Unique things you can purchase in Nepal

The beautiful country of Nepal has so much to offer from beautiful mountains to extremely rich culture. The colorful prayer flags, dramatic landscape, serene nature and friendly people, it is hard to detach yourself from loving Nepal. Here in Nepal, you’ll find all sorts of unique souvenirs to take back with you. Check out the guide of souvenirs for you splurge on your next trip.

Pashmina shawls

Pashmina shawls happen to be one of the most sought after products in Nepal. From water Pashmina to silk or cotton blends to 100% Pashmina, you'll find a large variety of such shawls in the markets of Nepal. These are extremely warm and soft, and perfect for gifting purpose. However, the prevalence of counterfeit goods and the rarity of fixed prices make it a challenge to find authentic items, so you need to have a sharp eye here.

Tibetan prayer flags

When traveling to Nepal you may notice colourful flags fluttering at important places around the country. These colourful flags are Tibetan prayer flags, or dar cho, intended to increase life, fortune, wealth and health of all sentient beings. With symbols, sacred texts and mantras etched onto them, they are believed to generate spiritual vibrations that are released when blown by the wind carried in the air as silent prayers. You can hang them in your garden to remind you of your trip. These prayer flags are easily available at tourist souvenir shops around Kathmandu.

Handicrafts

From miniature Hindu and Buddhist deities to life-sided carved wooden masks to terracotta puppets, handicrafts are in abundance in Nepal. These one-of-a-kind handmade crafts are intricately detailed and make for beautiful wall hangings and show pieces. Just don’t buy antique pieces, as it’s illegal to take them out of the country.

Statues and masks

The art and craft of Nepal are unique to the country. The beautiful cities of Kathmandu offers variety of statues of local Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The shops also offers wide variety of mask of various mythical creature. Some of these masks are actually worn during special occasions and celebrations. For example,  during traditional dances like Lakhe dance, or during religious mimicry. This may be a perfect thing to take if you love some nice piece of arts with a unique blend of antique culture.

Singing Bowls

For starters, this is not a utensil. It is a musical instrument, shaped like a bowl. A small wooden thick stick is provided with the bowl. When you strike the bowl with the stick, you will hear a shrill sound. Based on the intensity of striking, you can create a rhythmic music. The cost of the souvenir varies with the quality of the bowl. Some are made with metal and some with brass. The most decorated the bowl is, the most costlier it is. The vibration of the bowl is said to induce peace and reduce chronic problems in the body.

Spices

The Himalayan country of Nepal is famous for its unique spices and rare herbs. The fragrance of these distinctive herbs can be felt in every Nepalese kitchen. As you stroll around the local market and alleyways, you come across the pleasant aroma of fresh spices. The bazaars in Nepal is filled with multiple spices, some of which is unique to the country. You can also try out some of the famous Ayurvedic medicines (with consultation) or cosmetic items made in Nepal.

Read more: Discover the best traditional dishes in Nepal

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Indulge in Nepali's unique cuisine

Nepali Cuisine combines a range of ingredients, techniques and characteristics from its neighboring countrie,s with its own gastronomic history.

Pulao

Rice is the obvious staple for many Nepalese dishes, just like many other Asian countries. The fried rice dish of Pulao (also know as Pilaf and Pilau) is popular with locals and visitors. Vegetable pulao in particular can be found throughout Nepal, and consists of fried rice with vegetables which have been lightly seasoned with turmeric and cumin. Accompaniments to the dish can vary from yoghurt to papadams, and the subtle flavors brought out by the fragrant rice means the dish is a regular feature at social events and times of celebration within the country.

