Nepal is a Multilingual and Multi-racial country with its world inside it. Similarly, Nepal is famous for its innumerable extraordinary natural beauty. That is the reason why Nepal is very popular among tourist destinations in the World. Nepal has its natural features and phenomenon to present itself to the world. Many people come to Nepal to enjoy its absolute beauty. This country is a living example of natural beauty. Along with its beautiful nature come to visit Nepal for its unique varieties of foods. The Most Popular Foods In Nepal are Dhal Bhat Tarkari, Newari Khaja Set, Momos, Dhido, Gundruk, Sel Roti, Chhoila, Yomari, Chatamari, Bara.
During your visit to Nepal, you can find a unique cross-section of human cultures and natural habitats. Many people experience Nepal as a museum of human cultures and civilizations. Similarly, the best time to visit Nepal to enjoy its full beauty is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these seasons you are going to find immense beauty in its surroundings. Similar to the traditional, cultural, and natural richness. The country is rich in its unique varieties of food. There are many reasons to visit Nepal. Mountaineering, Hiking, Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Trekking, Mountain Biking, Rafting, etc. But some people come to Nepal to experience its distinctive foods.
The Top 10 Popular Foods in Nepal
Daal Bhat Tarkari
Daal Bhat Tarkari is nowadays the national food of Nepal. The word Dhal Bhat Tarkari means “lentil, rice, vegetable curry. It is the foundation of Nepali cuisine. Similarly, it is one of the most Popular Foods In Nepal. Most of the people in Nepal have Daal Bhat Tarkari two times a day. It is a basic combination of foods. But, it may differ on the place, culture, and region. In Nepal without this meal, a day a person never starts. In Nepal, it is one of the most important meals.
This is a simple combination of foods yet it is necessary for health purposes. Similarly, this meal is great for making healthy, well-balanced vegetarian meals. In addition, in Dhal Bhat Tarkari the main ingredients are (Rice, lentils, and vegetables). But, you can perform different experiments with this cuisine. Furthermore, this meal is good for growing children. This meal, in particular, is a very important part of any person’s lifestyle living in Nepal.
Newari Khaja Set
One of the widely divided ethnic groups of Nepal, the Newars are the most versatile community when it comes to food. According to people’s opinion, the cuisine that the Newari people serve is unique and out of the world. Similarly, they prepare different kinds of cuisine among them the Newari Khaja Set is the Most Popular Foods In Nepal. Likewise, people from other communities also enjoy their food.
The Newari Khaja Set is served in different restaurants and hotels in Nepal. The variety in this cuisine is something that people carve to experience. Most importantly, this cuisine is popular among foreign tourists in Nepal. Additionally, this is a huge achievement for a country like Nepal. Where a lot of cuisines are outshined by Western food. The Newari Khaja set is an exception. In addition, in Newari Khaja Set we will feast on a variety of foods. Similarly, in Newari, the most famous Newari Khaja Set is called the “Samaya Baji”. The colorful and flavorful plate of Khaja Set is something that you cannot miss. Furthermore, if you are a foreign visitor experiencing this cuisine the most when you visit Nepal.
The main ingredients for this cuisine are:
Chiura means Beaten Rice
Katamari means Rice Flour Crepe
Aalu Tama means Potato and Boiled Shoots curry
Chwela means Barbecued and marinated buffalo meat
Bhatmaas / Haku Musya means Black soybeans
Aalu-Wala means Spicy Potato Salad
Juju Dhau means the Bhaktapur Royal curd
Bodi ko Achar means Boiled Beans mixed with spices
Sanya means Fried Fish
Khen means Boiled Fried Egg
Palu means Fresh Ginger Rhizomes
Wo/ Bara meaning Lentil Patties
Saag/Waucha means Green leafy vegetables
Ayla means Homemade alcohol
But, the ingredients and recipe can differ from place to place. Furthermore, the dishes can be prepared from spices like asafoetida, schezuan pepper, black salt, Himalayan pink salt, mustard, mustard oil, and satay of fenugreek seeds with turmeric powder.
Origin of Newari Khaja Set
In ancient times the Newari community had a caste system. Similarly, in this system, there were merchants, priests, goldsmiths, and blacksmiths, while a huge section of the people were farmers. People had a particular and different lifestyle back then, and electricity and fuel were a luxury. So, they depended upon firewood to cook. Burning wood was a tedious and time-consuming job, so they decided to prepare meals twice a day and ate right before heading out to their farms, which used to be very far away. Therefore, they use to take some small snacks with them on their journey.
