Travel is all about the destination, its culture and tradition, the journey and most importantly the food. No destination is complete unless one tastes the local flavors of that place. Nepal is also a country that has a lot to offer in terms of local cuisine. In fact, street food in Kathmandu is full of variety of flavours. Enjoy these local delicacies while wandering the streets of Kathmandu.
Best street food in Kathmandu
Here are the top foods that are available to foodies on the streets of Kathmandu. Try all these delicious Nepali street food dishes on your next visit here:
1. Momos
Without a doubt, the best Nepali street food in Kathmandu is momos. Today known by various names like dim sums and pakodas in the streets of Nepal, today they are still our very own momos. A commonly recognized food item that needs no introduction, momos is a dish that everyone in Nepal must try. Apart from the streets, this staple food of the country is a common thing in every household in Kathmandu. The red chilli chutney served alongside takes this Kathmandu meal to a different level.
Where to try: Shandar Momo
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2. Chatamari
It is a traditional dish of the Newars of Kathmandu. Chatamari is also famous as Newari Pizza and is a type of rice crepe. A rice pancake once prepared during festivals and special occasions, chatamari is now a popular breakfast. You can find small eateries and stalls selling delicious chatamari with a topping of eggs or ricotta cheese.
Where to try: भोई छेन
3. Choila
This is another famous food of Kathmandu. A unique Newari dish, Choila is mainly spicy grilled buffalo meat. Mostly eaten with chiura, chunks of rice, choila is hot and spicy. It is now served with different types of meat like mutton, chicken and duck and will definitely leave you wanting more. Try it in local restaurants in Kathmandu. This is a mouth-watering dish that you will find in every Kathmandu food menu.
Where to try: Himali Kitchen
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4. Sekuwa
Sekuwa, prepared by roasting over natural wood fire, is a traditional snack of the Limbu people of Nepal. Today this Nepali country food has made a name for itself in Kathmandu street food gracing the local stalls of the city. Meat dishes are mostly cooked with spices and natural herbs.
Where to try: bajeko sekuwa
5. Lakhamari
For all those with a sweet tooth, there is a wonderful food item called Lakhamari available on the streets of Kathmandu. It is a crispy bread with a flaky texture. It is mainly made of flour, butter and sugar. It is an important sweet in Newar culture and is especially present in their weddings. Today it is famous among all Nepali ethnic groups.
Where to try: Kasthamandap Mithai Bhandar
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6. Cell Bread
Sel Roti is a local Nepalese donut that is reddish brown in color with a crunchy texture. It is a ring-shaped sweet bread made from rice which is mostly prepared during the Hindu festivals of Dashain and Tihar. Sel Roti has now become a sweet street food of Kathmandu. The main ingredient is rice flour and can be adapted to different tastes.
Where to try: Chetrapati
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7. Samosa
This easy-to-carry snack is a common street food in Kathmandu. It is similar to the samosa found in India. The outer layer which is made of dough is usually crispy with a delicious filling of potatoes. The stuffing can be varied by adding onions, ginger, peas and chillies. Samosa is usually served with chutney and is a commonly found street food in the Kathmandu Valley.
Where to try: tip top
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8. Pani Puri
Pani Puri is a common Nepali street food. It is a common street snack found in almost every part of the Asian subcontinent. Puri is a fried and crispy hollow filled with flavored water. Apart from Pani Puri, delicious Dahi Puri can also be enjoyed in Kathmandu. This is another version of the same snack, a common street food in Kathmandu where instead of water, the puri is filled with curd.
Where to try: Mangalbazar, Patan
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9. Thukpa
Originally a Tibetan dish, today thukpa is a readily available noodle soup in Kathmandu. Easy to prepare, it makes a delicious bowl of both vegetarian and meat broth. No special occasion is required to enjoy this bowl of bliss. It is a comfort food that is quite filling and a good meal in itself. Enjoy this delicious bowl of thukpa at local shops on the streets of Kathmandu and Kathmandu food trucks.
Where to try: Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
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10. Potato Chops
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This is a delicious potato and chicken Nepali croquette that is easily available in Nepali stores. It is a delicious snack served with tamarind flavored chutney. Potato chops are quite popular among both locals and tourists. They are an easily carryable street snack. Make the most of these when in Kathmandu!
Where to try: Tukche Thakali Kitchen
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Are you already interested in trying this street food of Kathmandu? Book your trip to Nepal and enjoy all the cuisine that Nepal has to offer its travelers on its streets!
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FAQs About Street Food in Kathmandu
What is the affordable staple food that Nepalese eat from street vendors in Kathmandu?
Dal Bhaat is an affordable staple food that Nepalese eat from street vendors in Kathmandu. Dal, rice and vegetables are served in lunch and dinner.
What are the most affordable street dishes available from street vendors in Kathmandu?
You must taste the popular Pani Puri once in Kathmandu tour. Street vendors in Kathmandu serve this dish from noon onwards.
Do street food vendors in Kathmandu serve only Nepali dishes?
No, street food in Kathmandu is available in Bhutanese, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and Western cuisines.
What kind of authentic Nepalese cuisine do street vendors serve in Kathmandu?
They serve Himalayan cuisine, Kha cuisine, Lohorung cuisine, Newars, Terai cuisine and Thakali cuisine in Kathmandu. These dishes are of vegetarian and non-vegetarian type.
What are the best street foods to eat on Kathmandu holidays during winter season?
Potato chops and samosas served hot are the best to eat during your Kathmandu holidays during winter season. They are much more affordable and you can get them from street vendors in Kathmandu.
Is vegetarian food available from street food vendors in Kathmandu?
There are many street food vendors and restaurants that serve only vegetarian food. You can try the popular Khas, Newars and Thakali dishes, which are pure vegetarian food.
What are the timings of street food available in Kathmandu?
Most street food vendors are open from 09:00 am and close by 11:00 pm.
Is it possible to get food if we reach Kathmandu late at night?
Yes, some street food vendors and restaurants stay open into the early hours of the morning to serve international tourists who come to Kathmandu late at night.
