If you are exploring Nepalese cuisine for the first time, then momo, dal bhat, and bara can be good choices. This beginner guide to Nepalese cuisine will walk you through the flavours, spice levels and dishes worth ordering first. Momos are easy for first-timers to try, dal bhat provides a taste of a typical Nepalese meal, and bara is a vegetarian dish for those who wish to sample Newari cuisine.
Nepalese cuisine varies across the country, from Newari dishes in the Kathmandu Valley to rice- and fish-based foods in the Terai. For first-time diners, the best approach is to try a few different dishes and compare their flavours, textures and spice levels.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best Nepalese dishes for first-time visitors, what each dish tastes like, how spicy it is, and what to order at a Nepalese restaurant in Manchester.
For a first visit, start with momo, chicken choila and dal bhat. Momo is an easy starter, chicken choila introduces you to smoky Newari flavours, and dal bhat gives you a taste of a traditional Nepali meal.
| Dish | Taste | Spice level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Momo | Savoury, juicy | Mild–medium | First-timers |
| Chicken Choila | Smoky, savoury | Medium | Trying Newari food |
| Dal Bhat | Hearty, comforting | Mild | Traditional meal |
| Bara | Savoury, crispy | Mild | Vegetarians |
| Sel Roti | Crispy, lightly sweet | Not spicy | Snack lovers |
| Chatpat | Tangy, crunchy | Medium | Street-food lovers |
Nepalese cuisine brings together flavours and traditions from the Himalayas, the Newar community and the Terai. Rice, lentils, vegetables, and meat are everyday staples, while dishes like momo, dal bhat, bara, sel roti, and dhido give Nepalese food its distinct and comforting character. Timur, a fragrant Nepalese pepper, is another ingredient that gives some dishes their distinctive citrussy, tingling flavour.
What makes Nepali cuisine special is its regional variety. Newari food from the Kathmandu Valley, Himalayan dishes from the mountain regions, and Terai food from southern Nepal all use different ingredients and cooking traditions. This means Nepalese food can range from hearty and comforting to smoky, tangy and spicy.
Nepalese food is generally savoury, aromatic and balanced rather than extremely spicy. The key to Nepalese cuisine lies in achieving a balance. An ordinary meal will include rice, lentils, vegetables, and well-selected spices to make an appetising yet not overly heavy dish. Garlic, ginger, cumin, and mustard seeds provide enough flavour without adding extra spiciness.
One of the best things about Nepalese food is how much it changes from one region to another. In the mountains, people commonly use ingredients such as millet, buckwheat, and yak products. In the southern Terai region, rice, fish, and stronger Indian-influenced spices are more common. Some dishes, including dal bhat, are enjoyed regularly, while foods like sel roti are especially popular during festivals and celebrations.
The easiest way to understand these flavours is through a few popular dishes. Momo is savoury and juicy, especially when served with tangy achar. Chicken choila has a smoky and spicy flavour, while dal bhat is mild, hearty and comforting. Bara has a savoury lentil flavour, and sel roti is lightly sweet, with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy centre.
Nepalese food can taste quite different depending on where you are in the country. Each region has its own ingredients, traditions, and favourite dishes.
For first-time diners, this regional variety is worth exploring: Newari dishes such as bara and chicken choila offer flavours from the Kathmandu Valley. In contrast, dishes such as dhido reflect the hearty food traditions of Nepal’s mountain regions.
If you’re trying Nepalese food for the first time, these ten dishes give you a good introduction to the different flavours, textures and regional traditions. See our 10 Nepalese dishes every food lover should try for more information. Start with momo or dal bhat if you prefer familiar, mild flavours, or try chicken choila for something smokier and spicier.
Momo is one of the most widely enjoyed and recognisable foods in Nepal. It has also become one of the most popular Nepalese dishes in the UK, with more diners discovering it every year. They come filled with minced meat, such as chicken or lamb, or with vegetables for a lighter option. Steamed momo is the classic choice, but you’ll also find fried or pan-fried versions if you prefer a crisp bite.
The flavour comes alive when dipped in achar, a tangy tomato-and-spice chutney served on the side. In Nepal, momo is enjoyed everywhere from small street stalls to family homes. At Durbar Square, momo is one of our recommended starters for first-time diners.
