Nepalese Cuisines: The 10 Best Foods of Nepal to Try in 2025/26

The cuisine of Nepal is a delightful fusion of many cultural influences. There is a common misconception that Nepalese cuisine is limited to momos and thukpas. Nepalese cuisine is a blend of flavours, traditions, and cultural history. If you visit Nepal and enter a Nepalese home, you will discover many best foods of Nepal to try on every occasion.

The cuisine of the Terai region in the south is more comparable to Indian cuisine than that of other regions. On the other hand, the food from Nepal in the northern hills is more like Chinese and Tibetan food.

Nepalese people eat a lot of meat, like chicken, mutton, and fish, but there are also many vegetarian options. Nepalese food is also often made with ghee and different spices, both dairy products.

Some foods from Nepal are very important to the culture. So many dishes with unique flavours are served at weddings, festivals like Dashain and Tihar, and other special events. In the same way, serving chiya (tea) to guests is a sign of hospitality in Nepalese culture. During religious ceremonies, it is also common to give food to gods and offer food to gods.

In Nepal, the caste system is also connected to food. Certain foods and ways of eating are linked to certain castes. But this part of Nepalese culture is modifying as the country gets more modern and has more people from different backgrounds.

10 Best Foods of Nepal to Try

Nepal has a lot of interesting places to see, but its food is just as interesting. Nepalese food is close to the culture and feelings of the Nepalese people. It is made from recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.

If you want to get a true feel for Nepali culture, you absolutely have to experience some of these traditional dishes. These cuisines each have their own signature flavors and aromas, each of which contributes something unique to your overall experience of Nepal.

If you ever visit Nepal, there are a few local delicacies that you just cannot miss out on trying. Let us have a look at some of the most traditional and best foods of Nepal to try, shall we?

1. Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is a traditional and one of the best foods of Nepal to try, consisting of rice and lentils. The people of Nepal believe it to be the country’s signature dish. This warming combination of flavors and heat would be ideal on a day when the temperature is low. It is usually served with tarkari, pickles, and greens. Tarkari stands for a spicy mixture of vegetables and greens.

Dal Bhat is served on a huge metal platter with papadums. Dal Bhat is the ideal vegetarian Nepalese cuisine, but you can add a side of meat curry if you choose. Nepalese are well-known for their chicken, lamb, and fish curries served with Dal Bhat.

Dhal Bhat is known as Nepal’s staple dish. Dal Bhat with veggie curry, greens, and pickles is a great choice for trekking in Nepal. It is a balanced meal with sufficient carbohydrates, protein, liquids, vitamins, and minerals. Even regularly, the majority of Nepalese consume rice at least once every day.

After fueling their bodies with a hearty supper of dal bhat, you can relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee and prepare to set out on the trail for the day. The greatest feature is that most restaurants do not charge extra money for additional portions of rice, so you may get a second, third, or even fourth helping without breaking the bank.

The following is a list of some of the restaurants in the Kathmandu Valley that are known for having some of the best Dal Bhat.

2. Newari Khaja Set (Samay Baji)

Samay Baji is offered at all Newar celebrations and is believed to bring good fortune, happiness, money, and longevity. In many religious ceremonies, it is also given as a gift to gods, goddesses, and the dead. This delicious variety has chiura, which is beaten rice or baji, as well as chhoila, aaloo tama, aaloo jeera, anda, achar, and aila.

The Newari khaja set dates back to the earliest days of the Newari culture in Nepal, when electricity and gas were not available. Back then, the only way to cook food was by burning wood, which was certainly a difficult operation. As a result, Newari people consumed only two meals per day; hence, the Samaya baji set is sufficient for one dish.

In addition, farms were frequently placed far from settlements. So, farmers had to travel great distances without shade, rest, or shelter to reach their land. Due to its ready-to-eat and nutrient-rich nature, Samay baji is still a popular dish for these reasons.

Although, unlike in the past, the Newari khaja set is now more of an occasional pleasure than a way of life, and is popular outside of the Newari community. The individuals began to engage with various cultures and customs, and it has now a popularity among all groups.

There are numerous restaurants in Nepal that provide authentic Newari food. Even in the country’s capital, there are many Newari diners and restaurants with ambiance and food that reflect the culture of the Newari people. However, the Newari dish is one of the best foods of Nepal to try, which has received praise from visitors, too.

Below is a list of restaurants in the Kathmandu Valley that serve the best Samaya Baji (Newari Khaja Set).

3. Momo

Well, the official national meals of Nepal include gundruk, dhedo, and Dal Bhat, but we all know that Momos is the unofficial national food of Nepal. Who would not enjoy these wheat bits stuffed with flavorful ingredients and served with momo pickles or soup? Nepalis consider momo one of the best foods of Nepal to try.

Momo is now very popular all over the world. Momo is thought to have originated in Tibet, where it is most commonly known as dumplings. In the Kathmandu Valley and among the Newar people, Momo was well-known. People think that when Newar sellers went to Tibet to do business, they took the Tibetan dumplings with them and made them in their style. This is how momos in Nepal first appeared.

