Must-Try Food in Nepal: From Street Snacks to Traditional Drinks

Nepal is a feast for the senses, with a diverse range of dishes that reflect its cultural richness and geographical diversity. From savory street snacks to hearty full meals and refreshing drinks, the country's cuisine is as varied as its landscapes. Whether you're a foodie or a traveler seeking authentic experiences, here’s a list of must-try food and drinks in Nepal.

1. Snacks: Quick Bites with Big Flavors

Nepal's streets are filled with mouthwatering snacks that provide a great introduction to the country’s flavors. These quick bites are perfect for fueling up between sightseeing or trekking.

I. Momo- The Beloved Dumpling

Momos are Nepal’s answer to dumplings, and they’re a local favorite. Steamed or fried, these dough pockets are filled with a variety of meats (buffalo, chicken) or vegetables. Often served with a spicy dipping sauce, momo is found at street vendors across the country. Don’t miss out on jhol momo (momo in spicy soup) for a unique twist!

II. Sel Roti- Crispy Rice Doughnut

Sel Roti is a traditional sweet, crispy rice doughnut that’s typically served during festivals like Tihar. This treat is deep-fried, creating a crunchy texture on the outside and a soft, chewy interior. It’s often enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or as a quick breakfast.

III. Chatamari- The Nepali Pizza

Known as the "Nepali pizza," Chatamari is a savory, thin rice flour pancake topped with minced meat, eggs, and vegetables. This Newari delicacy is often served during festivals and special occasions. It’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who enjoys trying something new.

IV. Bara- Newari Lentil Fritters

Bara is another classic Newari snack. These savory lentil fritters are deep-fried until crispy and served with pickles or curd. Often made during festivals and celebrations, Bara is a popular breakfast snack or light meal.

V. Pani Puri- A Spicy, Tangy Street Treat

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa in other parts of South Asia, is a beloved street food. Small, hollow puris are filled with spicy mashed potatoes and tangy tamarind water. These bite-sized treats explode with flavor and are incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

VI. Laphing- Spicy Cold Noodles

Laphing is a unique Tibetan-inspired dish that’s become a staple in Nepal's street food scene. These chewy mung bean noodles are served cold, drenched in a spicy, garlicky sauce with plenty of chili and vinegar. Laphing is a must-try for those who like bold, flavorful snacks.

2. Full Meals: Hearty Nepali Dishes to Savor

If you’re looking to experience Nepal’s hearty, traditional meals, these full dishes are essential to your culinary journey.

I. Dal Bhat (Thakali Khana Set) - The Power Meal

Dal Bhat is Nepal’s national dish and an integral part of daily life. It consists of steamed rice (bhat) served with lentil soup (dal), accompanied by vegetable curries, pickles, and sometimes meat. A classic Thakali Khana Set includes all the above with the addition of gundruk (fermented leafy greens). Dal Bhat provides a perfect balance of flavors and is a nutritional powerhouse.

II. Gundruk and Dhindo- Traditional Comfort Food

Gundruk is a fermented leafy vegetable that’s sour and tangy, often paired with dhindo (a thick millet porridge). This humble dish is a staple in rural Nepal, offering a nutritious, earthy flavor that’s perfect for cold weather.

III. Thukpa- Himalayan Noodle Soup

Thukpa is a warm, flavorful noodle soup that’s perfect for chilly days. It originates from Tibet but has become a beloved dish in Nepal’s mountain regions. The soup is made with wheat noodles, vegetables, and meat, simmered in a spiced broth that’s both comforting and nourishing.

IV. Samay Baji- A Newar Feast

Samay Baji is a traditional Newar platter filled with beaten rice, spicy barbecued meat (usually buffalo), boiled eggs, fried fish, and pickles. It’s a ceremonial dish served during special occasions and is a true reflection of Nepal’s diverse culinary heritage.

