Nepal has a variety of unique cuisines based on ethnicity and the cultural diversity and geography. The most common and distinctive dish is the Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, which is a combination of lentil soup, Steamed rice and seasonal vegetables with other accompaniments. The popular would be the “Momo”, which basically is a dumpling with a Nepali twist. Then there are the amazing variety of local cuisine such as Thakali, Newari and food of the ethnic minorities. 

Nepal does not have one distinct cooking style. However, food habits differ depending on the region. Nepali food has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan styles of cooking. Authentic Nepali taste is found in Newari and Thakali cuisines.

Although there are variety of delicacies depending on the ethnicity, topography and climate of the region, but rice remains the center of almost all the cuisines. It is the major source of energy in the country, and most of the population consume it twice a day on a daily basis. The side dishes vary as per the region and the ethnicity and brings out the uniqueness to the dish as a whole.

The indigenous settlers of the Kathmandu Valley, The newars have some of the unique and delicious dishes. A variety of Non Veg Cuisines, are mostly based on Buffalo meat. Their cuisine makes much use of buffalo meat, using almost every part of the animal such as the liver, intestine, lungs etc. Then there is the must try vegetable soup, made of potato and bamboo shoot and small beans. The popular dishes are available in eateries but the real taste comes out when it is prepared at home for feasts and special occasions.

People of mid-hills of Nepal are renowned for their heavy and delicious lunches. Especially, Thakalis are notable for producing high-grade rice, lentils, vegetables, and curries in the country. Even Kathmandu is filling up with Thakali restaurants. But Pokhara is one of the best places to try Thakali food if not the trekking routes where they live, in the Annapurna region.

The Himalayan cuisine of Nepal is much influenced by Tibetan culture. Exquisite yak cheese of the Himalayan region is notably famous all over the country, and beyond. Butter tea and noodles are also often consumed in this region.

The lowlands of Nepal, Madhesh (Tarai), is the grain producing region of the country. Much of the food and fruits of Nepal are produced in the vast sweltering plains. Tharu, indigenous locals of the Tarai make delicious food of 'chicher' and they are also known to make mouthwatering fish curry as they are keen fishermen besides being farmers.

Here are some the popular dishes to try out in Nepal:

1. Momo: Dumplings filled either with Veg or Non Veg
2. Selroti: Sweet deep fried rice doughnuts
3. Thakali Set: Combination of Curry (Veg/ Non Veg)/ Rice/ Seasonal Veggies/ Pickles/ Condiments/ Lentils  etc
4. Bara: Lentils pancake
5. Choila: Spiced Meat
6. Chatamari: Rice Pancake
7. Yomari: Rice dumplings filled with molasses
8. Gundruk: Dried up Spinach
9. Juju Dhau: King Yoghurt (Curd)
10. Chiura: Beaten Rice