That’s a great question! While Nepal has classic staple dishes, the most popular and culturally trending Nepali dish right now is, without a doubt, Momo.
It is the unofficial national food and has become a global favorite.
Here are the dishes that dominate the culinary scene in Nepal today:
- Momo (The Crowd Favorite)
- What it is: A type of South Asian dumpling, usually steamed or fried, and filled with minced meat (buff, chicken, or pork) or vegetables, seasoned with Himalayan spices.
- Why it’s popular: It’s cheap, fast, versatile, and can be found everywhere from street stalls to five-star hotels.
- Trending Variations: Beyond the classic Steamed Momo, variations like Jhol Momo (served in a spicy, liquid sauce/broth), Chilli Momo (tossed in a spicy chili sauce), and Kothey Momo (pan-fried on one side) are highly popular.
- Dal Bhat Tarkari (The Staple)
- What it is: The traditional, essential, and official national meal of Nepal. It consists of:
- Dal: Lentil soup.
- Bhat: Steamed rice.
- Tarkari: Seasonal vegetable curry.
- It is almost always accompanied by Achar (spicy pickles/chutney) and Saag (green leafy vegetables).
- Why it’s popular: It is a perfectly balanced, nutritious, and hearty meal—the “Dal Bhat power 24 hours” mantra is a common saying. The most popular version is often the Thakali Set, which is a highly refined and elaborate presentation of Dal Bhat.
- Newari Khaja Set (The Trending Platter)
- What it is: Also known as Samay Baji, this is a traditional Newari (Kathmandu Valley ethnic group) meal set. It’s a platter of different items offering a wide range of tastes and textures.
- Why it’s popular: It offers a true taste of Kathmandu’s street food and culture.
- Key Components: Beaten rice (Chiura), spicy marinated meat (Choila), fried lentil patties (Bara), various pickles, and sometimes boiled eggs or Aloo Tama (potato and fermented bamboo shoot curry).
In summary, while Dal Bhat is the daily staple, the Momo is the most consumed, requested, and internationally recognized “popular” Nepali dish right now.
Would you like to learn how to cook these these popular Nepali dishes? Simply visit the Virtual Nepali YouTube channel (trusted since 2016!) below-