But Nepal is known for serving momo in hotels and even in people’s homes. This has been going on for a long time. This is another well-known Nepalese food.

In restaurants, you can get different kinds of momo in Nepal. Here are the main kinds of momo that most Nepalese restaurants serve;

• Steamed Momo
• Fried Momo
• Kothey Momo
• Jhol Momo
• Chilli Momo
• Sadheko Momo (Garlic, ginger, red onions, cumin, coriander, and chilies are some of the spices and natural ingredients that go into steam momo.)
• Cheese Momo
• Chocolate Momo

One can find a variety of Momo options and select one based on their preferences. Vegetarians can select between paneer momo and momo with other vegetables. For non-vegetarians, stuffing options include beef, chicken, mutton, pork, and many others. 

Aside from its versatility, another thing that made the momo popular was that it was cheap and easy to find. Momo is cheap and can be found everywhere, from fancy five-star hotels to street stalls. It used to cost Rs 10 per plate, but because of inflation, it now costs at least Rs 90, and some restaurants charge more. But on average, it costs about 150 rupees, which is cheap, especially in comparison to other foods.

4. Thukpa

In Nepal’s freezing hills, piping-hot soups are extremely popular. This includes thukpa, a classic Kathmandu noodle soup. Thukpa is a soup with thick noodles, vegetables such as onions, potatoes, cabbage, peas, or carrots, optional buffalo or chicken meat, eggs, and chickpeas.

Tomatoes and many spices improve the soup’s flavor. An actual flavor explosion! This wonderful recipe is necessary, particularly on cold winter days. Nepal’s version of Thukpa, unlike other South Asian versions, is influenced by both Tibet and China. The smell of the soup will stimulate your appetite, and the spices will excite your taste buds. There are a variety of restaurants in Kathmandu where you may engage in Nepalese cuisine.

5. Juju Dhau

Juju Dhau is known as “The King of Yogurt” among the Nepali society. Juju Dhau is a well-known yogurt prepared in Nepal, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley (Bhaktapur). The term “Dhau” refers to a sweet yogurt typically created by the Newar community, a Nepalese indigenous people.

Juju Dhau, a yogurt made from milk, is produced through bacterial fermentation, a metabolic process that transforms sugar into acids, gases, and alcohol. This phenomenon occurs in yeast and microbes.

Juju Dhau is often made with buffalo milk. After boiling the buffalo milk, it is placed into a traditional clay pot known as a “kataura” or a “maato ko’ kataura.”

Before this operation, the clay pots are submerged in water to stop them from absorbing the milk from the curd. Spices such as coconut, cardamom, etc., provide a mouth-watering sweetness without the addition of sugar.

Its sweetness, richness, and creaminess have made Bhaktapur famous and one of Nepal’s most popular cities. Dhau means “purity,” and it has become important to use its purity in many parts of Nepalese religions and festivals, like Dashain, Tihar, Lohsar, and many others.

One can get a cup of juju dhau from any shop in the area of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

6. Selroti and Achaar

Selroti is a rice-based dish that resembles a deep-fried ring of bread that is equally crispy, sweet, and fluffy. Sel Roti, a combo of a doughnut and a bagel, is one of the most popular snacks in Nepal during holidays like Tihar.

It is sweet and crunchy, and it tastes best with pickles or vegetables. The spice of the vegetables or achar goes well with the sweetness. This dish should be on your list of things to eat because it is often served at festivals in Nepal.

Selroti used to only be made for festivals, as mentioned above, but now it is so popular that many people like to eat it every day. People like to have it for breakfast with tea, so sweet shops make it early in the morning.

Aalu achaar is a typical pickled potato dish that goes well with Dal Bhat and Selroti. Potatoes that have been boiled are cut into small cubes and then mixed with a variety of spices. The sweetness of the selroti and the heat of the aalu achaar work well together. So, if you go to Nepal, you shouldn’t be afraid to try selroti and achaar.

7. Chatamari

Chatamari is another Newari item on the list made out of rice flour. Chatamari is typically a deep-fried dish made of a thick batter of rice flour, with different ingredients added to decorate the top, giving it an exotic appearance and taste.

People also call it Nepali pizza, but the spices are different, and the base is thinner and crispier than a pizza. People who do not eat meat can top their chatamari with meat, but vegetarians can also use vegetables.

Chatamari may not be available in all Newari restaurants, but the restaurants of Newari khaja set we mentioned above serve Chatamari as well. Chatamari has a flavor characteristic of Nepal, making it a must-try delicacy. People serve Chatamari in different styles: open and flat, similar to a pizza, or fold it into half or quarters.

8. Kwati

Kwati is a hot soup made with a combination of nine beans, including mung beans (mung), field peas (kerau), black-eyed peas (bodi), soya beans (bhatmas), red kidney beans (rajma), fava beans (bakulla), chickpeas/whole grams (chana), black grams (mas), and white beans (kerau) (seto simi).

According to tradition, farmers used to eat kwati, which is full of nutrients, in August to get their energy back after planting rice during the monsoon. Consequently, consuming kwati has not only cultural importance but also health benefits.

