If you’re planning a trip to Nepal and wondering what to eat, you’re in for a culinary adventure. Nepali food is a vibrant mix of flavors influenced by Himalayan traditions, Indian spices, and Tibetan comfort food. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or exploring Kathmandu’s bustling streets, tasting authentic Nepali cuisine is a must-do.
Here are 20 traditional Nepali foods to try when in Nepal, a perfect guide for food lovers and curious travelers alike.
1. Dal Bhat (Lentil Soup with Rice)
Dal Bhat is Nepal’s everyday staple and considered the fuel of the nation. It’s a wholesome plate of lentil soup served with steamed rice, seasonal vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat. The flavors vary by region, and it’s beloved for its simplicity, nourishment, and endless refills in local eateries.
2. Momo (Nepali Dumplings)
Momos are Nepal’s most popular snack, inspired by Tibetan cuisine but uniquely local. These dumplings are filled with minced meat or vegetables, wrapped in dough, and steamed or fried to perfection. They’re served with spicy tomato-based chutneys and come in varieties like steamed, jhol (in broth), or chili-fried.
3. Sel Roti (Sweet Rice Bread)
Sel Roti is a festive treat made from rice flour, sugar, and ghee, deep-fried into golden, doughnut-like rings. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s often eaten with yogurt or curry. You’ll find it especially during Tihar and Dashain festivals, as a symbol of prosperity and family bonding.
4. Gundruk (Fermented Leafy Greens)
Gundruk is a tangy dish made by fermenting mustard or radish leaves, often turned into a soup or served as a side. It’s rich in fiber and probiotics and has a strong, earthy flavor. A traditional food of the hills, Gundruk showcases Nepal’s ingenious preservation methods and resourceful cooking.
5. Chatamari (Rice Flour Pancake)
Known as the “Nepali pizza,” Chatamari is a thin rice flour crepe topped with minced meat, egg, and vegetables. It’s a popular Newari dish made during celebrations and also sold as street food. The crisp base and savory toppings make it a delightful fusion of taste and tradition.
6. Samosa
The Nepali version of samosa is a street-side favorite filled with spicy mashed potatoes, peas, and herbs, wrapped in a crunchy golden shell. Often served with sweet or tangy chutneys, it’s a budget-friendly snack enjoyed with a cup of milk tea. It’s a quick bite you’ll crave again and again.
7. Pani Puri
These crispy, hollow balls are filled with a flavorful mix of spiced water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and chutney. Popular among locals of all ages, Pani Puri stalls are common in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Eating one after another is a fun, tangy experience that makes this dish addictive.
8. Sekuwa (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Sekuwa is a smoky, chargrilled meat skewer marinated with local spices, garlic, and ginger. It’s typically made from buffalo, chicken, or pork, and served with pickles or puffed rice. Found in roadside stalls and sekuwa corners, it’s a must for barbecue lovers exploring Nepali cuisine.
9. Aloo Chop (Potato Patties)
Aloo Chop is a deep-fried mashed potato fritter seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s commonly sold in tea shops and local markets. Often served with spicy chutney, it’s perfect for a light, flavorful snack.
10. Chatpate (Spiced Puffed Rice Snack)
Chatpate is a crunchy mixture of puffed rice, chopped onions, chilies, coriander, and tangy pickles. It’s spicy, sour, and slightly sweet, giving your taste buds a jolt. You’ll find it in paper cones sold by street vendors, especially popular among students and teens.
11. Thakali Khana Set
The Thakali set is a refined version of Dal Bhat that comes from the Thakali community in the Mustang region. It includes rice, lentils, saag (greens), meat curry, and spicy pickles, all beautifully arranged. Known for its clean flavors and balanced portions, it’s a favorite for food connoisseurs.
12. Yomari (Steamed Rice Dumpling with Sweet Filling)
Yomari is a traditional Newari dessert made from rice flour dough shaped into a fig and filled with jaggery and sesame seed paste. It’s steamed until soft and served warm during the Yomari Punhi festival. Symbolizing harvest and abundance, it’s a sweet bite rich with cultural meaning.
13. Bara (Savory Lentil Pancake)
Bara is a fluffy lentil pancake made from ground black lentils, often enhanced with eggs or minced meat. Fried until golden brown, it’s both hearty and protein-rich. This Newari dish is enjoyed during festivals or as a snack with achar and chiya (milk tea).
14. Khasiko Masu (Goat Curry)
Khasiko Masu is a spicy, slow-cooked goat curry often served during festivals and family gatherings. Infused with bay leaves, cumin, and fresh herbs, the curry has a thick, savory gravy. It’s usually enjoyed with rice or sel roti and holds a special place in celebratory meals.
15. Dhido (Traditional Buckwheat Porridge)
Dhido is a thick porridge made from millet or buckwheat flour stirred into boiling water until firm. Traditionally eaten in rural areas, it’s served with gundruk, meat curry, or lentil soup. It’s considered a superfood due to its high fiber and gluten-free properties.
16. Lalmohan (Nepali Gulab Jamun)
Lalmohan is a dessert made of deep-fried milk balls soaked in sugary syrup. Slightly denser than its Indian counterpart, it has a rich texture and sweet aroma. Served during weddings and religious ceremonies, it’s a delightful way to end a meal.
17. Juju Dhau (King of Yogurt)
Juju Dhau is a thick, creamy yogurt from Bhaktapur made using buffalo milk and served in clay pots. It’s sweet, velvety, and often eaten as a dessert or offering. This yogurt is so beloved that it’s dubbed “king yogurt” for its regal taste and texture.
18. Khir (Rice Pudding)
Khir is a simple but beloved rice pudding made by boiling rice with milk, sugar, and cardamom. Often topped with nuts and raisins, it’s made during birthdays, pujas, and festivals. Served warm or cold, it offers a comforting finish to any Nepali meal.
19. Tongba (Hot Fermented Millet Beer)
Tongba is a traditional hot alcoholic drink from eastern Nepal made by fermenting millet and pouring hot water over it. Sipped through a bamboo straw, it’s perfect for warming up during cold mountain nights. Sharing a tongba is also a social ritual in Limbu and Rai communities.
20. Chiya (Nepali Spiced Milk Tea)
Chiya is the heartbeat of daily life in Nepal. This sweet and milky black tea is brewed with cardamom, cloves, and sometimes ginger. Whether you’re starting your day or taking a break, chai brings people together in homes, offices, and roadside stalls across the country.
iscover the Flavor of Nepal
Exploring Nepali food is one of the best ways to connect with the country’s people and traditions. These 20 dishes represent not only flavors but the history, diversity, and hospitality of Nepal. From family kitchens to street stalls and mountain tea houses, each bite tells a story.
So next time you’re wondering what to eat in Nepal, let this guide be your food map. Don’t hesitate to go beyond the tourist menus, visit local eateries, join a food tour, or accept a home-cooked meal. The taste of Nepal is waiting for you.