tomato sauce (called achaar), luscious

momos are one of the most popular Nepali fast food all over the world.

2. Kheer

Kheer is a popular dessert among the Nepalese and is prepared for feasts and celebrations. It is a type

of rice pudding, made from rice boiled in milk with sugar or jaggery and flavoured using cardamom,

cinnamon, and cloves. It is often garnished with raisins, almonds and cashews.  

Surprisingly, kheer and aloodum make for a heavenly combination in Nepalese cuisine. The sweetness

of kheer is delicately balanced with salty, spiced potatoes. In fact, they are often substituted for a meal.

Kheer can be served hot or chilled.

3. Aloo Dum

Aloo dum is a potato based dish, usually served hot and extra spicy. Although this dish is popular in other

parts of India, Nepalese style aloo dum differs in preparation and has a charm of its own.

Paired with the delicate, fluffy puris, they make for a mouthwatering combo and is a must-have in any

Nepali festivity. The combination of aloo dum and bhujia or wai wai is scrumptious and is a popular

ready to eat food in the region.

4. Gundruk

This is a special delicacy typical to Nepalese and is claimed to be one of the national dishes of Nepal.

It is prepared from fermented leafy green vegetables and has a mild sour taste.

Ideal for hot summers, it is either used to make pickles or prepared as a thin soup along with tomatoes

and mashed potatoes. It is served as a side dish with the main meal and is also used as an appetizer.

5. Churpi

Churpi is an indigenous cheese prepared in the local dairy or at home in the Himalayan regions. Prepared

from yak milk, it is similar to Italian ricotta. It is available in soft and hard textures- soft ones are used

for preparing savoury vegetable, chutney, or soup while the hard version is to be chewed like a gum.

It is a high source of protein with essential omega 3 fatty acids and actually contains a higher level of

healthy fats compared to cow’s cheese.

6. Sidra Ko Achar (Dried Fish Chutney)

Sidras are small fishes, similar to Anchovies, found in the Eastern Himalayan regions of Nepal, Sikkim,

Darjeeling, and Assam. They are popularly used to prepare traditionally processed sun-dried, salted

fish products. Sidra ko Achar is one of these delicacies, and it is used as a side dish to compliment

our traditional dal-bhat-tarkari.

These dried fishes are mashed and garnished with onion, charred chillies, and spicy chillies.

Seasoned with salt, turmeric, cumin and coriander powder, they are an all-time favourite.

7. Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a sweet, ring-shaped homemade Nepali doughnut. It is prepared with a semi-liquid rice flour

dough, flavoured with sugar, ghee, butter, cardamom, and cloves. It is then poured in a ring shape on hot

oil and fried until they turn light golden on the outside that gives way to a soft, spongy interior.

This fine confection is prepared for important Nepali festivals of Dashain and Tihar and is often sent as

special gifts to relatives and family members living away from home. Sel Roti is also an essential food

in weddings and other jubilant ceremonies.

8.Thukpa

Thukpa is a comforting noodle soup that is served hot and spicy, preferably during cold winters. Egg

noodles are generally used for its preparation. They can be cooked along with vegetables or shredded

meat. It is flavoured using charred chillies, ginger, garlic and soy sauce that gives it an authentic taste.

Easy to prepare, thukpa doesn’t need a special occasion to be prepared. It can be had for lunch, dinner or

as an evening snack when hunger pangs in! Super healthy and utterly delicious, thukpa is a comfort food

at its best.

9. Kinema

Kinema is a native fermented soybean dish which can be either had with rice or as a side dish with roti or

bread. It is often prepared at home but can be availed in local markets too.

Sticky in texture with a desirable pungent odour, it is either obsessively loved or extensively hated. There

is no in-between!

10. Sadeko (Shredded Food)

Shredded food is actually a method of food preparation often done with salads, soybean, wai-wai and

potatoes. The ingredient is first ripped into small pieces(shredded) and mixed with lots of chillies, spices,

raw onions, fresh coriander and oil (preferably mustard oil).

Easy to prepare, it gives a zesty taste that feels invigorating and is often served as a quick snack or as a

side dish with chilled alcohol.

Guest Post By Utkersha:

Kersha is an aspiring blogger and freelance writer. She enjoys writing on all things related to fashion, travel,

and wellness. Her hobbies include reading, cycling, and birdwatching.

She is reachable at kershablog@gmail.com.

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