CULINARY DIASPORA FROM NEPAL A Land of Goodness in Food & Tourism By Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

CULINARY DIASPORA FROM NEPAL

A land of goodness in food & tourism

Nepal: A Brief introduction:

It is a landlocked country in South Asia and is bordered by China and India. It is located in the Himalayas and contains eight of the world's ten highest peaks. The government system is a federal parliamentary republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. Nepali/Nepalese cuisine comprises a variety of cuisines based upon ethnicity, soil, and climate relating to Nepal's cultural diversity and geography. Nepalese cuisine comprises a variety of cuisines based upon ethnicity, soil, and climate relating to Nepal's cultural diversity and geography. Dal-bhat-tarkari is eaten throughout Nepal. 

Dal is a soup made of lentils and spices, served over boiled grain, bhat—usually rice but sometimes another grain - and a vegetable soup, tarkari. Condiments are usually small amounts of spicy pickle which can be fresh or fermented, mainly of dried mustard greens called as 'gundruk ko achar' and radish known as 'Mula’ and of which there are a considerable number of varieties. Other accompaniments may be sliced lemon or fresh green chili and fried papad (thin, crisp disc-shaped food). Dhindo is a traditional food of Nepal. For many, Nepal's greatest attraction is its people. The Hindu, Buddhist, and other cultural heritage sites of Nepal, and the year fair weather are also strong attractions. Nepal is the country of Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, and the Birthplace of Gautama Buddha- Lumbini.

An overview of Nepal: The beautiful country of Nepal, famous for its towering mountain peaks and home to eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world, also has a burgeoning culinary scene. The geographic and cultural diversity of this landlocked country produces an abundance of dishes that are just as unique and rich in taste and flavour. Read on to find out what the food of Nepal is like. You will also discover the most traditional and popular Nepalese dishes you have to try Much of the cuisine is variations on Asian themes. Momos is a Nepalese-style dumpling filled with minced meat in flour dough, given different shapes, and then cooked by steaming. It is one of the most popular foods in Nepal and the regions of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong in India where ethnic Nepalese have a presence. Momos were originally filled with buffalo meat but are now commonly filled with goat or chicken, as well as vegetarian preparations. Special foods such as sel roti, finni roti, and patre are eaten during festivals such as Tihar. Sel roti is a traditional Nepali homemade ring-shaped rice bread which is sweet to taste. Other foods have hybrid Tibetan and Indian influence.

Nepal has a variety of street food or snacks as well. And while you can find appealing options from the food cart vendors, I do recommend trying them with caution and particularly if you have a strong stomach. Nepal is not unlike other developing countries where the pollution is a problem. Food hygiene is also a questionable topic. The street food is vibrant and tasty, so if you’re like me you probably won’t want to miss out on the opportunity. However, to be on the safe side, you can try these foods in restaurants instead, the prices may be higher but so is the hygiene standard. Always go for freshly prepared meals. Local foods are, in general, safer than foreign foods as the ingredients and preparation are a daily ways of life. Dishes such as dal bhat are cooked at high temperatures, thus killing any bacteria. 

Chow Mein is a Nepali favorite in modern times based on Chinese-style stir-fried noodles. It is one of the most beloved everyday staple lunches in Nepali/Nepalese households.

Nepali Cuisine refers to the food items eaten in Nepal. Nepal is a small land-locked country situated in South East of Asia, bordered by China and India. The influence of western culture is easily seen on Nepali Cuisine with fast food becoming very popular among youngsters. Burgers, sandwiches, momos, Chowmein and various cold drinks are very popular. However, the staple food is Dal - bhat - Tarkari. Dal is a lentil soup, bhat is boiled rice/pressure cooker rice while Tarkari is a veg component. Nepali people eat Dal - bhat - Tarkari twice a day as lunch and dinner. The taste is enhanced by pickle or Achar / Chutney. Food items are not consumed by cutlery instead Right hand is used. Food is cooked in the home itself in the Home kitchen. The Nepali kitchen is very clean and everyone is not allowed to enter in the kitchen as purity is strictly maintained in food items. 

