Smart Travel Asia

Nepalese cuisine encompasses many delightful flavors originating from the country’s regions and many ethnic groups. A rich and diverse offering of tastes, Nepalese cuisine is a true delight to experience.

Varieties of Nepalese Cuisine

The cuisine of the Newars. The Newars are originally from the Kathmandu valley, and are now present in other towns and the Himalayan foothills. The people of this region widely use water buffalo meat in their meals. Many of the foods from this region are preserved by fermentation, which gives this particular type of Nepalese food a very distinctive flavor.

Pahari Cuisine. This kind of cuisine is usually found in the homes of the upper-caste Hindus who live in the hills, and meals are typically restricted to certain kinds of meats and vegetables. The staple food of this region is “Dal-Bhat-Tarkari”. Dal is a lentil sauce that is served on boiled rice (bhat), and usually accompanied by vegetables, pickles and chutneys. Hindus stick to fish and goat and avoid eating beef.

Terai Cuisine. This cuisine is found on the lowlands, south of Mahabharat Lekh. There are more crops grown in this region compared to other hilly parts of Nepal, and you’ll find more tropical fruits, such as jackfruit, papaya, and mango.

Himalayan Cuisine. This cuisine is enjoyed mostly by cultural Tibetan and other ethnic groups in the Northern part of Nepal. Himalayan cuisine uses grains, including millet and barley, potatoes, and yak meat.

Culinary Culture

Meals are served on large plates made of brass or stainless steel. On these plates, you will see a big mound of rice accompanied by vegetables, pickles or chutney, occasionally curd, and fish or meat. Any dish that has a sauce or gravy is served in a separate container, and is poured ver the rice. The local people usually eat with their right hands, and hands should be cleaned with water both before and after the meal.

Snacks and Beverages

Common snacks include chiura or beaten rice, Indian sweets, and popped or parched corn. Tea is a favorite beverage and is usually taken British-style, with milk and sugar. There’s nothing like sipping on a hot cup of tea as you enjoy the pleasant weather of the Kathmandu valley. You can also try jand, a homemade beer made of rice, sarbat (sugar cane juice), and chyang (beer made from millet).

Restaurants

Nepal caters to foreign tourists that come in droves to the Kathmandu valley. Although you should definitely enjoy some of the local delicacies, you’ll also find plenty of Continental, Italian, Chinese, and many types of European-style food available.