10 Foods to Try in Nepal: Momo, Dal Bhat and More

Wondering what to eat in Nepal? Start with these ten dishes and snacks, from a filling dal bhat meal to momo and sweet sel roti. Some have deep roots in Nepal’s regional cuisines; others are shared across South Asia or the Himalayas and are widely enjoyed in Nepal.

This is an introduction rather than a ranking. Recipes, portions and accompaniments vary by community, restaurant and household.

1. Momo

Momo are dumplings with a thin dough wrapper and a savoury filling. Vegetable, chicken and buffalo versions are common, and they may be steamed, fried or served with a sauce or broth. Ask which filling is available and how spicy the achar is. Read our momo guide for more.

2. Dal bhat

Dal bhat centres on rice and lentil soup, usually accompanied by cooked vegetables and achar. Other sides depend on the kitchen and meal ordered. It is a useful introduction to everyday Nepali food and a practical choice when you want a full meal.

3. Khaja set

A khaja set brings several foods together on one plate. A Newari version may include beaten rice, pulses, vegetables, achar and meat or egg, depending on the set. Ask what is included before ordering, especially if you want a vegetarian meal.

4. Chatamari

Chatamari is a thin rice-flour preparation associated with Newar cuisine. It may be plain or topped with ingredients such as egg, minced meat or vegetables. It is sometimes compared with a pizza, but it has its own ingredients and cooking tradition.

5. Thukpa

Thukpa is a warming noodle soup with Himalayan and Tibetan associations. Versions found in Nepal may contain vegetables or meat in a savoury broth. It is a good choice for someone who prefers a soup-based meal; check the broth as well as the visible toppings if avoiding meat.

6. Samosa

Samosas are fried pastries, often filled with seasoned potato and peas. They are enjoyed across South Asia, including Nepal, and make a convenient snack with tea. Fillings and sauces differ, so ask about ingredients rather than assuming every version is the same.

7. Pani puri

Pani puri combines crisp, hollow shells with a filling and flavoured water. The attraction is the contrast between crunch, tanginess and spice. Since the water is part of the dish, choose a vendor whose preparation and water source you trust.

8. Fried rice

Fried rice is widely available on restaurant menus in Nepal. Vegetable, egg and meat versions offer a familiar option alongside local dishes. It is a food you can enjoy in Nepal, rather than a dish unique to the country.

9. Sel roti

Sel roti is a sweet, ring-shaped rice bread cooked in oil. It is closely associated with celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar and can also be found as a snack. Its texture is different from an ordinary wheat doughnut; try it fresh when available.

10. Yomari

Yomari is a steamed rice-flour dumpling associated with Newar food traditions. Sweet fillings can include chaku, a concentrated sweet syrup, and sesame; other versions are also made. Ask the maker about the filling and enjoy it as a distinct food rather than another type of savoury momo.

How to choose your first meal

• For a full meal, start with dal bhat or a khaja set.
• For a snack, try momo, samosa or sel roti.
• For a soup, choose thukpa.
• For Newar specialities, look for chatamari or yomari and ask about local variations.

Tell the kitchen about dietary restrictions and ask about fillings, broth, sauces and cooking fat. A dish name alone does not guarantee it is vegetarian or free from a particular ingredient.

Continue exploring

Learn fruit names in Nepali and English, browse vegetable names, or plan spending with our Nepal budget guide.

For further background, see the Nepal Tourism Board’s Nepalese heritage cuisine recipe book.