Dal Bhat

Due to farming restrictions in some of the higher regions of Nepal, rice is often substituted with other grains, such as cornmeal and barley, in addition to potatoes, unleavened breads and dhido (a porridge-like consistency, made using flour and hot water). This is most obvious when looking at the indisputably popular dish, Dal Bhat. If Nepal had a national dish, this would be it. Having crossed the border from Bengal, Dal Bhat consists of a rice (or substitute) centre, alongside lentils which are surrounded by various different dishes. Sides can include pickles, curried dishes, meat or fish, yoghurt, and chutney. Rice in Nepal is regularly replaced with roti, an unleavened bread. The variations of this dish are countless, but it is important when visiting to try at least one of them in order to get an authentic taste of Nepalese cuisine.

Momo

Momo are Nepal’s version of dumplings, and usually contain steamed vegetables or meat. Momo are usually accompanied by one or two dips, often with a tomato base or fermented vegetables. Condiments in Nepal are sometimes quite spicy, and often contain raw chili and garlic. Similar to the Gyoza found in Japan, momo are also consumed in parts of India, Bhutan and Tibet, and are a very popular snack. There are some interesting variants of momo, with fillings involving cheese (paneer or chhurpi) or potato. For the most flavorsome momo, the traditional meat and vegetable varieties are a must eat. For good quality Nepalese dumplings, in addition to other traditional foods from Nepal, travelers favor Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop in Kathmandu.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a Nepalese hot noodle soup, containing pieces of meat and vegetables. This wintry delicacy is popular in Kathmandu and other mountainous regions of Nepal, being a warming and comforting dish. Meaning ‘noodle’ in Tibetan, Thukpa takes influences from both Tibet and China, and is often seen eaten alongside momo. The carefully seasoned meat stock gives the dish a very pleasant aroma, meat toppings reflect the fauna of Nepal, and can range from yak, goat, and lamb to chicken. The dish is particularly popular across Nepal and Tibet but the Nepalese version is sometimes spicier, making it more popular than its Tibetan counterpart. For an enjoyable vegetarian Thukpa, the Green Organic Cafe in Kathmandu dishes up vegetarian options of most of the best Nepalese dishes.

Sel Roti

Sel roti is a cross between a doughnut and a bagel, but sel roti is actually made of rice flour and is like no other bread in the world. A crispy and sweet outer surface gives way to a puffy and soft-textured dough. The rice flour bread is deep fried and worked into a circular shape. The perfect snack or breakfast treat, they are often consumed during Tihar and Dashai religious festivals. Perfect when dipped in yoghurt, alongside vegetables, or simply enjoyed by itself. Sel roti can be found from street vendors, and is best eaten fresh.

Gorkhali Lamb

Another winter favorite, Gorkhali lamb is an intense and filling curry dish. The curry is chunky and involves slow cooking the lamb (often lamb chops), adding chunky potatoes and roughly chopped onions. For more flavor, the lamb is often grilled and sealed with a chili mixture before being transferred to the sauce. Rice makes a nice addition to the finished dish, but sometimes a good Gorkhali curry is best when scooped up with some roti. For a selection of curries from Newari and Nepalese cuisine, many visitors head to Nepali Chulo in Kathmandu, which has become famous for its live cultural shows and traditional Nepalese food.

See more: Top 6 holy places to visit in Nepal

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What to know before trekking in Nepal

Nepal is famous as a trekking destination, and the majority of trekkers have a great time. But however popular it is, Nepal is still a rugged and under-developed country where mountain communities can be very isolated, supplies are limited, and weather is changeable.

Planning for a trek in Nepal should not be taken lightly. To ensure you have a successful trek in the Nepali Himalaya, keep these tips in mind.

Altitude education

The Himalaya are a beautiful range of mountains, but it is important not to get too starry-eyed about your surroundings and to remember proper high-altitude safety. Researching the effects of high altitude and the dangers it can present prior to arriving in Nepal will help solidify the knowledge before you are overwhelmed with the excitement and culture shock of your trip to Nepal.

Everyone, at some point or other in their high-altitude adventures, will have trouble acclimatising to the thinner air. There is no way to predict how your body will react, but, again knowledge is power. The only way to truly acclimatise well is by taking your time; do not rush the ascent or push your body if it is telling you to rest.

