Momos Galore

Indulge your street food longings with the best import from Tibet…the ever-popular momo, a yummy savoury dumpling filled with both minced veg and non-veg options…fried or steamed— with a dipping sauce which can vary in taste and flavour from place to place. Your go-to place has to be Ason, the historic market square. Instead of the traditional Tibetan yak meat, chicken or buffalo meat is the preferred Nepali option.

Dal Bhaat

India appears to have been a great influencer in driving this classic Nepali favourite for all times. While a cookery lesson in a local home brings in the personalised flavours of the family kitchen there are plenty of spots around town where you can partake of this staple, comfort dish of rice and thin soupy lentil curry. A complete meal can include vegetables, a meat option and pickles. Utsav Authentic Nepali Restaurant at Lal Durbar, Durbar Marg, serves up a nice traditional meal platter (thali).

Newari dishy dinners

Spoil your taste buds to the hilt with a lavish dinner of authentic Newari fare. Nepal’s Newar community has been justly acclaimed for their fantastic culinary traditions and sumptuous wedding feasts. Popular Newari dishes include chatamari (sweet or savoury pizza-like crepe), bara (lentil pancake), choila (a gourmet spicy grilled water buffalo dish accompanied by rice flakes; there’s also a duck/chicken/mutton option) for vegetarians there are mushroom/soya and tofu options; sapumhicha (fried bone marrow) and phokso (fried lungs). On your wanderings around Bhkatapur you must try the traditional Newari Juju Dhau, a yoghurt concoction made with buffalo milk as a dessert. A gourmet offering is Samay Baji, a platter of barbecued buffalo meat and boiled eggs served with beaten rice and spicy potato salad.

Check out the family-run Pasa Newari Kitchen on Mandala Street, Thamel; it’s famed for its locally sourced fresh ingredients and array of aromatic spices in the preparation of each meal with its traditional and secret recipes. Harati Newari Restaurant on Naya Bazaar Road is another good option to explore.

INTERNATIONAL FLAVOURS

Czech Pub

Founded by Honza Travnícek this traditionally Czech pub in Thamel offers an authentic range of regional Czech dishes and local fare. Serves an excellent selection of Czech and Nepalese crafted beers, and wines from around the world. A popular spot for the international mountain climbing community.

Wunjala Moskva

This garden restaurant located across from the Police headquarters, Naxal, near Durbar Square, serves up delicious Russian delights. The Russian chef churns out favourites like Bortsch, Zarkoe and Piroshki, Mushroom Blinchki, Zarkoa, Tabaca,and Sirniki.

Surprisingly the restaurant is also famed for its authentic Newari dishes!

OR2K

For Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine head to this very popular spot located in Sagarmatha Bazaar. The falafel platter comes well recommended as is the hummus with pita bread.

Kaiser Café

Located in the Garden of Dreams in bustling Thamel this serene spot indulges you with its European, Central European, Nepali, and other global favourites. Popular choices --- the Austrian Wiener Schnitzel and Vienna coffee.

Chez Caroline

A wonderful heritage experience combined with a true gourmet treat awaits you in the atmospheric Baber Mahal Revisited complex at this classic French restaurant. Go for favourites like the Wild Mushroom Pie, Lasagnes Au Poulet, Steak Au Poivre and Crème Brulée.

Le Sherpa

For a taste of authentic French cuisine Le Sherpa wend your way to this popular restaurant in the heart of the tourist district. The verdant setting adds to the charm of the gastronomic experience warmed by traditional Nepalese hospitality. Go for the roast quail with sauteed potatoes and fillet of trout.

Little Italy

One of Kathmandu busiest international culinary favourites this chic restaurant blows you away with its authentic Italian fare. Head early for Kamaladi Sadak to snag a good table.

Saigon Pho

At Lazimpat journey off to the bustling markets of Southeast Asia for a thrilling culinary adventure. Choicest offerings to indulge in are the Seafood Platters with four different kinds of seafood, cooked in four different ways. The Spicy Lemongrass Shrimps, Pork Chop Served with Steam Japanese Rice are top favourites as well.

Momotaro

If its Japanese fare you are hungering for, this decades-old restaurant is the best place in town to be. Located in Thamel it’s also one of the few places in town where you get to try some dishes made by Nepal’s Tharu community. Fast moving Japanese options include their soups, the Bento box and Raymen.

Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop

Remarked for its excellent food and service, this restaurant on JP Marg is a huge draw for its servings of Italian, Chinese, Thai, Central European, Mediterranean, French, Greek dishes. You will also find staples of Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Their sourcing of organic ingredients from local farms and vendors adds to the popularity of the place. The extensive menu has a tempting range including steaks, ravioli, ribs, schnitzel, pad thai, spaghetti, sandwiches, and the like. Unmissable are options such as the house chef special tenderloin steak (beef), Australian lamb chop, grilled salmon, stuffed chicken supreme, and a host of veg dishes.