10 Traditional Nepali Dishes You Must Try

Nepali cuisine is a blend of cultural and regional influences, creating a unique and flavorful culinary experience. The traditional Nepali dishes are known for their healthy and nutritious ingredients, using locally sourced vegetables, legumes, and meats, and unique spice blends. The dishes range from simple and hearty staples to complex and flavorful delicacies. Here are some traditional Nepali dishes that you must try:

1. Daal Bhaat Tarkari

Daal Bhaat Tarkari is the quintessential Nepali meal that consists of lentil soup, rice, and a side dish of seasonal vegetables. This dish is served in most Nepali households and is also the staple food for the majority of the population. The lentil soup or Daal is made from split green or yellow lentils, tempered with cumin, mustard seeds, and garlic. The rice or Bhaat is usually steamed and served with ghee (clarified butter). The Tarkari or vegetable side dish is usually made from seasonal vegetables such as cauliflower, potatoes, and green beans, cooked in a spicy tomato and onion-based gravy. Daal Bhaat Tarkari is not only delicious but also a nutritious meal, providing all the necessary nutrients required for the body.

2. Sel Roti

Sel Roti is a popular Nepali street food made from rice flour, sugar, and spices. It is a circular-shaped donut that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The batter is made from fermented rice flour mixed with sugar and spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. It is then fried until golden brown and served hot. Sel Roti is a popular snack during festivals and celebrations and is often served with spicy potato curry or chicken curry.

3. Momo

Momo is a beloved Nepali snack that has become a popular street food in many parts of the world. It is a type of dumpling made from flour dough, stuffed with minced meat or vegetables, and steamed. The filling can be made from a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, and cheese. It is served with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce or a sesame-based dipping sauce. Momo is a favorite food among Nepali people, and it is often eaten as a snack or a meal.

4. Aloo Tama

Aloo Tama is a unique Nepali dish that combines potatoes and bamboo shoots. The dish is made from potatoes, black-eyed beans, bamboo shoots, and spices such as cumin, coriander, and chili. The potatoes are boiled and mashed, while the bamboo shoots are cooked until tender. The black-eyed beans are added to the mix, along with the spices, and cooked until everything is well combined. Aloo Tama is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter evening.

5. Chhwela

Chhwela is a spicy grilled meat dish that originated from the Newari community in Nepal. It is usually made from buffalo or chicken, marinated in a spicy mixture of chili powder, garlic, ginger, and mustard oil. The meat is then grilled over a charcoal fire until it is charred and crispy. Chhwela is served with beaten rice and is often accompanied by spicy tomato and onion chutney.

6. Dhindo

Dhindo is a traditional Nepali dish that is made from maize flour. It is a thick porridge-like dish that is usually served with a side dish of vegetables or meat. The maize flour is cooked in water until it thickens and is then kneaded into a dough-like consistency. Dhindo is usually eaten with hands and is a comfort food for many Nepali people.

7. Chatamari

Chatamari is a thin rice crepe that is topped with

a variety of toppings, including minced meat, vegetables, and eggs. It is a popular Newari dish that is often served as an appetizer or snack. The crepe is made from a mixture of rice flour and water, which is spread thinly on a hot pan. It is then topped with minced meat, vegetables, and eggs, along with a mixture of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Chatamari is usually cut into small pieces and served hot.

8. Gundruk

Gundruk is a fermented leafy vegetable that is popular in Nepal. It is made from leafy vegetables such as mustard greens or spinach, which are wilted and then dried in the sun. The dried leaves are then tightly packed in a jar and left to ferment for several days. The resulting vegetable is sour and tangy and is often used in curries and soups. Gundruk is a healthy and nutritious food, rich in vitamins and minerals.

9. 9. Samay Baji

Samay Baji is a traditional Newari dish that is served during festivals and special occasions. It is a platter of different foods, including beaten rice, black soybeans, boiled potatoes, buffalo meat, and spicy chutney. The dish is served on a large plate and is usually eaten with hands. Samay Baji is not only delicious but also a cultural experience, providing a glimpse into the rich Newari tradition.

10. Kwati

Kwati is a mixed bean soup that is popular in Nepal, especially during the festival of Janai Purnima. It is made from a mixture of nine different beans, including black beans, green beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans. The beans are soaked overnight and then cooked with a mixture of spices and herbs such as ginger, garlic, and coriander. Kwati is a nutritious soup, rich in protein and fiber, and is often served with rice or roti.

In conclusion, Nepali cuisine is a diverse and flavorful culinary experience that is worth exploring. From the simple and hearty Daal Bhaat Tarkari to the complex and flavorful Chhwela, there is something for everyone in Nepali cuisine. So next time you visit Nepal, be sure to try these traditional Nepali dishes and experience the rich cultural and culinary heritage of this beautiful country.