Bring the right gear for your trek in Nepal

If you are going with a trekking agency, they will send you a list with your itinerary and provide you with some essentials.
Please note that in both a guided trek and non-guided trek your backpack should not be too heavy. You are only making it hard for you or your porter.

Maps are often wrong

Yet another reason why hiring a guide is a good idea. Maps of mountainous terrain are often wrong. Terrain can change from year to year due to landslides or changes in a river’s course. Formatting issues can mean that what looks like a small town on a map is in reality just a single hut.

And, most worryingly, altitudes marked can be wrong. There was a well-known case of the Lake Gosainkunda map marking one settlement as 1000 metres lower than it actually was, and thus leading some trekkers to experience serious inconvenience and altitude-related problems.

Do not forget the trekking poles

The same applies for trekking poles. Failing to take at least a single trekking pole is something that identifies you as a first-time trekker who does not realize their value. Once you have tried trekking with poles, you will be a convert. No matter how fit you are, steep ascents and descents can be very tough on the joints. It is always good to have a bit of extra support.

Beware of the air

You will get a lot of use out of a face mask or a Buff! Kathmandu is a very interesting city, but it is overpopulated and extremely polluted. The smog is so thick that locals often wear face masks to work. If you start to develop a tickle in your throat while in the city, it may not be a cold, just the thick, dirty air.

In the mountains, the air is crystal clear but very thin and dry. Again, your Buff or face mask will
continue to be your friend as it protects your lungs from this harsh dry air and the dreaded "Khumbu Cough." The Khumbu Cough, or the high-altitude hack, will make trekking – and breathing – more difficult. Avoiding over-exertion and wearing a mask to keep moisture in the air going into your lungs will help prevent this.

Work out before you go on your trek in Nepal

A trek is a great way to stay fit, but you already have to be in shape before you go. Do not worry, you do not have to have a six-pack or be super slim and muscled, but you should have a good condition. You should not choose a very intense trek in Nepal if you are already out of breath after walking up some stairs.

See more: Discover the best traditional dishes in Nepal

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Things to know before visiting Nepal

Nepal is largely a very conservative and traditional society. It has deep cultural roots in Buddhism, Hinduism and a complicated tribal and caste system. As a result, there are many customs and taboos that you should try our best to observe. Many of the following guidelines would come under a general banner of polite subtlety and respect.

Do not mess with them yaks

You are bound to come across several yaks acting as caravans for locals in the alpine regions. These yaks are also called Bos Grunniens. Make sure to steer clear of their paths as they can be rather hostile at the slightest hint of intimidation. This can be attributed to them having weak hearing and visual abilities. They more than make up for that with a weight of 400 kg, heavy and strong enough to take on even bigger animals than themselves. So if you come across some yaks on your way, step aside and let them pass by.

Hand etiquette

Most Nepalis, especially Hindus, consider the left hand to be unclean. You should always therefore shake hands, offer and receive with the right hand. This is generally a good idea quite apart from the cultural aspect as the left is the one they will have used for nasty jobs like those immediately before exiting the long drop. An additional mark of respect or gratitude is shown by touching the right elbow with the left hand whilst giving or receiving with the right.

Do not carry equipment by fake labels

Another important thing to not do is to be tempted by cheap prices and as a result, carry or use defective equipment or gear when going to treks through the mountains of the Himalayan ranges. Along with carrying probiotics, it is also incredibly important to carry with you. May it will be trekking shoes, walking sticks, sweaters, windcheaters, thermals, etc. Do not be fooled by cheap prices, instead buy products by certified brands and labels. The defective products may look exactly like the original ones but these ultimately prove their worth when they fail the test of austere weather and terrain conditions.

Environmental and social issues in Nepal

Nepal is a developing nation that can struggle to keep up with the influx of tourists. Be aware of the waste you create while on your trek. Try to unwrap new kit and supplies while at home, where it can be properly disposed of. Also, filter your water instead of buying disposable plastic bottles. There is no way for disposable plastic bottles to be recycled in Nepal and the tourism industry accounts for millions of plastic waste each year.