If you want to learn more about momo, read this blog: Popular Nepali Food Momo: Taste, Types & Tradition.
Chicken choila is a traditional Newari dish made with grilled or roasted chicken, spices, and aromatics. It has a smoky, savoury flavour, with ingredients such as ginger, garlic, chilli and spices adding depth.
At Durbar Square, chicken choila is a good choice if you want to explore the smoky, spicy side of Nepalese cuisine. It can also be shared with other starters before moving on to a main meal.
Dal bhat is not only about eating for Nepalese people; it is much more than that. Dal bhat literally means “lentils and rice”, but it is served in the form of a whole meal that includes steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry dishes, pickles, and occasionally meat or deep-fried vegetables. This dish provides stable energy, which is why families all over Nepal consume it daily. It shares its roots with the fuller Thakali Thali tradition, which takes this everyday meal to its most complete form.
There’s no better dish to understand what Nepalese cooking is really about: comfort, balance, and nourishment on one plate. It’s mildly spicy but full of flavour, making it easy for anyone to enjoy.
Fish dishes are particularly popular in parts of Nepal’s southern Terai region. The dish is prepared by cooking the fish in mustard oil with spices such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic, and the resulting sauce has a subtle flavour.
Served with steamed rice, Nepali fish curry feels homely and comforting. It shows how local ingredients shape the food culture of Nepal. It’s an easy dish to start with if you’re new to Nepalese flavours, gentle enough to enjoy right away yet still full of character.
Chatpat is a much-loved Nepalese street snack known for its fresh ingredients and bold mix of flavours. It is usually made with puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and coriander. Lemon juice, a little spice, and tangy chutney are then added to give the snack its refreshing, zesty taste. It is quick to prepare, easy to share, and a great choice for anyone wanting to try a classic Nepalese street food.
The taste is tangy, crunchy, and slightly spicy, making it a perfect pick-me-up in the afternoon. It’s a great pick if you want a taste of Nepal’s snack culture without committing to a full meal.
Further read: Best Nepalese Dishes in Manchester: Top Dishes You Must Try
Sel roti is a unique Nepalese food you won’t find in many other cuisines. It looks like a ring-shaped bread, but it’s made from rice flour and is lightly sweet. The batter is poured in circles into hot oil, giving it a golden, crispy outside and a soft, chewy centre.
Sel roti is especially associated with festivals such as Tihar and Dashain, although it can also be enjoyed outside these occasions.
Bara – The Savoury Lentil Pancake
Bara is one of the traditional Newari dishes that demonstrate how imaginative the cuisine of Nepal is when prepared using just basic ingredients. Bara is prepared with soaked black lentils ground into a thick paste, then fried into small rounds that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Bara can be eaten as a snack and during festivals and family functions. In some cases, eggs and minced meat are added to the dish; however, most preparations are entirely vegetarian. The spices used in the preparation are mild so that the lentils’ original flavour comes through.
Samosa is a well-known South Asian snack popular in Nepal. Nepalese versions may vary in their fillings, seasoning and accompaniments. This little triangle-shaped dough is filled with spicy potato, peas and, at times, even lentils and meat. The snack is then deep-fried, becoming crispy and golden, making it ideal for eating on the go.
Nepalese samosas are commonly served with chutney, which may be sweet, tangy or spicy depending on the preparation. Those who have eaten an Indian samosa before will definitely notice some differences in this dish.
Samosa is a commonly eaten snack in South Asia, including Nepal. If you are a newcomer to the cuisine, our guide to beginner-friendly Indian food will definitely help if you are already familiar with South Asian cuisine.
Dhido is one of Nepal’s oldest traditional dishes. It is made with flour from buckwheat, maize, or millet and is cooked by slowly adding water while stirring until it forms a thick, sticky dough. People commonly eat it with ghee, pickles, or vegetable curries.
While dhido might seem new, it is actually very filling and delicious. It is made from basic grains and has been an integral part of the lives of people in Nepal’s mountainous areas for many years, with nutritious foods playing a vital role in their active lifestyles.