The Nepali Staple Diet Overview: it consists primarily of rice, wheat, corn and lentils, in addition to fresh vegetables and meats. A typical Nepali everyday meal can be characterized by Dal (lentil soups), Bhat (steamed rice), and Tarkari (vegetable preparations), also known as “The Trinity,” supplemented by some meat preparation. Dal bhat Tarkari is eaten throughout the country. Tarkari varies from season to season while meat items as side dishes are consumed usually in festivals, and weekends. Around 80% of Nepalese are Hindus so cattle meat is considered sacred and taboo. The popular meat is Mutton, chicken among Brahmin, chhetris while aadibaashi, who never takes pork or buffalo. Nepali food uses various spices which are used either whole, grounded or in roasted form. It gives a distinct flavor to the dish. The food of Nepal is considered Healthier than India as cream are not used in cooking, oil and spices are not used at extreme level. They eat together either sitting or in dining table. No shoes are allowed in kitchen and touching other foods while eating is considered bad. Nepali cuisine has its distinct taste and fruits and vegetables are available throughout the season in Terai. The land is also very suitable for Agriculture than Hilly and mountain region so Tearai is also called the granary of Nepal. Dairy products are also extensively eaten. Milk, curd, ghee is available in all houses every day.

FEATURES OF NEPALI ETHNIC/ REGIONAL CUISINE: -

Nepal has cultural and geographical diversity which resulted in a variety of cuisines. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. The ethnic group of Nepal has its own special Cuisine. Some features of Nepali Ethnic and Regional Cuisine are: -

1. The Newari Cuisine: 

The Newars are indigenous people living in the capital of Nepal ' Kathmandu, Newari Cuisine has more than 200 dishes with all dishes primarily made from Buffalo. No part of Buffalo is wasted, every part is used in the preparation of various dishes with different names. The dishes have distinct taste and flavour. Chhoila, kachila, kwanti are their signature dishes. Newars House have high income and feast are common among them. Their dessert are also traditional like Juju dhau yomari to name a few.

2. The Himalayan Cuisine:

The Himalayan region is bordered by Tibet so it's influence is easily seen on Himalayan Cuisine. Himalayan region of Nepal is not suitable for Agriculture as it receives heavy snowfall throughout region. Potato is a staple crop here and dishes are mainly made of potato. There are no good Transportation facilities so goods and food items need to be either transported by Air or by animals. Himalayan people grow Millet, barley, and buckwheat and they take warm food to keep themselves warm like soup, thukpa, strong alcohol, and butter tea. They raise yak, sheep so yak and sheep meat, milk is very common here. Dhindo is also their primary dish 

3. The Thakali Cuisine :

The Thakali are the people living in thak khola valley. Their Cuisine is the fusion between Himalayan and Tearai cuisine. They take sheep meat and is common there. Similarly, rice, maize and pulses are transported from lower region. Thakali Cuisine has very distinct taste and food items are very tasty. They have migrated to different places of Nepal and flourished their cuisine throughout Nepal.

4. The Khaas Cuisine :

It is typical hilly area Cuisine. Dal-bhat-tarkari is eaten two times a day similarly, the hilly area is not so productive so the crops they grow don't last a year due to which other grains like wheat, Maize, barley, millet are popular. They make gundruk, sinki and various Achar which are available throughout a year. Fruits like lemon, mango, apple is common here and meat are taken as side dishes along with curd. The Tarkari consumed here is seasonal vegetables grown in own land with own efforts. 

5. The Lohorung Cuisine :

It is the cuisine from Eastern region of Nepal. The most important contribution by Lohorung Cuisine is tongba which is millet base eaten by adding warm water. The homeland of Lohorung Cuisine is sankhuwasabaha district.

6. The Tearai Cuisine :

Tearai has the most fertile land so a lots of crops, legumes, and vegetables grow throughout the year. Rice is eaten throughout the year. Similarly, Tearai cuisine consists of Maithili cuisine in the East, tharu Cuisine in West, and Bhojpuri cuisine in the center. Fruits like litchi, mango, papaya are grown and various fish, crabs are also consumed which is fished in local land, and river. The cuisine of Tearai is bit spicier than another cuisine of Nepal.

Let us discuss a few important dishes from NEPALI CUISINE:

1. TONGBA: Better known as 'Tibetan Hot Beer', this is a very famous local beer that you'll find people sipping from a cast like vessels through bamboo straws. It is millet-based alcohol and is also a traditional drink in Nepal. It is a warm beverage and is normally consumed in large quantities.