Do not trash the trail. Pack out your trash, or dispose of it in provided waste bins. If you really want to do your part, pick up a few items of trash that you spot along your way. A little goes a long way in protecting a high alpine environment. Try to be conscious of purchasing items with a lot of packaging. Also, do not ever put trash in the teahouse stoves.

Shopping and souvenir

Nepal is paradise for the shopaholic. Unique, handmade products are always the best kind of souvenir for your family and friends.

Shopping can be very rewarding and exciting in Kathmandu. There are plenty of street vendors that sell interesting gifts, as well as large commercial areas with malls. Nepal has some particularly popular areas for shopping in its major cities

Learning Nepalese languages

Local languages give you excitement during your visit to Nepal. Learning a few words and local dialogue will help you communicate with the locals and help you understand their languages and lifestyles. As travelers, you will find the locals are the most informative people when traveling around in Nepal.

Read more: 10 best places to visit in Nepal

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The most beautiful places to visit in Nepal

From adrenaline-filled activities like mountaineering, kayaking and paragliding to serene strolls among medieval temples and hidden palaces, this country offers more memorable travel experiences than can be squeezed into a single visit. An overview of the best places to visit in Nepal.

Kathmandu

The country’s cultural capital, Kathmandu is the place where most adventures in Nepal begin, as all flights from overseas land in the city’s airport. A crowded metropolis of more than 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is a chaotic mix of tourist shops, trekking agencies, hotels, restaurants, religious sites and artisan workshops. The city’s famous Durbar Square is still undergoing restoration after the recent earthquakes, but there are many intact sites well worth exploring. Set atop a forested hill, the ancient Buddhist complex of Swayambhunath is a can’t-miss attraction that offers sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit in Northwest Nepal offers hikers an outdoor experience nonpareil. Showcasing the varied landscapes of the Annapurna Region, the classic trek leads travelers high into the Himalayas, across plunging gorges, over desert plateaus and through lush subtropical valleys dotted by terraced farms. The trek also passes by many religious sites and quaint villages. Starting just east of Pokhara, the journey takes about three weeks to complete though many trekkers walk half of it by flying out at Jomsom Airport. There is also shorter but no less beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary Trek that takes around 8 to 12 days. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal with lodges and tea stops at hourly intervals or less until the highest sections at least.

Bhaktapur

One of three ancient capitals in the Kathmandu Valley, beautifully preserved Bhaktapur experienced a fair share of damage during the 2015 earthquakes. Fortunately, most of the city’s temples and shrines, which are the main attractions in this place known as the City of Devotees, escaped unscathed. Less crowded and hectic than bustling Kathmandu, Bhaktapur invites leisurely walks through medieval squares, winding streets and pedestrian-only thoroughfares. The city’s Durbar Square, or “noble court,” features a must-see site known as the 55-Window Palace, a 15th-century structure that is now home to the National Art Gallery.

Pokhara

With its tranquil lakes, verdant shorelines and mountain views, Pokhara is a popular resort destination for travelers from around the world. Known as the gateway to the Annapurna region in northwest Nepal, the lakeside city offers respite to weary hikers, and provides opportunities for outdoor adventures too, ranging from leisurely paddle-boat rides to white-water rafting. The largest of Pokhara’s three lakes, Phewa Lake is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The lake also features an island with a temple dedicated to the goddess Barahi Bhagwati where ceremonies are held nearly every weekend.

Khumbu

Each year, the determination to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest brings thousands of adventurous travelers to Khumbu, the Everest Region located in northeastern Nepal. The journey begins at the Lukla airstrip where a clear two-lane trail eventually leads hikers to Everest Base Camp. Located primarily within the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu is home to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar where most expeditions to the mountainous peaks are staged. The country’s foremost Buddhist center, the Tengboche Monastery, is located in the Khumbu as well. There’s a variety of comfortable accommodations available at the monastery, many of which offer stunning views of the tallest mountain on the planet.

