Food to taste in Kathmandu is another great and exciting experience when visiting Nepal. Food in Kathmandu comes in various tastes and flavors, from snacks and tidbits to main courses of meals to enjoy.
Kathmandu has thousands of restaurants for local, medium, classy, and high-profile customers. Depending on the choice of visitors, there are various types of restaurants, from budget to elegant places.
Kathmandu is one of the best places in Asia and around Himalayan countries to explore different food experiences.
Kathmandu offers more than hundreds of types and qualities of food to taste while spending a holiday in Nepal. Restaurants in Kathmandu offer international standard cuisines to enjoy, from continental, oriental, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai to Indian food. This includes typical Nepali, Newari, Thakali, and Tibetan food, as well as Italian and Mexican dishes.
All restaurants, big or small, in Kathmandu are safe and hygienic, as they do not want to lose their customers. It all depends on the traveler’s interests and dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or non-vegetarian. For people who like spicy or non-spicy food, both options are available to enjoy.
Most customers and fresh arrivals in Nepal will surely be delighted to find all types of food to taste.
01: Dal Bhat
Dhal Bhat is the national food of Nepal, mostly for Nepalis living around the mid-hills and lowland Terai belt. Nepal’s mid-hills and the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley grow rice in the best season of the year.
Dhal Bhat is the basic meal for all Nepalis, served on a plate with a heap of boiled rice known as Bhat. It includes dhal, a lentil bean soup of various colors and spices, added with seasonal vegetables. As well as Achar, a homemade hot sauce or pickle to blend with the main course of Dhal Bhat.
Normally, Nepali people consume freshly cooked meat curry, mainly chicken or mutton, as well as buffalo, known as Buff meat.
Wherever you travel in Nepal, you will never miss the national food, Dhal Bhat, which comes in various platters. Rice comes in various types, as well as lentil soup (Dhal) and vegetable curry, depending on the season. Visitors in Kathmandu can enjoy the great meal of Dhal Bhat, especially for dinner. Many good, large, and immaculate restaurants serve authentic Nepali Dhal Bhat.
During festivals and family occasions, Nepali people enjoy lavish meals of Dhal Bhat with various types of Dhal and vegetable curry. This includes curried meats such as chicken, mutton, buff, or pork (wild boar), with varieties of pickles and desserts with sweet yogurt.
02: Momo:
Momos are another popular and famous food among Nepalis, especially young city folks. Momos originally come from Tibetan cuisine and are similar to Italian Ravioli or Gnocco. In Chinese, they are called Dumsong or Jiaozuo. Momos are minced meat or vegetable-stuffed dumplings made from fine flour, rolled into small sizes, and filled with minced meat—either chicken, mutton, pork, or buff.
The dumplings are then tapered into ball or elongated shapes and steamed in hot boiling water. In Kathmandu, visitors can notice momo restaurants and stalls all around the streets and can often feel the aroma.
Momos can be consumed as a snack or a whole meal. They come in various sizes, from Big Momos to regular ones, and are best served with the right hot sauce, especially made for momo lovers. In Kathmandu, most good restaurants serve momos made with various types of meat, including buff, chicken, pork, or vegetables.
At present, momos are in big demand among Nepalis, becoming almost a national food beside Dhal Bhat.
03: Newari Food
Newari Food is one of the best meals with various items. The Newar people are an indigenous tribe of the Kathmandu Valley. Newari food is served on a platter with the main course of beaten rice (Chiura). It consists of a great variety of Buff meat dishes, including Chhaila (barbecued) in small spicy pieces, along with boiled or poached eggs. Seasonal vegetable curry, dried fish, and pickles are also included.
It features famous roasted soya beans with hot pickles and Chatamari, a typical Newari dish. This is similar to a small pizza without added cheese—a pancake bread topped with meat and eggs. Another favorite is Bara, a small pancake-like bread made from lentil bean flour. A wide variety of meat is served, including grilled Chhaila and other types of curried Buff dishes.
Newari food pairs well with a local brew called Aila or Rakshi. It is a strong, hard drink served in a small mud cup or bowl. Aila can be quite potent, similar to whiskey or Saki, made from rice grain.
04: Tibetan Food
Tibetan food is widely available around the streets and restaurants in Kathmandu city. The most famous items are Momos, Thukpa (noodle soup with vegetables or meat), and Kima (minced meat boiled with noodles). Another popular dish is Laughing, similar to a small spring roll stuffed with variations of chips, noodles, and meat as per one’s choice.
Tibetan food is a blend of Chinese, Nepali, and Indian cuisines. A special highlight of Tibetan cuisine is Tibetan bread, which is either deep-fried or plain dough, served with pickles, yak cheese, or butter. Tibetan food pairs well with alcoholic beverages like Chang, a brew made from rice or other Himalayan crops. Chang is quite strong and is also the traditional drink of the Tibetans.
