Tired of the same old Dal Baht routine? Kathmandu boasts a local food scene teeming with street eats that often fly under the radar of the city’s conventional restaurants and cafes. From characterful street-side stalls to vibrant markets, these hidden gems promise a journey for adventurous foodies.

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Juju Dhau - The King of Curds

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The UNESCO-listed old town of Bhaktapur, located in the outskirts of Kathmandu, is an enchanting maze of cobbled streets, leaning pagodas, and - most importantly - some of Kathmandu’s finest Juju Dhau outlets.

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This creamy, decadent yogurt is made from buffalo milk curds, lightly seasoned with sugar and spice and served refreshingly cold in a clay pot. It’s the perfect antidote to Kathmandu's midday heat, and Juju Dhau also holds sacred significance, often used in the ceremonial bathing rituals of deities.

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Cost: ₹200

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/5XwnZSLNNEK7FAkw8

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Bara - Newari Pancakes

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A classic Kathmandu appetizer, the humble Bara is a savory pancake hailing from Newari cuisine. Made from black lentils and an array of ginger, garlic and turmeric, this crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside patty is served alongside zesty achar (pickle) and creamy yogurt.

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We recommend the authentic Indrachowk Bara Pasal, close to Durbar Square, where you can watch the Bara being cooked on thick-bottomed pans.

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Cost: ₹30

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/yodqBQFKmYRU3UdJ6

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Kathi Roll - A Taste of Bengal in the Himalaya

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Originating in Kolkata, India, multiple outlets in Thamel - Kathmandu’s tourist district- turn out some of the best Kathi Rolls in all of South Asia. These fried egg rolls are packed with veggies, spiced meats, and tangy tomato sauce, served in a twist of paper. They’re as addictive as they sound; expect to order again.

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/LavWGGoPQ1qjX3kf7

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Cost: ₹250

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Sel Roti - Nepal’s Beloved Sweet Treat

Resembling a cross between a donut and a pretzel, Sel Roti is Nepal’s most beloved sweet snack. Made from a mixture of rice flour, sugar, and milk, ring-shaped pieces of dough are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside inside. Served in a leaf of newspaper and best enjoyed with a cup of tea (Chai) or spicy chutney in the street, it’s the perfectly sweet sugar hit amidst the chaos of Old Kathmandu.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CX2q2q44xdVwKP417

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Chatamari - Nepali Pizza

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Chatamari is a popular Nepali street food that combines the flavors of a traditional Newari pancake with a modern twist. Made from a thin rice flour crepe topped with a savory mixture of minced meat, vegetables, eggs, and spices, chatamari is cooked on a hot griddle and served piping hot. It’s as moreish as ‘Nepali pizza’ sounds.

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Our recommendation is a five minute walk from the Northern entrance to Thamel.

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Cost: ₹30

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/s12BXLFwNVBs5S8MA

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Momos - Of course.

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If you’ve already spent time in Nepal, you’ve almost certainly consumed a yak’s weight in Momos already. Nepal’s unofficial national dish, these Tibetan dumplings are stuffed with whatever you can imagine; fried vegetables; buffalo meat; Yak cheese; apple and cinnamon. To visit Nepal and forgo a plate of these doughy staples would be unforgivable. Swing by Old Everest Momo near the Thamel district for some of the city's best.

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/Mic7hMspTmUeB2XG9

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Cost: ₹200

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