Nagarkot

Perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas without arduous physical activity, Nagarkot is best known for the views, and it offers of the mountains and the Kathmandu Valley. Perched on a high ridge to the Northeast of Bhaktapur, the village of around 4,500 inhabitants commands views of eight Himalayan ranges. In addition, there is a variety of appealing hotels in every price range in Nagarkot, many of which are located within walking distance of the Nagarkot view tower, known as the best place to visit in Nepal to view the sun rising over the Himalayas.

Read more: 7 unique souvenirs you can purchase when travelling in Nepal

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Top countries to visit on a budget in Asia

While some of Asia’s nations, including Japan and Singapore, are known for being pretty expensive places to travel, there are those that offer terrific opportunities for budget travellers to explore for less. Here are some of the cheapest destinations around Asia where you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Bangladesh

If you’re looking for an affordable but offbeat place to explore that’s full of energy and intrigue, Bangladesh could be just the place you’re looking for. Bangladesh is home to the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world. It also boasts Cox’s Bazar, the longest stretch of unbroken sandy beach on Earth. Discover historic temples in Puthia, river life in Barisal, ancient ruins in Gaur, and much more. You can dine in a cheap restaurant for around 150 BDT (approximately 1.80 USD). A daily budget of 4,000 BDT (approximately 47.40 USD) will let you splurge and occasionally enjoy top-class hotel rooms and fancy restaurants throughout your trip, but it is also possible to get by in Bangladesh with around 1,500 BDT (approximately 17.80 USD) per day. An average backpacker should expect to spend in the region of 2,000 BDT (approximately 23.70 USD) each day.

Georgia

An often-overlooked country, Georgia sits alongside the Black Sea at the crossroads between Asia and Europe. The lush Caucasian Mountains are speckled with traditional villages and gorgeous views can be found around almost every twist in the road. The capital, Tbilisi, is a melting pot of cultural influences, but a traditional way of life still prevails. The nightlife is fun and cheap! Plus, in Georgia, you can spend the morning skiing and then hit the beach in the afternoon. Hostel beds start from as low as 13 GEL (approximately 5.30 USD) and you can travel long distances by local minivans (mashrutky) for around 20 GEL (approximately 8.10 USD). A backpacker’s daily budget of 60 GEL (approximately 24.40 USD) should be ample.

Nepal

Although sightseeing flights over Mount Everest and intense multi-day treks in the Himalayas can cause costs to skyrocket, the base costs of visiting Nepal are very affordable. As a benchmark, a meal in a budget restaurant will cost around 200 NPR (approximately 1.80 USD) and cheap double rooms in a Kathmandu guesthouse can be found for as little as 1,300 NPR (approximately 11.80 USD) per night. You can expect to pay around 3,300 NPR (approximately 30 USD) per day for an experienced trekking guide, though keep in mind that this cost will be split between the group; explore with new pals to make budgets more manageable. With a daily allowance of around 3,000 NPR (approximately 27 USD), visitors should be able to make the most of their time in this fascinating country.

Indonesia

Spread across thousands of islands, Indonesia offers lots of variety. Volcanic landscapes, idyllic beaches, gorgeous lakes, and nature galore contrast with historic highlights, such as Borobudur, and bustling cities. While the prices on different islands can vary immensely, Indonesia is, overall, one of the most budget-friendly countries in Southeast Asia. Costs can be kept down by spending time on just a few nearby islands rather than trying to cram in as many islands as possible. More popular islands, such as Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra, tend to yield better deals than more remote destinations. Limit alcohol consumption (prices tend to be higher here due to the Muslim majority population) and use local transportation and you’ll find that travelling around Indonesia can be really cheap. The average cost of a meal in a regular local restaurant is around 25,000 IDR (approximately 1.70 USD), and in some areas, you can find budget guest houses that start from just 30,500 IDR (approximately 2.10 USD) per night. Realistically, you should plan to spend around 435,000 IDR (approximately 30 USD) per day on a budget trip in Indonesia.