Lamb Curry – Rich and Comforting
Lamb curry is a hearty choice for diners who enjoy rich, savoury meat dishes. The lamb is gently simmered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices that have been used for centuries. The meat turns out soft, while the sauce becomes tasty. It is an ideal meal for anyone who loves Nepalese cuisine. Its rich, savoury flavour makes it a comforting choice for anyone who enjoys hearty Nepalese food.
At Durbar Square, lamb curry is a good choice if you want something hearty and rich to finish your meal. Served with rice or flatbreads, this curry shows the heartier, comfort-food side of Nepalese cuisine. Its rich aroma and mild spice make it easy to enjoy, even if you are new to Nepalese flavours.
When exploring Nepalese cuisine for the first time in Manchester, it’s best to choose dishes that offer a range of familiar textures and flavours. Browse our full menu to plan your visit. Steamed momo can be a good starter to try; chicken choila can introduce your palate to Newari flavours; and dal bhat will give you a typical Nepali experience. Bara or chatpat will make good snack dishes for you, and sel roti would be perfect for your crisp needs.
At Durbar Square in Manchester, these dishes are a good starting point for diners who are new to Nepalese cuisine.
Nepalese food can range from mild to spicy depending on the dish, region and preparation. Many dishes are aromatic rather than intensely hot, while chutneys, pickles and some curries can contain more chilli. If you’re trying Nepalese food for the first time, momo, dal bhat and bara are good dishes to start with.
| Dish | Typical spice level |
| Momo | Mild |
| Dal bhat | Mild |
| Bara | Mild |
| Chicken Choila | Medium |
| Sel roti | Not spicy |
| Chatpat | Medium |
| Lamb curry | Medium |
Nepalese and Indian food share some ingredients and culinary influences, but they are not the same cuisine. However, Nepalese cuisine has its own regional traditions and dishes. Foods such as momo, dal bhat, bara, sel roti and dhido help give Nepali cuisine its distinct identity.
If you’re trying Nepalese cuisine for the first time, momo, chicken choila and dal bhat are a great place to begin. Together, they introduce you to the soft, savoury, smoky and comforting flavours that make Nepalese food so distinctive. From there, you can explore Newari snacks, traditional curries and regional specialities at your own pace.
The culture, the spices, and the love all come together in Nepalese cuisine. Each food item, whether it is the comforting dal bhat or the crunchy sel roti, has a story behind it regarding Nepalese culture.
If you’re new to this, the best way to get the entire experience is to sample a variety of appetisers, main dishes, and snacks. Use this method to confidently look over the menu the next time you go to Durbar Square, the authentic Nepalese and Indian restaurant in Manchester.
Take your time and enjoy each taste as you learn why people all over the world adore Nepalese food.
Ready to taste Nepali food? Get an order with us or visit us in person; we’ve got you covered with authentic Nepalese taste in the heart of Manchester.
Recommended read: Beginner-Friendly Indian Food to Try at Durbar Square
Nepalese cuisine includes a variety of traditional foods influenced by the country’s Himalayan, Newari and Terai regions. Common ingredients include rice, lentils, vegetables, meat and spices. Popular dishes include momo, dal bhat, bara, sel roti and dhido.
If you’re trying Nepalese food for the first time, start with momo, bara or dal bhat. Momo is an easy starter to share, while dal bhat is a good choice if you want to experience a traditional Nepali meal.
Momo has a savoury filling inside a soft dumpling wrapper. It is commonly served with achar, which adds a tangy and sometimes spicy flavour.
Nepalese food can range from mild to spicy depending on the dish and preparation. Momos, dal bhat and bara are generally good choices for beginners who prefer milder flavours.
Dal bhat is a traditional Nepali meal consisting of rice, lentils, vegetables, pickles and other side dishes. It is one of the best dishes to try if you want to experience traditional everyday Nepali food.
Bara, vegetable momo, sel roti, and some kinds of dal bhat can be vegetarian. Preparation may vary, so it is best to consult the restaurant while placing your order.
Nepalese and Indian cuisines share ingredients such as rice, lentils, vegetables and spices, but Nepalese cuisine has its own regional traditions and dishes. Momo, dal bhat, bara, sel roti and dhido are examples of foods that give Nepali cuisine its distinct character.
First-time visitors can start with momo, bara and dal bhat. At Durbar Square in Manchester, diners can also try dishes such as lamb curry and sel roti.
