7 Best Street Foods to Try in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, ancient temples, and, most notably, its incredible street food scene.

The city’s street food offers a delightful blend of Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and even a hint of Chinese flavors. Whether you are a local or a tourist, these flavorful snacks provide an authentic taste of Kathmandu’s vibrant culinary traditions.

In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through seven of the best street foods you must try in Kathmandu. Along with detailed descriptions of each dish, we’ll explore their origins, ingredients, and where to find them. Let’s dig into the best street foods in Kathmandu, and satisfy your cravings!

1. Momo: The King of Kathmandu Street Food

What are Momos?
Momo is the most popular street food in Kathmandu. Originating from Tibet and influenced by Nepali and Indian flavors, these steamed or fried dumplings are stuffed with various fillings, such as minced meat (chicken, buffalo, or pork), vegetables, or even cheese.

Ingredients:
Dough: Flour, water, salt
Filling: Minced meat or vegetables (buffalo meat is most popular), onion, garlic, ginger, and a blend of Nepali spices.

How are they made?
Momos are made by rolling dough into thin circles and then stuffing them with fillings. The edges are folded to give them a round or crescent shape. Once the dumplings are shaped, they are steamed in a momo steamer. Some variations include fried momos and kothey (panfried) momos.

Why are Momos so popular?
Momos are the ultimate comfort food for Nepalis. They are filling, delicious, and affordable. The dish is often served with a spicy tomatobased chutney (called achar) made from tomatoes, sesame seeds, and Nepali spices, adding an extra burst of flavor.

Where can you try Momos in Kathmandu?
From street vendors in Asan to momo stalls in Thamel, you will find momos everywhere in Kathmandu. Try them at local eateries or even finedining restaurants, and you’ll realize why momos are so beloved by all.

2. Chatamari: The Nepali Pizza

What is Chatamari?
Often referred to as “Nepali pizza,” Chatamari is a flatbread made from rice flour, topped with various ingredients such as minced meat, vegetables, eggs, and cheese. It is a traditional Newari dish and is served either as a snack or a meal.

Ingredients:
Base: Rice flour, water, salt
Toppings: Minced meat (buffalo, chicken), eggs, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and Nepali spices.

How is it made?
The rice flour batter is spread thinly on a hot pan to form a crispy, thin base. Toppings are added while it cooks, and the bread is cooked until crispy and the toppings are wellcooked.

Why is Chatamari so unique?
Chatamari offers a unique blend of crispy texture and flavorful toppings. It’s often compared to pizza because of the way it looks, but its taste is distinctly Nepali. The rice flour base gives it a light and crispy texture, while the toppings provide a spicy and savory taste.

Where can you try Chatamari in Kathmandu?
You’ll find Chatamari in local eateries, especially in Newari food joints around Patan and Bhaktapur. Street vendors in Kathmandu also serve this traditional delicacy, especially during festivals or special occasions.

3. Samosa: The Savory Delight

What is a Samosa?
Samosa is a deepfried, triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. It’s a popular snack not only in Kathmandu but also across the Indian subcontinent. In Nepal, samosas are usually served with a tamarind chutney or achar.

Ingredients:
Pastry: Flour, water, oil
Filling: Mashed potatoes, peas, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

How is it made?
The dough is rolled out and filled with the spicy potato mixture. It is then folded into a triangular shape and deepfried until golden brown. Some variations may include meat or lentils in the filling.

Why is Samosa a favorite street food?
Samosas are crispy, savory, and perfectly spiced. The flaky pastry combined with the soft, spiced filling makes them a satisfying snack for any time of the day. They’re often paired with tea, making them a perfect afternoon treat.

Where can you try Samosa in Kathmandu?
Samosas can be found at nearly every street food stall and tea shop in Kathmandu. Asan Bazaar, Ratnapark, and Bhaktapur are great places to try authentic samosas.

4. Sekuwa: The Grilled Perfection

What is Sekuwa?
Sekuwa is a traditional Nepali barbecued meat dish. It’s made by marinating meat (typically chicken, mutton, or pork) in Nepali spices and then grilling it over an open flame. It’s a favorite street food, especially for meat lovers in Kathmandu.

Ingredients:
Meat: Chicken, buffalo, mutton, or pork
Marinade: Yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.

How is it made?
The meat is marinated for several hours, allowing the spices to soak in. It is then skewered and grilled over an open fire until it’s charred and smoky. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior.

Why is Sekuwa so beloved?
Sekuwa offers a smoky, spicy, and juicy taste that is hard to resist. The marinade’s blend of spices gives the meat a unique flavor, and the grilling method ensures it’s perfectly cooked. It’s often enjoyed with achar, rice, or even with a chilled drink.