2. CHOILA: Also a part of the extensive Newari cuisine, this food in Nepal is a spicy one made with water buffalo meat. There are also other variants of Chhoila that use duck meat or normal meat. This is a hot and spicy savory dish served with rice flakes. This is also a part of the Samay Baji and is a very famous dish during festivities

3. SAMAY BAJI: One of the main dishes in Nepalese food, the Samay Baji is a gourmet dish that has been passed on along the generations of Nepali people. It is a platter containing barbecued buffalo meat, boiled egg along with beaten rice, and spicy potato salad. It is a traditional dish that is served on auspicious occasions in the Newari culture. This dish is a must-try in Nepal, if you are a person who loves perfectly cooked meat and spicy dishes.

4. THUKPA: It is a noodle soup, served in the mountains of Nepal during winters. It can have meat, egg or simply just vegetables. It is normally served along with a dish called Momos. This dish carries along with it a lot of inspiration from the Tibetan and Chinese cuisines. The meat used in Thukpa can be goat, lamb, chicken or even yak. This dish is more like a survival kit against the shivering cold on the mountains. Along with a great taste, it provides the locals with the perfect nutrients they need.

5. CHATAMARI: Normally referred to as the Nepali Pizza, this Newari snack is actually not so close to a pizza when it comes to taste. It's rather a rice flour crepe cooked with toppings including coriander, minced meat, eggs, chopped onions, chilies and a lot of spices. It is only because of its round shape and appearance that it is referred to as a type of pizza. Quite a different dish amongst other food in Nepal, this one is a must-try. 

6. JUJU DHAU: Also known as the 'king curd', Juju Dhau is a type of yogurt. It is a creamy, thick, and sweet dish normally preferred as a dessert. Made with buffalo milk, this dish is very famous among the Newari’s people and is a must try if you are visiting Bhaktapur. You'll find a lot of street-side vendors selling Juju Dhau in Bhaktapur.

7. GORKHALI LAMB: It is a collection of assorted flavors all stuffed into one package. Gorkhali lamb is essentially a curry dish that is prepared by slow-cooking the lamb in the curry along with potatoes and onions. It is then removed from the curry, grilled and covered with a layer of spicy chili mix giving it an intense flavor. It is then put back into to curry to cook for a bit longer. Lamb is one of the favorites of the Nepalese and this dish will surely be something worth trying.

8. GUNDRUK: This is a condiment or a side dish often accompanied by Dhido. It is considered as the national food in Nepal. It is actually fermented or pickled green and leafy vegetables. It is made by storing mustard, radish and cauliflower in an earthen pot which is then left to be pickled until the veggies inside release acidic juices and have undergone fermentation.

9. DHINDHO: Look into the corners of Kathmandu and in the Thamel region, you'll find a hidden delicacy, the Dhindo or Dhido Thali. It is actually a thick porridge prepared by boiling stone-ground cornmeal, buckwheat flour, millet flour with salt in water. It is the staple diet of the rural areas and is eaten with butter, vegetable curries, pickles, buttermilk and yoghurt.

10. YOMARI: A sweet dish prepared from rice dough and stuffed with a sweet paste made of coconut, sesame seeds and molasses, Yomari is a festival food in Nepal, made only during the festival of Yomari Punhi. This festival is celebrated each year in the winters to thank the Gods for a good harvest. This dish is very famous is Kathmandu and you might also find its spicy version made with lentil. Traditionally, the sweet snack is prepared on the December full moon in preparation for the winter crop harvest celebration among Newer communities. Yomari is more than just a festive sweet as it is inextricably linked with Newari identity. There’s a place in Patan city, called The Village Cafe, where you can get a taste of this delicacy.

11. EVEREST BEER: This local Nepali beer is made with rice and is a cheap buy. You might want to give it a go if you are a beer fan. There is also another local alcohol called Raksi which is the traditional beverage of Limbu people and it is normally served with pork or beef meat.

12.NEPALI SAMOSA: Samosas are typically a famous Indian delicacy but you get them fresh onto your plate in Nepal as well. It is a spicy dish and is a mixture of mashed potato and spices stuffed in a triangular envelope made of white flour. This is then fried to make the shell crunchy. If you're not a fan of spicy food, you might want to take a nibble and taste it first. These delicacies are served with a sweet red coloured Chutney and you might want to have them fresh off the pan.

13. SEL ROTI: A fusion of doughnut and bagel, Sel Roti is one of the most sought after snack in Nepal during festivals like Tihar and Dashain. It is a circular rice flour bread which is deeply fried to make it crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is crispy and sweet and tastes best with yoghurt or veggies. Being a popular festival food in Nepal, this dish is a must on your culinary bucket list. 

