Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, is a treasure trove for food lovers, especially those who enjoy street food. The bustling streets of Kathmandu are dotted with vendors selling flavorful, affordable, and authentic Nepali snacks and meals. Whether you are wandering through Thamel, Asan, or Indra Chowk, you can find a variety of delicious street foods that offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich culinary heritage.
Here are the Top 10 street foods you must try when visiting Kathmandu, complete with descriptions of their taste, textures, and where to find the best vendors.
1. Chatamari (Nepali Rice Crepe)
Often called the “Nepali pizza,” Chatamari is a thin, crispy rice flour crepe topped with savory ingredients. It originates from the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley and is a staple at festivals and street stalls alike.
Taste & Texture: The base is light and crispy, almost like a delicate pancake or thin cracker. It is topped with spiced minced meat (usually buffalo or chicken), chopped eggs, scallions, and sometimes tomatoes and chilies. The blend of spices and the crispy base make it a flavorful snack, both spicy and savory with a hint of earthiness.
Where to Eat: Head to Asan Bazaar or New Road for some of the best Chatamari stalls. Many vendors sell it fresh, cooked on a hot griddle in front of you.
2. Laphing (Cold Noodle Salad)
Laphing is a refreshing cold noodle dish made from mung bean or potato starch, cut into slippery, chewy strips. It is a specialty influenced by Tibetan and Newari cuisines, perfect for hot days.
Taste & Texture: The noodles have a jelly-like, slippery texture and are served cold with spicy sesame chili oil, crushed peanuts, chopped coriander, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a burst of spicy, tangy, and nutty flavors with a unique slippery chewiness.
Where to Eat: Laphing is popular in New Road and Basantapur. Street vendors serve it in plastic bowls or cups with chopsticks.
3. Bara (Savory Lentil Pancake)
Bara is another traditional Newari delicacy—a thick, protein-rich pancake made primarily from black lentils (urad dal).
Taste & Texture: Bara is soft and slightly spongy inside with a crispy outer layer when cooked well. It can be topped with an egg or minced meat (buff or chicken) which adds richness. The lentil base has a nutty, earthy flavor, mildly spiced with garlic and cumin.
Where to Eat: Try Bara at New Road’s street stalls or around Asan, especially in the evenings when vendors start setting up.
4. Sekuwa (Grilled Meat Skewers)
Sekuwa is Nepal’s answer to barbecue—chunks of marinated meat (buffalo, chicken, or pork) grilled over hot coals to smoky perfection.
Taste & Texture: Sekuwa is juicy and tender inside with a crisp, smoky char on the outside. The marinade typically includes spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and chili, giving the meat a bold, aromatic, and slightly spicy flavor.
Where to Eat: Sekuwa stalls can be found throughout Kathmandu, with popular spots around Thamel and Bhaktapur Road. Try stalls near Durbar Marg for authentic flavors.
5. Momo (Nepali Dumplings)
Momo are steamed or fried dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables, beloved all across Nepal.
Taste & Texture: The dough is soft and slightly chewy, enveloping juicy, flavorful meat or vegetable filling. Served with spicy tomato-based achar (sauce), momos offer a perfect balance of mild dough and zesty filling.
Where to Eat: Momos are ubiquitous in Kathmandu’s street food scene, with famous stalls near Thamel, Ratna Park, and New Road.
6. Pani Puri (Gol Gappa)
Known locally as Gol Gappa, Pani Puri is a popular South Asian street snack adapted into Nepali taste.
Taste & Texture: These are hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy, tangy tamarind water and a mix of boiled potatoes and chickpeas. The combination of the crunchy shell, tangy spicy water, and soft filling creates a burst of flavors and textures.
Where to Eat: You’ll find pani puri vendors at busy market areas like Asan and Indra Chowk, especially during evenings.
7. Sel Roti (Fried Rice Doughnut)
Sel roti is a traditional Nepali fried bread made from rice flour, commonly enjoyed during festivals but also found at street stalls.
Taste & Texture: It has a sweet and mildly fermented flavor with a crispy exterior and soft, doughy inside. It is slightly oily but delicious, often eaten with yogurt or curry.
Where to Eat: Sel roti vendors often set up near major temple festivals and around Thamel and Asan.
8. Juju Dhau (King Yogurt)
Juju Dhau is a thick, creamy yogurt from Bhaktapur, known as the “king of yogurts.”
Taste & Texture: Rich, smooth, and slightly sweet, Juju Dhau is creamy with a hint of tanginess. It’s traditionally served in small clay pots that enhance its flavor.
Where to Eat: You can find Juju Dhau in Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square and in many shops throughout Kathmandu.
9. Aloo Tama (Potato and Bamboo Shoot Curry)
Though more commonly a home dish, street vendors sometimes serve this flavorful curry as a snack or side.
Taste & Texture: The curry is tangy and spicy, made from fermented bamboo shoots and potatoes simmered in spices. It’s slightly sour with a pleasant warmth from the spices and soft potato chunks.
Where to Eat: Some street food stalls in Asan and Thamel include this curry with rice or Bara.
10. Yomari (Sweet Rice Flour Dumplings)
Yomari is a sweet delicacy made by the Newar community, especially during the Yomari Punhi festival.
Taste & Texture: These dumplings are made from rice flour and filled with a mixture of molasses (chaku) and sesame seeds. The outer dough is soft and chewy, while the filling is sweet, sticky, and rich.
Where to Eat: You can find yomari stalls during festival seasons in New Road, Asan, and near Pashupatinath.
Where to Find the Best Street Food in Kathmandu
Thamel
This tourist hotspot has an abundance of street food vendors offering everything from momos to sekuwa. The atmosphere here is lively, especially in the evenings.
Asan Bazaar
A historic market area known for its authentic Newari street foods like Bara, Chatamari, and Sekuwa. It is ideal for food lovers wanting traditional tastes.
New Road
Known for both traditional and modern street food, New Road is a convenient spot to sample Laphing, Chatamari, and Yomari.
Indra Chowk
Famous for sweets and snacks, Indra Chowk is great for trying pani puri, sel roti, and various chutneys.
Bhaktapur
Though a bit outside Kathmandu proper, Bhaktapur’s streets offer Juju Dhau and authentic Newari dishes in a historic setting.
Conclusion
Kathmandu’s street food scene is a delicious reflection of Nepal’s cultural diversity and culinary traditions. Each bite tells a story—from the spicy grilled sekuwa and tangy pani puri to the sweet, chewy yomari. Exploring these street foods not only satisfies your hunger but connects you to the heart of Nepali life and hospitality.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, be sure to sample these iconic dishes on your next trip to Kathmandu. The bustling streets await with flavors, aromas, and memories.