Five famous Nepali foods to try when in Nepal

Five famous Nepali Food you must try

Nepal is a land of remarkable ethnic diversity, home to more than 125 recorded ethnic groups, each with its own distinct customs, traditions, and culinary heritage. This rich cultural tapestry is reflected in the incredible variety of food found across the country, where flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques vary significantly from one ethnic community to another.

For instance, the Newar community, known for its deep-rooted traditions, has a cuisine that prominently features buffalo meat, intricate spice blends, and Aila—a traditional homemade alcohol that plays a significant role in their celebrations and rituals. On the other hand, Brahmins, who follow a more religious and vegetarian lifestyle, abstain from meat and instead focus on a diet rich in lentils, dairy products, seasonal vegetables, and rice-based dishes.

Across Nepal, every ethnic group takes immense pride in its unique culinary identity, passing down recipes and cooking techniques from generation to generation. From the fermented flavors of Rai and Limbu cuisine to the butter tea and barley-based diet of the Sherpas, Nepal’s food culture is as diverse as its people. Each meal tells a story—one of history, geography, and deep cultural significance—making Nepal’s culinary landscape an essential part of its identity.

Here are 5 famous Nepali dishes you must try in Nepal!

• Dal Bhat – The Famous Staple Food of Nepal
• Momos
• Dhindho or Dhido
• Thukpa
• Samay Baji

1. Dal Bhat – The Famous Staple Food of Nepal

The staple food of each Nepali household, Dal Bhat is mainly rice served along with lentil soup and vegetable curry or chicken (or meat). This meal is the most beloved one amongst Nepali people as it’s wholesome and provides the needed nutrition. When you take a tour , you will definitely get to experience this meal quite frequently.

Here’s how to make it. 

2. Momo

The next very popular dish is Momos. This is one of the favourites for tourists and is a must try for everyone visiting Nepal. Momos are small envelopes of white flour stuffed with veggies or minced lamb or chicken. They are served with different kinds of sauces and mayonnaise which makes the combination a delicious snack. This food in Nepal has taken India by storm and is a popular street food across many countries as well.

Here’s how to make it.

3. Dhindho or Dhido

Look into the corners of Kathmandu and in the Thamel region, you’ll find a hidden delicacy, the Dhindho or Dhido Thali. It is actually a thick porridge prepared by boiling stone-ground cornmeal, buckwheat flour, millet flour with salt in water. It is the staple diet of the rural areas and is eaten with butter, vegetable curries, pickles, buttermilk and yoghurt.

Here’s how to make it.

4. Thukpa

Thokpa is boiled noodles, filtered, and mixed with vegetables and meat items. Thokpa is also called Thukpa, It is very popular in Kathmandu and Mountain region of Nepal.It is eaten mostly during winter. Thokpa is noodles dipped in very hot soup, so it is good in cold places. It keeps you warm.    Here’s how to make it.

5. Samay Baji

One of the main dishes in Nepalese food, the Samay Baji is a gourmet dish that has been passed on along the generations of Nepali people. It is a platter containing barbecued buffalo meat, boiled egg along with beaten rice and spicy potato salad. It is a traditional dish that is served on auspicious occasions in the Newari culture. This dish is a must-try in Nepal, if you are a person who loves perfectly cooked meat and spicy dishes.