Typically, Nepalis produce Kwati by sprouting beans for three to four days; the sprouts start to form, which has many healthful benefits. Sprouting beans and grains generally makes them simpler to digest. Soaking and sprouting beans also makes enzymes that help with digestion and make many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc., more available and easy to absorb.

Additionally, it is extremely good for women who are in their motherhood years. Even though we serve Kwati in the same way as other soups, it smells different from other bean soups. Additionally, you can add water to the soup to change its consistency. A coriander garnish adds more value to the soup and makes the dish more appetizing.

9. Sukuti Sadheko

The flavor of this dry buff pickle is a unique combination of sour, spicy, garlicky, and somewhat sweet buttery notes. It is a straightforward recipe that requires few ingredients. Sukuti refers to any readily available dried meat in Nepal.

Sukuti is the greatest appetizer to have if you appreciate meat and are not a vegetarian. Sukuti has long been used by the community as a protein source to add variety to the diet in hilly areas during the winter months.

Today, food is readily available in all areas of Kathmandu and is prepared in a variety of ways. Sukuti Sadheko is one of the most popular Sukuti dishes. We recommend combining your lunch/dinner with Sukuti Sadheko as a side dish.

10. Mutton Curry 

Mutton Curry is a non-vegetarian cuisine that is very popular in Nepal. Mutton is one of the most desired meats in Nepal, and during any special occasions or festivals, it is mutton that people prepare as a treat. It is made in various ways, like grilled mutton sautéed in a chili mixture, slow-roasted, etc. The most common way to make mutton in Nepal is gravy mutton, which Nepalis love to have with rice. 

Other best foods of Nepal to try

But that is not all; there are so many types of Nepalese cuisine that it is difficult to list just ten of them. However, the meals above are readily accessible.

Here we mention additional foods that are loved by visitors during their visit. 

Dhikri (Nepali Steamed Rice Cake)

Dhikri is a steamed rice cake that is traditionally prepared by the Tharu people of southern Nepal. It is a necessary ingredient for the Maghi festival. The community also offers food at other celebrations, like Dashain. It is made by combining warm water and rice flour to form a dough.

Yomari

Yomari, also known as yamari, is a specialty of the Newar community in Nepal. It is a steamed dumpling that consists of a rice flour exterior and sweet contents, such as chaku and khuwa. The delicacy plays a vital role in Newa society and is an integral part of the Yomari Punhi festival, which annually takes place around the December full moon.

Pani puri and Chatpate

Panipuri is a crisp, round, hollow fried-dough crust that yields to soft, savory mashed potatoes with a touch of masalas and fresh coriander, which you have to dip in sour and spicy chutneys.

Chatpate is a chaat variation made of puffed rice, dry quick noodles, chickpeas, cucumber, fresh coriander (cilantro), potato, tomato, peas, fresh chili, onion, and spices. Generally, the same restaurants serve both dishes in Kathmandu; the two foods are like best friends.

Laphing

Depending on the recipe, people make laphing with potato, mung bean, or wheat flour starch. After the extract has been cooked and allowed to settle for an entire night, it is sliced into long noodles-like pieces and served with a dipping sauce made from vinegar, soy sauce, garlic water, red chili paste, salt, and sesame oil.

There are numerous variations of laphing, such as adding chips, noodles, peanuts, etc. You can taste laphing in two distinct ways, namely dry and soup.

Chicken Chilli

Chicken chilly consists of chicken pieces fried in a coating of cornflour and then mix with a combination of veggies and sauces. It is a popular Hakka-Chinese chicken dish in Indo-Chinese cuisine. This may comprise several dry chicken preparations in Nepal. Although boneless chicken is typically used in this recipe, some individuals also use chicken with bones.

Lassi

Lassi is a popular drink in Nepal that consists of yogurt, spices, water, and often fruit. Even though the drink is similar to a smoothie, it is different because it has a thick, velvety texture that comes from the yogurt. Indrachowk is the hub for consuming Lassi in Kathmandu.

Sapu Mhicha (Bone Marrow)

Sapu Mhicha is a Newa delicacy made of tripe wrapped in buffalo leaf and packed with bone marrow. It is not widely known because it is not particularly popular, and not everyone will enjoy its flavor. But unquestionably a delicious meal from Nepal that contains plenty of nutrients that are highly useful to human health.

DHIDO NEPALI FOOD – Saving the Best for Last

Keeping the best for last, Dhido is the most traditional dish. This food represents Nepali food culture that you should try out. Dhindo is made from powdered buckwheat or millet. Typically, we can use any type of flour to make dhindo, as it is just a blend of hot water and ground grain.

Some people believe that Dhido lacks flavor due to the absence of spices; however, many people appreciate its natural flavor. The Dhido is typically served with lentil soup, vegetable curries, and pickle as a side dish. Meat, yogurt, and various other condiments are optional side dishes. Mutton and Local Chicken Gravy are two of Dhido’s most popular meats.

Some of the best restaurants in Kathmandu where you can find Dhido are: