Ever tried Momos or Dal Bhat? Both of these are essentials from the Nepali cuisine. Deeply influenced by the rich history of Nepal’s topography and cultural exchanges with Tibet, India, and China, Nepali dishes look peculiar, smell addictive and taste heavenly. Best noted for its boldness and spiciness, Nepali dishes bring out their signature taste through unique ingredients, and unique ways of cooking them.
So, you’ve stumbled upon a Nepali restaurant and browsed through their menu only to find out that you don’t know what to order. Well, you’re in the right place! We’re here to help you dissect the top 10 Nepali dishes that you can find in a Nepali restaurant in Canada and figure out which one you should order on your next visit. So, let’s get right into it.
1. Momo
Momo is the Nepali version of dumplings and holds a special place in every Nepali’s heart. These are dumplings that are either steamed or fried, with a filling inside that consists of minced meat wrapped around buffalo meat, chicken, or pork, or even vegetables. It is served with a spicy sour tomato-based dipping sauce known as “achar.” Momos can be taken either as a snack or even as a complete meal; they have become comfort food for people of all ages. Crispy or soft, these dumpling flavor bombs are something that one should not miss if they ever plan on trying Nepali food in Canada.
2. Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is the ordinary and staple food for Nepalese, making it the basis of every Nepali meal. It contains two traditionally main items in the meal: dal- a soup of lentils, and bhat, steamed rice. Most of the time, it is served with other meals like vegetable curries and pickles, called achar, and sometimes meat. Normally, in Nepal, Dal Bhat is eaten every day-twice a day. INCEND. This will keep you full for hours and is a wholesome meal if you are that kind of person who loves simplicity with depth in flavors.
3. Sel Roti
Sel Roti is a traditional ring-shaped sweet rice bread that is prepared for festivals and special occasions. The dough prepared with rice flour, sugar, and milk is deep-fried to produce a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Mildly sweet, usually, sel roti is eaten with yogurt, pickles, or tea. If you are one of those people who love trying something different to satiate your sweet tooth craving, then this is the dish for you.
4. Chatamari
Sometimes referred to as the “Nepali pizza,” Chatamari consists of a crispy rice-flour crepe enjoyed with various toppings that include minced meat, eggs, vegetables, or cheese. It is a versatile dish originating from the Newari community of the Kathmandu Valley that can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or even for dinner. Its simplicity belies bold flavors, which makes it a popular street food in Nepal and one you should not miss when you spot it on the menu in Canada.
5. Thukpa
Originating from Tibet, Thukpa is a noodle soup that comforts the soul and has been one of the most favored dishes in Nepal, especially during the colder seasons. This will be prepared with a wholesome broth, noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat, which would usually be chicken or beef. Thukpa is warm and hearty-the kind of comfort food to be enjoyed on the most wintry days in Canada. Be it slurping down the noodles or taking large spoonfuls of the broth, which is full of flavor, it’s comfort in each spoon.
6. Gundruk
Gundruk is a fermented traditional leafy green vegetable soup, and it can be prepared from leaflets of mustard, radish leaves, or even spinach. It is sour in taste and highly rich in probiotics and nutrients. It is mainly used in soups and stews and sometimes as a side dish because the people of Nepal generally have a special affinity for the special tang generated by gundruk. Get the real taste of Nepali authenticity with a traditional soup known as Gundruk ko Jhol, where fermented greens are the main ingredient, eaten along with rice or bread.
7. Aloo Tama
Aloo Tama is a sour and spicy curry made of potatoes and bamboo shoots. Softened potatoes along with crunchy bamboo shoots in savory gravy-as the flavors burst in one’s mouth. This is one of those Nepali comfort foods that can be enjoyed with rice or roti. The distinctive textures and flavors will be keeping you when you want an item of food more with its tanginess.
8. Sukuti
Sukuti is a traditional item made from dried, marinated meat-so usually buffalo, goat, or beef. Air-dried at times over smoke, later on rehydrated and cooked with onions, tomatoes, chilies, and a variety of Nepali spices, sukuti is best described as being chewy, spicy, and perfect for those who like strong smoky flavors. While it’s often eaten as a snack, it does go great with cold beer, which probably makes it one of the favorite picks at Nepali gatherings here in Canada as well.
9. Yomari
Yomari is a sweet dumpling made of rice flour dough with molasses and sesame seed mixture for filling. It’s one of the traditional Newari sweets, most popularly consumed during the Yomari Punhi festival, where the end of the rice harvest is celebrated. However, it can also be consumed all the year round as a dessert or a special sweet connoisseur. Its soft and chewy texture combined with a sweet filling makes it one of its kind desserts that would linger on one’s palate.
10. Kwati
Kwati is a kind of sprouted bean soup, including nine different beans as its ingredients. Basically, on the day of Janai Purnima, this is prepared, a thick foodstuff which acts as very appropriate for vegetarians and healthy eaters. Some species give it a rich, earthy flavor, while added spices make it warm enough to fill the stomach and provide nourishment.
The Increasing Popularity of Nepali Cuisine in Canada
Recently, Nepali food like momos has gained momentum in Canada, catering with more Nepali restaurants and food trucks to the taste of traditional Nepalese food. This scenario is highly observable in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, among other cities in Canada that celebrate various culinary cultures. Whether you want to try Nepali street food or indulge in a full-course meal, you will find authentic Nepali food reflecting the vibrant culture of Nepal.
How to Savor Nepali Cuisine at Home
Several of the Nepali dishes are actually pretty easy to make if ingredients can be found. Specialty Nepali groceries in Canada or any one of a number of online marketplaces can find you spices like timur (Nepali pepper), fenugreek seeds, and other key ingredients commonly used in Nepali cooking. It’s really fun making Nepali recipes at home as a great way to explore the cuisine.
Conclusion: Taste of Nepal in Canada
Exploring Nepali food in Canada is not only about the taste but an invitation to bring out a slice of Nepal’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Dining out at a Nepali restaurant, visiting a cultural festival, or trying to cook the various dishes yourself-the Nepali food experience will be one you will never want to forget. From the savory momos in Regina to the soothing dal bhat in Toronto, the wide-ranging Nepalese spices have something for every palate.