India

A huge and diverse country, India offers something for everyone. From beaches and mountains to world-famous architecture, delicious food, bustling markets, and spiritual experiences, India is a rich and attractive destination. Chill on the splendid beaches of Goa and wander around the myriad churches and other religious buildings. Bathe in the Ganges at Varanasi. Explore the tea plantations and enjoy the cool climate of Darjeeling. Absorb the energy of New Delhi. Discover a world of wonder in India! In a country where dorm beds can be scored for as low as 400 INR (approximately 5.80 USD), cheap street eats are abundant, and long-distance sleeper trains can costs as little as 600 INR (approximately 8.70 USD), travellers can live comfortably on a daily budget of around 2,500 INR (approximately 36 USD). Shoestring travellers can, however, cut costs even more.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s headline attractions and activities are somewhat known for their high costs. For example, climbing the impressive rock of Sigiriya will set you back 4,500 LKR (approximately 28 USD) and a half-day safari in Yala National Park costs around 6,000 LKR (approximately 37.50 USD) per person. Cheap accommodation, meals, and transportation go some way towards offsetting the higher travel costs. Cheap but filling and flavourful meals cost around 250 LKR (approximately 1.60 USD). Enjoying the beaches and roaming around cultural cities are free. Many travellers can enjoy Sri Lanka with a daily budget of around 6,000 LKR (approximately 37.50 USD).

Vietnam

Vietnam is a budget backpacker’s paradise, with some of the cheapest beer in the world (bia hoi), cheap dorm beds and private rooms, wallet-friendly and efficient long-distance transportation, and food that will barely make a dent in your bank account. Rather unusually, the capital city of Hanoi is one of the cheapest Vietnamese cities to explore, though other awesome destinations, such as Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Hoi An, and Hue, won’t cost a fortune either. A basic meal, such as a bowl of pho, costs around 40,000 VND (approximately 1.70 USD), and freshly baked breads and pastries make for a pocket-friendly breakfast. If you can stretch to 1,400,000 VND (approximately 60 USD) per day, you’ll be able to do a lot more on your vacation and enjoy meals in nice restaurants every so often, but budget backpackers can still have a great time with around 930,000 VND (approximately 40 USD) each day.

Malaysia

Malaysia is starting to really come into its own as a top vacation spot in Southeast Asia. Beautiful beaches, architectural gems, glorious national parks, and modern shopping malls attract different types of travellers and the overall travel costs are still lower than in its popular neighbour of Thailand. Keep in mind, however, that Peninsular Malaysia is generally cheaper and easier to get around than Malaysian Borneo. Top destinations on the peninsula include the capital of Kuala Lumpur, quaint Malacca, the lush Cameron Highlands, the lovely island of Langkawi, and the chilled-out Perhentian Islands. A private room in a guest house costs from 43 MYR (approximately 10.60 USD) for a night, while the average price of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is 10 MYR (approximately 2.45 USD). People can enjoy Peninsular Malaysia with a daily budget of 165 MYR (approximately 40.50 USD). As with anywhere, though, increasing your travel budget slightly will allow for even more adventures and little treats.

China

A huge country with stark differences between its modern cities and rural villages, China’s headline attractions cannot fail to impress. From the Great Wall of China to The Bund in Shanghai, and from the Terracotta Warriors to the pandas in Chengdu, China is one of the most diverse nations on the planet. Sail along the Yangtze River, have a spiritual sensation in semi-autonomous Tibet, and wander through the gorgeous gardens of Suzhou. You can sleep for cheap in smaller cities, with dorm beds starting from around 30 CNY (approximately 4.40 USD). In larger cities, however, you’re looking at spending around 90 CNY (approximately 13.20 USD) per night. You can fill up on street food for around 10 CNY (approximately 1.50 USD), and a ten-hour long-distance bus journey will rarely set you back more than 200 CNY (approximately 30 USD). A reasonable daily budget to explore China is 300 CNY (approximately 44 USD).