Similarly, the snacks have food like chiura, chwela, bhatmas, palu, saag, etc., which were made so that they did not have to be re-cooked or reheated. People continued this process and it is now one of the most Popular Foods In Nepal.
Momos
Momos are a special type of dumpling prepared and found in Nepal. A lot of people in Nepal love Momos. As it is one of the most Popular Foods In Nepal. Similarly, a lot of youngsters love Momos. If you visit Nepal you will find different kinds of Momo stalls in the streets and cities. Selling Momos is one of the most popular businesses in Nepal. Every Nepali family has a different recipe for this dish. Different people have different theories on how to make this dish juicy and delicious. There are different varieties of Momos in Nepal.
Similarly, the most popular variety of momos found in Nepal is chicken Momo, Buff Momo, and veg-Momo. For preparing a flawless Momo you will need certain ingredients and a recipe for it. The Dough, The Filling, shaping the Momo, and steaming the Momo in medium heat. The Momos that you will find here in Nepal are utterly unique and delicious. Likewise, the cost of Momo starts from 100 to 500 Nrs.
Ingredients for making Momo.
Ingredient List:
Two pounds of ground chicken breast and thigh (for chicken only)
Full white onion
One bunch of scallions
One tablespoon of grated ginger
Half a tablespoon of grated garlic
Half a tablespoon of white pepper
One tablespoon of cumin powder
Salt for taste(accordingly)
Three tablespoons of oil (preferably Olive oil)
Two bunches of finely chopped cilantro.
Premade dough patties for wrapping the Momo.
Green Chili for making sauce.
One tablespoon of sesame seed for sauce
Two pounds of ripe tomatoes for sauce
But this changes according to the region, culture, and place to place. Furthermore, for preparing a veg Momo you will need to change the chicken with a suitable vegetable. This is suitable for vegetarian people.
Origin of Momo
The history of momo was a long time ago. It was the food that originated from the Newari community. Later, when a Nepali princess was married to a Tibetan king in the late fifteenth century. It was introduced to Japan, China, and Tibet in the late fifteenth century. Initially, the first momo was made by the Newari Communities of Kathmandu Valley. Another legend says that the traders of Nepal(Newari People) liked the dumplings served to them and after they returned to Nepal they stuffed the filling and presented it to their community. Shortly after it was introduced to India.
Dhido
Dhido is one of the ancient foods in Nepal. It is the most favored meal of Nepali people. A lot of people love to have this meal on some occasions. It is usually prepared by gradually adding flour to boiling water while stirring. Similarly, the traditional way to prepare Dhido is from ground buckwheat or millet. However, cornmeal is also common in Nepali households. Additionally, any kind of flour can be used to make white but these ingredients are common.
Furthermore, Dido is a popular meal in Nepal also in Darjeeling and Shikim of India. There can be many secondary dishes complementing the Dhido in a traditional plate of Nepal. Most people enjoy it with mutton and chicken. However, adding pickles to the plate makes it more delicious. Many people in the Nepali community believe Dhido and Ghundruk to be the national food of Nepal. Similarly, Dhido is prepared in different restaurants and hotels. And, now it is one of the top businesses in Nepal. Likewise, this dish also plays an important role in the tourism sector of Nepal. A lot of foreign tourists come to Nepal for tasting the cultural food of Nepal. Most importantly, Dhido has made our country popular among foreigners through its unique taste and flavor. So, it is one of the most Popular Foods In Nepal.
Gundruk
One of the most Popular Food In Nepal (Gundruk) is usually prepared in the rural areas of Nepal. Gundruk is one more popular food in Nepali cuisine. It acts as a side dish in many Nepali cuisines. Some people either make Gundruk as curry or add some potatoes into it and other spices or make it as a pickle. Similarly, by mixing Gundruk with onions, tomato, chilly, and other pickled items it can taste very good. Some of the popular dishes prepared from Ghundrek are ‘Gundruk ko Jhol’ and ‘Sinki ko Jhol’ To make Gundruk.