Another common drink is Tibetan buttered tea, which tastes like tea soup. It is blended and mixed in a pot, with rock salt and a cake of special tea leaves, along with strong milk. It’s worth experiencing the unique taste of Tibetan or Himalayan tea. Tibetans are also fond of Tsampa, a flour made from barley, millet, corn, and wheat, consumed like porridge.
05: Chinese Food
Chinese food in Kathmandu is offered in various restaurants, from high-end establishments to more moderate ones. Chinese cuisine is popular among Nepalis as well as visitors, with options ranging from Sichuan dishes to specialties from Northern and Southern China.
Popular dishes include Kung Pao Chicken, Peking Duck, Hot Pot, and Mapo Tofu. Other favorites are Char Siu, Chicken or Pork Fried Rice, Wonton Soup, Cantonese Spring Rolls, and Chow Mein. Momos, Dimsum, or Jiaozuo are also available.
The main Chinese restaurant hub is in the Thamel area at Jyatha Tole/Lane, just a few minutes’ walk from the center. The area is often referred to as Kathmandu’s Chinatown, featuring fancy Chinese restaurants, including Muslim Chinese establishments serving Halal food—useful information for Muslim travelers.
06: Indian Food (North and South)
Travelers will find all types of Indian food in Kathmandu, representing different regions such as North, South, Bengal, and Punjab. After experiencing Nepal’s national dishes like Dal Bhat and Momos, Indian cuisine ranks next with its delightful variety.
The menu includes Pulao rice and Biryani of various flavors, Tandoori Chicken, Naan bread, and Parathas with different tastes and textures. Most of the best Indian restaurants are located near Durbar Square, close to the former palace, and around the Thamel area.
07: Italian Food
Italian food has become very popular in Nepal, with a variety of pizza and pasta options available at many restaurants. Italian dishes are well-liked by tourists and locals alike, thanks to their authentic taste and quality ingredients.
In Kathmandu, Italian food is easily accessible, especially in the Thamel area, known for its tourist-friendly restaurants. Popular dishes include Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, Spaghetti Bolognese, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Risotto. Many restaurants use fresh herbs like basil and oregano to give their dishes an authentic Italian flavor.
For dessert, Italian gelato and Tiramisu are must-try items. Some restaurants also serve a wide range of Italian wines to complement the food.
08: Japanese Food
Japanese cuisine is a favorite among visitors to Kathmandu. Restaurants specializing in Japanese dishes are mostly concentrated in Thamel, but some can also be found in other parts of the city.
Sushi is the most sought-after Japanese dish, along with Sashimi, Tempura, and Yakitori. Ramen noodles and Udon soups are also very popular. Bento boxes, which come with a variety of items like grilled meat, rice, and pickles, are a convenient and delicious choice for lunch or dinner.
Japanese restaurants in Kathmandu often provide a serene ambiance, with minimalist decor and authentic table settings. Green tea is a standard accompaniment, offering a traditional Japanese dining experience.
09: French Food
French cuisine is a sophisticated dining option in Kathmandu. Although not as widely available as other international cuisines, French restaurants cater to those who enjoy fine dining experiences.
French bakeries are especially popular, offering a variety of pastries, croissants, and baguettes. Classic French dishes like Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon, and Ratatouille are served in select restaurants. Many establishments also feature fine wines and French desserts like Crème Brûlée, Macarons, and Eclairs.
The ambiance in French restaurants is typically elegant, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and presentation.
10: Korean Food
Korean food has gained popularity in Kathmandu, with restaurants offering an authentic taste of Korea. Korean BBQ is a standout feature, where diners grill their meat at the table, accompanied by an array of side dishes like Kimchi, Pickled Radish, and Spinach Salad.
Other popular items include Bibimbap (a mixed rice dish), Japchae (sweet potato noodles), and Korean Fried Chicken. Soups like Samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup) and Kimchi Jjigae are also commonly available.
Many Korean restaurants in Kathmandu maintain traditional decor and serve Soju, a popular Korean alcoholic beverage, to complete the experience.
11: Western and Continental Food
Western and Continental cuisines are widely available in Kathmandu. Most high-end hotels and restaurants cater to these tastes, with options like Grilled Steaks, Roasted Chicken, and Lamb Chops. Continental breakfasts with eggs, toast, sausages, and coffee are also a staple in many establishments.
Vegetarian dishes, such as Ratatouille and Grilled Vegetables, are popular among health-conscious diners. Desserts like Chocolate Cake, Apple Pie, and Ice Cream are widely available to satisfy sweet cravings.
Western and Continental food is often served in a casual dining atmosphere, making it a great choice for family meals or gatherings with friends.
12: Fast Food and Street Food
Kathmandu’s fast-food scene offers everything from burgers and fries to local snacks like Pani Puri and Chatpate. International chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Dominos are available for those craving familiar flavors.
Street food vendors sell a variety of quick bites, including Mo:Mo, Samosas, and Sekuwa (grilled meat). Pani Puri (crispy hollow spheres filled with spicy water and chutney) is a must-try street food item.
While fast food is convenient, travelers are advised to choose clean and hygienic establishments to avoid any health risks.