Iran

Iran is a budget-friendly destination for people who can explore the colourful nation independently. Highlights include the dazzling Golestan Palace in Tehran, the stunning “Pink Mosque” of Shiraz, the ancient sites in Persepolis, and Varzaneh Desert. Note that citizens of some countries, including the USA and UK, can only visit Iran as part of a group tour. Also remember that Iran is not part of the global banking system and you must take enough cash with you to last for your entire trip; obtaining back-up funds is all but impossible! Bus rides are an affordable means of transportation. A meal in a budget restaurant costs around 200,000 IRR (approximately 4.80 USD) and hostels are becoming more common, with dorm beds starting from around 335,000 IRR (approximately 8 USD) for a night. A daily budget of a little over two million IRR (approximately 48 USD) is sufficient for budget explorers.

See more: Top cheap and free things to do in Singapore

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Taste of Nepalese cuisine in Kathmandu

Are you traveling to Nepal and curious about what to eat there? Nepalese cuisine bears a lot of Indian and Tibetan influences but has its own distinctive dishes. Below are some of the famous foods in Nepal that you should definitely try.

Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is probably the most famous food in Nepal, it is such a staple for locals you could even call it Nepal’s national food. If you are going trekking, expect to be served traditional dal bhat at every homestay at least twice a day.

Dal Bhat Tarkari means lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and curried vegetables (tarkari). The set is usually served on a metal platter and is “all you can eat”. It is traditionally vegetarian but occasionally you might find it served with chicken or meat.

Momo

The quintessential Nepali food, be it in the home of a local or on the streets of Kathmandu, this is one dish you absolutely cannot leave Kathmandu without trying. To the untrained eye and palette, it could be confused for Chinese dumplings but it is anything but, the spices used in the filling plus the chutney (dip) takes the momo to a whole new level.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a noodle soup that originated in the eastern part of Tibet. It consists of boiled, hand-pulled noodles, vegetables and meat, normally shredded buffalo.
The punchy Nepalese variation features garam masala and chili.

Chatamari

Locals will often refer to dish as the Nepali pizza but it could well be labelled a taco given that Chatamaris are generally folded and served with fillings. However, what sets the Chatamari apart from pizzas and tacos are the distinct Nepali spices used and the crepe which is made using rice flour. The best Chatamaris are served in ‘Newari Khaja Ghars’ and you will find many of between New Road and Thamel.

Sel Roti

Kind of like a doughnut meets bagel, sel rote is a crisp, puffy dough that is been deep fried. You will find this street stall snack along roadsides and during Hindu festivals like Tihar and Dashain. They are best eaten as a breakfast snack with yogurt, or as an afternoon snack with some veggies.

Tingmo and Aloo phing

The influx of Tibetan refugees to Nepal since the exile of the Dalai Lama in 1959 has also brought an influx of Tibetan foods, like this dish.

Tingmo is a steamed, porous bread, designed for dipping into soups and broths. Aloo phing consists of translucent noodles, potatoes and vegetables in a hot broth. Sliced radish and rice are served on the side.

Julebi

This neon snack looks like an orange lattice swirl. It is made from a dough batter drizzled to form a circular shape, then dunked in some sweet sauce. The color was a little intimidating but it tastes very similar to a funnel cake. It is very sweet.

Read more: Cultural destinations in Kathmandu, Nepal

Yomari

These cute fish-shaped treats are steamed rice-flour dumplings containing sweet fillings such as chaku and chocolate. They are normally served with a sweet dip. A popular festive dish, yomari are often eaten around the post-harvest celebration of Yomari Punhi. But you can enjoy them anytime.

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