Where can you try Sekuwa in Kathmandu?
You can find sekuwa at various street stalls, particularly in areas like Thamel, Durbar Marg, and Bhaktapur. Many local sekuwa joints specialize in this dish, and it’s commonly eaten as a snack or part of a larger meal.

5. Sel Roti: The Sweet Rice Donut

What is Sel Roti?
Sel Roti is a traditional Nepali sweet bread, often compared to a doughnut. It’s made from rice flour and deepfried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. While it’s typically made during festivals and special occasions, you can find it in street markets throughout Kathmandu.

Ingredients:
Rice flour
Sugar
Ghee or butter
Cardamom (optional)

How is it made?
The rice flour batter is prepared by mixing rice flour, sugar, and water. It’s then poured in a circular shape into hot oil and fried until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Why is Sel Roti so special?
Sel Roti is unique to Nepal, and its sweet, crispy texture makes it a favorite snack for both locals and visitors. It’s often eaten during festivals like Dashain and Tihar but is available yearround in street markets.

Where can you try Sel Roti in Kathmandu?
You can find Sel Roti in many local street stalls, especially in markets like Asan and Indra Chowk. It’s often sold alongside other traditional snacks, making it a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

6. Pani Puri: The Explosion of Flavors

What is Pani Puri?
Pani Puri is a popular street snack in Nepal and India. It consists of crispy, hollow puris (small, round wheat shells) filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chickpeas, potatoes, and spices.

Ingredients:
Puris: Made from wheat flour
Filling: Mashed potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, and spicy flavored water (pani)

How is it made?
The puris are filled with mashed potatoes and chickpeas, then dipped into a bowl of flavored water. The puri is then eaten in one bite, creating an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

Why is Pani Puri so popular?
Pani Puri is loved for its combination of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors. The crispy puri combined with the flavorful water and filling creates a refreshing and addictive snack.

Where can you try Pani Puri in Kathmandu?
You’ll find Pani Puri stalls across Kathmandu, especially in crowded areas like New Road, Asan, and Thamel. Many street vendors serve them fresh, making them a musttry snack.

7. Aloo Chop: The Nepali Potato Fritter

What is Aloo Chop?
Aloo Chop is a deepfried potato fritter, made from mashed potatoes, spices, and coated in gram flour before frying. It’s a popular street snack, often enjoyed with tea or as a quick bite on the go.

Ingredients:
Potatoes
Gram flour (besan)
Spices: Cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric

How is it made?
Mashed potatoes are spiced and shaped into small patties, which are then dipped in a gram flour batter and deepfried until crispy.

Why is Aloo Chop a musttry?
Aloo Chop is crispy on the outside and soft and spicy on the inside, making it a comforting and satisfying snack. It’s commonly eaten with a side of chutney or achar.

Where can you try Aloo Chop in Kathmandu?
You can find Aloo Chop at street stalls, especially in markets like Asan and Patan. It’s often sold alongside samosas and pakoras, making it a popular snack option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most popular street food in Kathmandu?
Momos are the most popular street food in Kathmandu. These delicious dumplings are a favorite among both locals and tourists.

2. Are there vegetarian street food options in Kathmandu?
Yes, many street foods like samosas, pani puri, chatamari, and aloo chop are available in vegetarian versions.

3. Is street food in Kathmandu safe to eat?
Street food is generally safe if you choose vendors with good hygiene practices. It’s a good idea to eat at busy stalls, as their food is more likely to be fresh.

4. What is Chatamari?
Chatamari is a traditional Newari dish, often referred to as Nepali pizza. It’s a riceflour flatbread topped with meat, eggs, and vegetables.

5. Where can I find the best Momos in Kathmandu?
Momos can be found all over Kathmandu, but Thamel, Asan, and local eateries are popular spots for delicious momos.

6. Is Nepali street food spicy?
Yes, many Nepali street foods are spicy, but you can ask vendors to adjust the spice level based on your preference.

7. What is Sekuwa?
Sekuwa is grilled meat marinated in Nepali spices, a favorite street food for meat lovers in Kathmandu.

8. What is the best time to try street food in Kathmandu?
Street food vendors are usually busiest in the late afternoon and evening, which is a great time to explore and try different snacks.

9. Are there sweet street foods in Kathmandu?
Yes, Sel Roti is a popular sweet street food, along with other treats like Jeri (a type of jalebi) and laddu.

10. Can I find street food in areas outside Kathmandu?
Yes, many street foods like momos, sel roti, and samosas are also found in other cities and towns across Nepal. Conclusion

Kathmandu’s street food is a reflection of its diverse culture and rich history. From the beloved momos to the crispy aloo chop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each dish tells a story and offers a unique experience that you can’t miss when visiting this vibrant city.

Whether you’re strolling through the busy markets of Asan or wandering the streets of Thamel, make sure to indulge in these seven musttry street foods. Your taste buds will thank you!