V. Aloo Tama- Bamboo Shoot Curry

Aloo Tama is a flavorful curry made with fermented bamboo shoots (tama), potatoes (aloo), and black-eyed peas. Its tangy flavor and heartiness make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s often paired with rice for a full meal.

3. Traditional Nepali Desserts

No meal in Nepal is complete without something sweet to finish. Here are some of the best desserts you must try while in Nepal.

I. Juju Dhau- King of Yogurt

Juju Dhau is a thick, creamy, and sweet yogurt from Bhaktapur. It’s often served in small clay pots, and its velvety texture and delicate sweetness make it a must-try dessert. It’s usually enjoyed during special occasions and festivals.

II. Kheer- Nepali Rice Pudding

Kheer is a comforting, milky rice pudding flavored with cardamom, nuts, and sugar. It’s a popular dessert served at festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings. It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.

III. Anarsa- Crispy Rice Sweet

Anarsa is a crispy, deep-fried rice flour sweet, often flavored with cardamom and sesame seeds. It’s commonly served during Tihar and other Newari festivals. Its crispy texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect snack or dessert.

IV. Barfi- Milk-Based Sweet

Barfi is a dense, milk-based sweet that’s often flavored with cardamom, saffron, or coconut. It’s a popular dessert in Nepal during festive seasons and is typically cut into small, diamond-shaped pieces.

V. Lakhamari- Newar Sweet Bread

Lakhamari is a traditional Newari sweet bread that’s crispy and slightly sweet. It’s often served during special ceremonies and festivals in Newar communities. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

4. Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Refreshing and Flavorful

Nepal’s drinks are as diverse as its cuisine. Here are a few non-alcoholic beverages you must try during your visit.

I. Juju Dhau- Sweet Yogurt Drink

This creamy, sweet yogurt from Bhaktapur is thick and rich, served in clay pots. It’s a great way to cool down after a meal and experience Nepal’s culinary charm.

II. Chiya- Nepali Milk Tea

Chiya is a spiced milk tea that’s enjoyed throughout Nepal. It’s made by boiling strong black tea with milk, sugar, and a variety of spices like cardamom and ginger. This drink is perfect for warming up on cool mornings or after a long day of sightseeing.

III. Butter Tea- Himalayan Delight

Traditional in Nepal’s mountainous regions, butter tea is made with tea leaves, butter, salt, and sometimes milk. It’s a warming drink that provides essential energy, especially during cold mountain treks.

5. Alcoholic Drinks: Traditional Nepali Brews

For those who enjoy a drink with a cultural twist, Nepal offers a variety of local alcoholic beverages.

I. Tongba- Hot Millet Beer

Originating from eastern Nepal, Tongba is a warm millet-based beer served in a bamboo container. It's drunk with a straw, and the brew is refilled multiple times, making it a social drink among locals.

II. Raksi- Strong Nepali Spirit

Raksi is a homemade distilled spirit that’s made from rice or millet. Clear and potent, it’s traditionally served during festivals and ceremonies. Raksi has a strong, earthy flavor that’s not for the faint-hearted but is a true taste of Nepalese hospitality.

III. Chyang- Fermented Rice Beer

Chyang is a fermented rice beer that’s enjoyed in many ethnic communities. It’s sweet and slightly tangy, served during celebrations and communal gatherings.

IV. Jaad- Nepali Rice Wine

Jaad is a sweet, fermented rice wine that’s common in rural areas. It’s typically made from rice, yeast, and sometimes herbs, and is often consumed during festivals and special occasions.

Conclusion

Nepal’s food scene is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. From savory street snacks to comforting full meals and traditional drinks, each dish offers a taste of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. For an authentic food tour experience, go for an exciting journey with the Best Heritage Tour. We offer curated tours that take you through Nepal’s cultural hubs, allowing you to indulge in traditional Nepali dishes at local eateries and heritage sites. So, if you're in Nepal, don't miss the opportunity to taste the true flavors of the country while exploring its vibrant history and culture.