NEPALI FOREVER

1. Momo Dumplings

Momo dumplings were traditionally only filled with minced meat, but nowadays, the fillings have diversified to include vegetables, dairy, or a combination of both. They are native to Tibet and have been brought to the Kathmandu Valley by traveling Newar merchants, and thus Nepal, where they consider them as their own.

Thanks to Tibetan diaspora, momos are also today hugely popular in India. Momo dumplings are typically steamed, but they can also be fried. They are usually shaped either into purses or into half-moons (other shapes also exist). The best-known varieties include buff momos made with water buffalo meat, sha momos made with beef or yak meat, and khasi momos with lamb or mutton filling, while both jhol momos and C-momos come served in a spicy, hot sauce.

Related: Best Gifts For People Who Are Craving For Traditional Nepali Dishes

Other noted types of momo dumplings include open momos, tarkari momos that have a vegetable filling, potato-filled momos, and cheese-filled momos. These dumplings are very versatile and can be eaten either as a snack or an appetizer. However, they are typically served as a main course with a dipping sauce on the side.

2. Dal Bhat

Dal bhat, a staple of Nepalese diet, is a combination of rice (bhat) and lentil soup (dal) served with a variety of side dishes. Depending on the type of lentils used, the dal can be either yellow or black in color, whereas barley, maize, buckwheat, and unleavened bread roti are often used as a substitute for rice.

Most common side dishes include a vegetable curry called tarkari, spicy chutneys, a crisp flatbread called papadamu, South Asian achaar pickles, stir-fried greens, and slices of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Dal bhat is considered to be a typical vegetarian dish, although it can also be prepared with meat and fish.

3. Baji

Baji is a Nepalese dish consisting of pounded rice. It is usually consumed as a snack, paired with curry, meat, yogurt, or tea. Baji is especially popular among field workers, although it is also a key part of traditional wedding ceremonies in the country.

There are two main types of baji: red and white, the red one being much crispier than its white counterpart.

4. Sekuwa

Sekuwa is a Nepalese specialty dish consisting of grilled and skewered lamb, chicken, pork, or goat meat. Before grilling, the meat is combined with fresh herbs and spices. It is one of the most popular street food items in the country. The dish is typically served with baji (pounded rice) and achar (tomato pickle).

5. Sukuti

Sukuti is a unique Nepalese dish consisting of dried meat such as lamb which is cut into thin slices and marinated in cumin, turmeric, black pepper, coriander, chili, and ginger, garlic, and onion paste. It can be consumed as it is, but it can also be charbroiled and spiced, then served as an appetizer or snack.

Many people like to combine it with achar, curries, or noodles.

6. Gundruk

Gundruk is a popular Nepalese dish made by fermenting and drying several leafy vegetables such as rayo sag, mustard leaves, radish leaves, and cauliflower, in order to produce a sour product characterized by its dark brown color. It is a versatile food item that can be served both as an appetizer or a side dish, but it can also be made into a soup.

Due to the fact that it is a great source of minerals, gundruk is especially important in rural areas of the country where people mostly feed on maize and tubers.

7. Yomari

Yomari is a flavorful Nepalese rice flour dumpling stuffed with molasses. It is prepared in a triangular (or teardrop) shape which is then steamed and served hot. The dessert is especially popular during the month of Poush. The name of the dish is derived from the words ya, meaning to like, and mari, meaning delicacy.

8. Kwati

Kwati is a traditional Nepalese stew consisting of different types of beans such as white peas, chickpeas, soya beans, mung beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas. The stew is additionally flavored with turmeric, ginger, salt, and ajwain lovage seeds.

It is especially popular on the day of Janai Purnima, and it is recommended to serve it with any kind of flatbread on the side.

9. Sel roti

Sel roti is an aromatic Nepalese doughnut-like bread consisting of rice flour, sugar, and butter. The dough is additionally flavored with spices such as cardamom and cloves. The ring-shaped dough is traditionally baked on both sides. Sel roti is usually served with tea and similar hot beverages, and it is especially popular during the Nepalese festivals of Tihaar and Dashai.

10. Choila

Choila is a specialty of the Nepalese Newari, and it consists of grilled meat - either water buffalo, chicken, or mutton. The dish is characterized by its spiciness coming from green and red chilis, along with spices such as turmeric and fenugreek seeds.

It is usually served with a side dish of pounded rice.

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