Kathmandu is a paradise for food lovers, especially those who enjoy exploring street food. Here are some popular street foods to try in Kathmandu:
- Momos: These are perhaps the most iconic street food in Kathmandu. Momos are dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, buff (water buffalo meat), or other fillings, steamed or fried, and served with spicy dipping sauces.
- Samosas: Fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. They’re crispy and flavorful and make for a great snack while exploring the streets of Kathmandu.
- Chatamari: Often referred to as “Nepali pizza,” chatamari is a rice flour crepe topped with various ingredients such as minced meat, eggs, vegetables, and spices. It’s a popular Newari dish found in street stalls and local eateries.
- Sel Roti: A traditional Nepali deep-fried bread made from rice flour batter. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a snack on its own.
- Golbhedako Sekuwa: This is grilled meat, typically buffalo (buff) or chicken, marinated in a blend of spices and cooked over charcoal. It’s flavorful and often served with puffed rice (bhuja) and spicy sauces.
- Yomari: A traditional Newari delicacy made from rice flour dough filled with sweetened sesame seeds, chaku (molasses), or khuwa (reduced milk). Yomari is steamed and enjoyed as a sweet treat.
- Pani Puri: Also known as golgappa or phuchka in other parts of South Asia, pani puri consists of hollow puris filled with spicy, tangy water (pani) and mashed potatoes or chickpeas. It’s a popular and refreshing street snack.
- Juju Dhau: Known as “King Curd,” this creamy, sweet yogurt is a specialty of Bhaktapur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley. It’s served in earthen pots and is a must-try for dessert lovers.
- Sukuti: Dried meat, usually buffalo or goat, marinated in spices and then sun-dried. Sukuti is often grilled or fried and served as a snack or side dish with drinks.
- Laphing: A Tibetan street food made from mung bean starch noodles served cold with a spicy and tangy sauce. It’s refreshing and perfect for hot days in Kathmandu.
Remember to check the hygiene and freshness of the street food vendors before indulging, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors and dishes while exploring the culinary delights of Kathmandu!