Traditionally, some leafy vegetables are required to make Gundruk. The main difference between Sinki and Gundruk is, that Gundruk is prepared from leaves of vegetables, however, Sinki is prepared by tapping Roots of Radish. Gundruk has lactic acid bacteria that are necessary for acid development and contribute to making it more flavorful. Gundruk is preserved for a long time after drying in the sun. In the making process and then packaged under some polythene bag or some pouches. This food is very popular among all the ethnic groups of Nepal. It is also popular in some parts of India which are Sikkim, and Meghalaya where there are many people from the Nepali community. Usually, Ghundruk is prepared for the winter seasons. Therefore, it is the Popular Food In Nepal.
Sel Roti
Sel Roti is one of the Popular Foods In Nepal. Without it any kind of occasion in Nepal is incomplete. So, it is a Popular Food In Nepal. Many small children in the Nepali community love this food. Similarly, some of the elderly people of Nepal are fond of eating this food. It is one of the unique foods in Nepal. Selroti is just like a large thin puffed-up doughnut with a crispy texture and a reddish-brown color in it. Similarly, it is prepared by grinding shocked rice to create a thick bladder. Add Ghee and Sugar for taste. This food has a high value in Nepali culture and tradition.
Likewise, it is also famous in some parts of India like Sikkim and Darjeeling. The main ingredients to prepare Sel Roti are Rice flour, water, sugar, cooking oil, and ghee. But, it can change according to the community. Some prefer adding bananas, cashews, and almond and coconut mixture to it. Mostly, Sel Roti is prepared during the Dashain and Tihar. However, it is also prepared at marriage ceremonies. A lot of people eat Sel Roti as breakfast after the completion of a festival.
Chwela
Chwela is the main cuisine of the Newar Community. Similarly, it also plays a vital role in the culture of the Newari people. Similarly, it has a huge significance in their community. Usually, Chwelas are very spicy. Many people love the spiciness of the food. It is the main reason for this food is very popular among national and international tourists. That’s why it is a Popular Foods In Nepal In addition, there are different types of Chwelas. Furthermore, a lot of people prefer it with Cheura as a complement to the food. Without Chwela any kind of Newari Cuisine is incomplete.
This dish is very popular in the Kathmandu Valley as it is the main residence for the Newari people. Additionally, there are different types of Chwelas found in Nepal. Among them, Haku Chwela is the most popular. Mainly, preparing Chwela Buffalo’s meat is essential. However, nowadays people prepare it using chicken meat. The unique nature of the food made it one of the most Popular Foods In Nepal.
Yomari
Yomari is a special and Popular Foods In Nepal. It is mainly prepared by the Newari Community. However, people from other communities love and prepare them. This food is mostly prepared during the Yamari Puja. Similarly, this dish is popular in the Kathmandu Valley. Likewise, it is also mainly prepared in the Kathmandu Valley. Most importantly, Yamari Puja is a Newari Festival. Furthermore, they celebrate this festival to mark the end of the rice harvest. By the end of this harvest celebrate this movement. The people of the Newari community prepare this food. In addition, this system has been practiced for a long time. But, recently it has become a Popular Food In Nepal.
Chatamari
Chatamari is another popular food in the Newari Community. Similarly, Chatamari is a Newari Pizza. Likewise, it is very tasty food in their community. In addition, Chatamari is made out of rice flour instead of wheat flour. This food is a rice flour crepe cooked with toppings including coriander, minced meat, eggs, chopped onions, chilies, and a variety of spices. But, the ingredients can be changed according to the household. However, this is a traditional way to prepare it. Most importantly, this food has grown in popularity with its unique nature and food among the youngsters of Nepal. In addition, if you are a foreigner and planning to visit Nepal, you must try Chatamari. As it is one of the Popular Foods In Nepal.
Bara
Bara popularly named (Wo) in the Newari Community are thick savory pancakes made from lentil paste; the paste is mixed with spices such as asafetida, cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Similarly, with the mixture of these ingredients, it is not just a batter. With this, it gives a wonderful taste to the batter. Nowadays you can find Bara in different restaurants and hotels as it has become a growing business in Nepal. Many people in Nepal eat it as a snack. This dish is very delicious which is why it is very popular among small children in Nepal. In addition, bara is cripped outside and fluffy in the middle. Also, it is best if you eat it when it is hot. Furthermore, if you are a foreigner then it is a must-try food on your visit to Nepal.
