Local Dishes to try when you visit Nepal-Part 1

As Visit Nepal Year 2020 has begun, there are a few local delicacies that one must try when visiting this hidden gem of a nation among the mountains. Even though the country is small in size, the hospitality that the people of this country can fill your heart. The people will do you no wrong unless you are the one who does them wrong, the people will treat you with the utmost respect, welcome you and even feed you and not even take a single penny. The people of Nepal are mostly known for their Hospitality and care for their guests. So, with saying this, I as a citizen of Nepal welcome you to the country in the auspicious occasion of Visit Nepal 2020. And with saying this , I would also like you to try a few must try delicacies Local Dishes when you visit Nepal. Though this is only the first part of the article and there are many more similar articles to come. Do give these few dishes a try.

CHOILA:

Choila is basically a meat item, the meat is always of buffalo, and the meat is cut into long chunky pieces and then seared over the flame, the flame leaves a char on the meat as well as cooks the meat to perfection, the long chunky pieces of meat are then cut into bite size pieces then mixed with various spices such as , Salt, chilli powder, Cumin Powder( Jeera Powder), Fried Mustard oil, and there are other spices such as a few crushed cloves of garlic, and then garam masala is also added and then it is thoroughly mixed, the oil helps the spices to stick to the meat properly and then it is let to rest for a few minutes, so that the mixture of all the masala penetrates the meat and enhances its flavour even more, the dish is normally serve with beaten rice , some pickled potatoes, some radish pickle, and beans with a beverage of wine, or alcohol.

KACHI LAA:

Kachii laa basically translate to raw meat, but just because it translates to that doesnt mean that the meat is raw, the meat is partially boiled , this dish is normally made of the skin of the buffalo meat, the seasoning is just a dash of mustard oil, salt, chilli powder, and Cumin powder and then it is thoroughly mixed. Recently,the dish has been revamped and a bit of garlic and ginger is also mixed, so that the pungent smell of meat doesnt come while eating this dish. This dish is a perfect side dish to have while drinking rice wine.

Also read:

• Foods to try in Boudha
• Must try Eateries in Boudha
• Best Places to Visit in the Kathmandu
• Best Places to Visit in the Kathmandu
• Must try Newari Foods in Nepal

BAARAA AND WOH:

Baaraa and woh are made by the puree made out of lentils, Black lentils to be precise, first of the lentils are soaked in water to soften over night and then the next morning they are made into a puree and then various spices are mixed into the puree, with a few cloves of garlic and a bit of ginger to give its flavor a bit more depth, then the puree is scooped with hand or a spatula to pour onto the pan with highly heated oil, to give the Baaraa and Woh more flavor, Just like to chataamari, they add some meat or vegetables, the places to get these are the same as to where to get the chataamari.

YOMARI:

Yomari is one of the most liked and eaten delicacies of the newari community, the dish itself is considered as good luck ,and is always put as an offering to any god or goddesses, this holds even such belief, Yomari is believed to be able to cure coughs, colds and other such diseases and make the body stronger. Yomari is rice Flour made into a pouch and then filled with a mixture of various sweet item such as Coconut, raisins, nuts, and sometimes even meats as there are variations to even this dish, this dish holds alot of traditional belief, and is almost always eaten before the cold winter begins, theres a solo festival dedicated to Yomaris, called Yomari Punhi in Newari tradition, which happens before the beginning of the cold harsh winter.

CHATAAMARI:

Chataamari is made from rice flour , this dish is basically like rotis , but the taste and texture varies as chataamaris sometimes have a bit of spices mixed to them , there are places where people stuff the chataamari with various meats, eggs, and vegetables as well, this gives Chatamaari a distinctive taste and then the flavour of the plain chataamari also get enhanced to a certain degree. A few places to eat such a dish is : Honacha in Patan, and a small Newari restro in Bhaktapur durbar square.

Thulo Momo:

Thulo Momo is basically, what you call dumplings whose size were nearly tripled or quadrupled. Though the size is one thing that has increased the filling. Though the filling does change as , the dish is heavily inspired by Tibetan flavors, and the flavors can differ as well. The filling of the thulo momo is normally minced pork and minced chicken meat rather than your typical Buff meat. The thulo momo takes more time to be cooked and the mix of herbs is rather different than your normal dumplings as well. The herbs that are mixed in the Thulo momo are heavily Tibetan mix influenced, though the newer adaptations to the dish has added a wide array of taste to it. This is one dish you should try when in Boudha.

Tingmo:

Tingmo is one of the most authentic dishes that can be found in Boudha. Tingmo is a steamed bread that is usually eaten with tea, Curry or sauce. At times Tingmo is also filled with minced meat or veggies and are called the Tibetan dumplings. Tingmo is widely eaten by the locals in the area, and the locals can even guide you to places where they serve up some of the best Tingmos as well. Tingmos are usually eaten in the morning and it fills you up till lunch. Tingmo’s have a very peculiar shape but are very delicious to eat.

Dumplings/ Momos:

Dumplings or as well call it Momo is one of our staple dishes. And boudha is known for serving one of the best Momos in town , especially a place called Mechung cafe. This place is known for serving one of the best Momos in town and the place is normally packed with people. Dumplings are made with fillings of Buff meat , Pork meat, Veggies or chicken minced meat. The meat is mixed with various different herbs to make the gaminess of the meat disappear and give it some aroma and taste. Dumplings have been around for ages in Nepal. And the people residing in Boudha have been making some of the best Momos in town as well. The Dumplings are served with sauces, or a mixture of vinegar and chilly.

Butter Tea:

Butter tea is a beverage that is very authentic to the people living in the Himalayas. Normally Butter tea is made by mixing special tea leaves, Milk, Salt , and Yak butter, in a large cylindrical wooden vessel. After mixing all the ingredients, the mixture is churned until a certain consistency is met and then it is served after boiling it. Nowadays, there are various other tea leaves that is mixed in the mixture , but some of the places that serve this tea are very good. Butter tea was normally brewed to give the people living in the Himalayas energy and to keep them hydrated for the whole day. 

We hope you consider these dishes and try them out and as well as have a great time staying in this country of ours. We also hope that in the coming days, you will read the other various parts of this article and try the new dishes that will be enlisted in them as well. With saying this Have a great stay in Nepal on the auspicious year of Visit Nepal Year 2020

ALSO READ: Article on Visit Nepal 2020 (Why Nepal is worth visiting in the Year 2020)