Nepali food reflects the country's geography and its many ethnic communities, with influences from India, Tibet, and the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley. From the lentils and rice that fuel trekkers in the Himalayas to steaming plates of dumplings, here are the best Nepali foods you must try on your trip.
1. Dal Bhat
Nepal's unofficial national dish is lentil soup (dal) and steamed rice (bhat), served with vegetable curry (tarkari), sautéed greens, spicy pickle (achar), and sometimes yogurt or meat curry. Many Nepalis eat it twice a day, and on treks and in local restaurants, refills are often free. As the trekkers' saying goes: "Dal bhat power, 24 hour."
2. Momos
These steamed dumplings, originally from Tibet, are Nepal's favorite snack. They are filled with vegetables, chicken, or buffalo ("buff") and served with a spicy tomato and sesame chutney. Try them steamed, fried, or as "jhol momo," swimming in a tangy soup.
3. Sel Roti
This ring-shaped, slightly sweet rice-flour bread is deep-fried and crispy outside, soft inside. It is especially popular during festivals such as Tihar and Dashain and is often eaten for breakfast with tea or curry.
4. Sha Phaley
A Tibetan specialty, sha phaley are half-moon or round breads stuffed with seasoned minced meat and cabbage, then fried until golden. They are a hearty snack in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
5. Thukpa
This Tibetan-style noodle soup with vegetables and meat is the perfect warm-up after a cold day in the mountains. You'll find it in teahouses along most trekking routes.
6. Newari Food
The Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley have one of Nepal's richest food traditions. Try a Newari set (samay baji) with beaten rice, spiced meat, black soybeans, and pickles, and yomari, a steamed rice-flour dumpling filled with molasses and sesame.
7. Bara
A Newari lentil pancake, often topped with an egg or minced meat, bara is a popular street snack in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.
8. Chatamari
Sometimes called "Nepali pizza," chatamari is a thin rice-flour crepe topped with minced meat, egg, or vegetables.
9. Gundruk
Fermented, dried leafy greens, gundruk has a tangy flavor and is used in soups and side dishes, especially in rural areas.
10. Juju Dhau
Bhaktapur's famous "king of curds" is a rich, sweet, creamy yogurt set in clay pots. Don't leave Bhaktapur without trying it.
11. Masala Tea
Milky, sweet, spiced tea (chiya) is served everywhere, from Kathmandu cafés to mountain teahouses. Nepal also grows excellent tea in the eastern hills around Ilam.
Tips for Eating in Nepal
- Eat local: Small local restaurants (bhojanalaya) serve fresh, affordable dal bhat and momos.
- Water: Drink boiled, filtered, or treated water, and carry a refillable bottle to reduce plastic waste.
- Eating with your hands: Many Nepalis eat dal bhat with their right hand, but cutlery is always available.
- On treks: Dal bhat is the most reliable and filling meal, and freshly cooked vegetarian dishes are often the safest choice at high altitude.
- Buff: In Nepal, "buff" means water buffalo, as cows are sacred for Hindus.
Stay Connected in Nepal
Mobile data helps you find restaurants, translate menus, and stay in touch on treks. An egoViet Nepal eSIM connects as soon as you land in Kathmandu. Coverage can be limited at high altitude, so download offline maps before you start trekking. Combining your trip with India? Read our India travel guide.
FAQs: Nepal Food
What is the national dish of Nepal?
Dal bhat, lentil soup with rice and side dishes, is considered Nepal's national dish.
What are momos?
Momos are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, or buffalo meat, usually served with a spicy tomato chutney.
Is Nepali food spicy?
Nepali food is flavorful and can be spicy, especially the pickles and chutneys, but most dishes are milder than many Indian curries.
Is Nepali food vegetarian-friendly?
Yes. Dal bhat, vegetable momos, and many curries are vegetarian, and vegetarian food is easy to find everywhere.