Nepal Food and Drink
Nepal's cuisine is hearty, flavourful and shaped by its diverse geography and ethnic traditions. In the hills and mountains, meals tend to be warming and carb-rich, while the plains feature spicier fare influenced by neighbouring India. Dal bhat, lentil soup served with rice and vegetable curries, is the staple dish eaten daily across the country. Street food is popular in urban areas, but visitors should choose busy, reputable stalls and avoid uncooked items to reduce the risk of stomach upsets. Bottled or filtered water is advised, and many cafés now offer refilling stations for reusable bottles.
Dal bhat: Nepal's classic set meal of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry and pickles, often accompanied by meat (chicken or mutton) in non-vegetarian versions.
Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with minced meat or vegetables, served with spicy dipping sauces; a firm favourite among travellers.
Newari khaja set: A traditional Newari platter featuring beaten rice, buffalo meat, boiled eggs, yoghurt and a selection of pickles.
Gundruk: Fermented leafy greens cooked into stews or served as a tangy side dish; a unique flavour found mainly in rural households.
Thukpa: A comforting noodle soup popular in Himalayan regions, made with vegetables, meat and warming spices.
Sel roti: A ring-shaped, slightly sweet rice flour bread, often eaten during festivals.
Chiya (Nepali milk tea): A spiced, milky tea enjoyed throughout the day; strong, sweet and deeply comforting.
Raksi: A traditional homemade spirit distilled from millet or rice; often served during celebrations—strong and best sampled in moderation.
Tongba: A warm, millet-based alcoholic drink popular in eastern Nepal; hot water is poured over fermented millet and sipped through a bamboo straw.
Nepali coffee: Increasingly popular, especially around Kathmandu and Pokhara, with locally grown beans from the mid-hills.
Ilam tea: Fragrant black and green teas from the eastern region, often enjoyed by tea enthusiasts and widely available in shops.
Eating with the left hand is traditionally considered impolite in Nepal, so food is usually eaten with the right hand. Utensils are widely available in tourist areas.
Tipping is not mandatory in Nepal, but it is increasingly common in tourist areas. In restaurants, a service charge may already be included; if not, a tip of 10% is appreciated.
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