14. BARA OR WO: Wo is a kind of pancakes made by the Newari people of Nepal. The Newari’s are an indigenous group of locals in the Kathmandu valley. Wo is made with ground lentil (green or black) batter during the 'Sithi Nakha', a Newari festival. These Dal patties are light and perfect for snacks. For non-vegetarians, Bara can also be added with minced chicken and battered egg.

15. MOMOS: The next very popular dish is Momos. This is one of the favourites for tourists and is a must try for everyone visiting Nepal. Momos are small envelopes of white flour stuffed with veggies or minced lamb or chicken. They are served with different kinds of sauces and mayonnaise which makes the combination a delicious snack. This food in Nepal has taken India by storm and is a popular street food across many countries as well. 

16. DAL BAHT: The staple food of each Nepali household, Dal Bhat is mainly rice served along with lentil soup and vegetable curry or chicken (or meat). This meal is the most beloved one amongst Nepali people as it's wholesome and provides with the needed nutrition.

17. Sekuwa : Known as Nepali styled meat barbecue, this is one of the very popular foods in Nepal that tourists simply have to indulge in. The grilled meat can either be pork, chicken, mutton, or a mixture of those. The meat is marinated with a combination of unique Nepali spices and herbs before being skewered on a stick and roasted in wood charcoal. You can enjoy the meat sticks as they are or they can be served with puffed rice and some pickles. Sekuwa can easily be found in a typical street food stall. However, one authentic place to try this tasty treat is at “Bajeko Sekuwa,” a famous food-chain designated for this particular food only and can be found in major cities in Nepal.

18. KWATI: A traditional Nepalese dish, kwāti is a thick stew comprising nine different varieties of sprouted beans. It literally translates to “hot soup,” with ‘kwa’ meaning hot and ‘ti’ meaning soup. The nine varieties include mung bean, black gram, field bean, rice bean, chickpea, soybean, cowpea, field bean, and garden pea.Sprouted beans are known for their enhanced levels of protein among many other great nutrients. Imagine how much of a protein boost you’ll get from a combination of 9 types of sprouted beans – well, that’s kwāti. High in nutrients, this dish can be eaten with rice or roti. This is one of the most typical dishes of the Brahmin and Newar tribe. It is often prepared as a ritual significance during the monsoon season in Nepal and enjoyed during the festival of Guni Punhi and Rakshya Bandhan.In addition to its ritual significance, Kwāti is eaten as a delicacy and for its health benefits. No wonder it is dubbed ‘the healthiest food of all’ and believed to cure a cold and cough instantly. A must try dish from Nepal.

Do’s & Don’ts while we eat food in Nepal!

There are quite a few rules to keep in mind when it comes to table manners and eating in Nepal. First of all, for the most part, the people of Nepal eat with their hands. Tourists might find it uncomfortable and can opt for spoons and forks instead. But if you want to eat the local way, remember to use your right hand. The reason is, as with some other cultures in the world, the left hand is considered “dirty” and it would be extremely rude to touch food with it. Another mealtime etiquette, is to avoid sharing eating utensils and drinking glasses. In a different scenario, you might, as a nice gesture, feel like offering another person a taste of your food. However, that would come across as strange in Nepali culture, so please, add it to your list of things to avoid. Another aspect to bear in mind is that in Nepali society, the elderly is highly respected. This can be clearly observed during meal times, when people hold off eating until the elderly start. You are also expected to wait for them to finish their meals before leaving your table. It may sound constricting, but when in Nepal, do as the Nepalese do.Please remember not to eat beef in front of a Hindu or Buddhist when visiting the country. Last but not least, try to finish everything on your plate. Any food left untouched or uneaten is taken as a message conveyer that it is not good enough.

ON A CONCLUDING NOTE

Nepal’s food is as culturally diverse as it is geographically and ethnically. But many of us are not aware of its richness and are more likely to be informed about the global cuisines than our own. Though food is an epitome of the culture and they have an intrinsic relationship, little attention is paid to understand, explore, and promote Nepali food culture, which defines who we are. Similar to other cultures around the world, food is at the centre of any festivals and celebrations in Nepali culture. 

This is more evident in Newar community than any other. Bhoye, a lavish elaborated Newar feast organised during festivals, jaatras and special occasions, is an integral part of the Newar culture. The rich food culture can be attributed to its fertile valley, vibrant cross-border trading and a historically well-to-do economy. Making a yomari—a steamed rice flour cake filled with chaku—and sapumicha—buffalo tripe filled with bone marrow—are examples of the ingenuity of Newar cuisine as we discussed above as well.

One of the peculiar flavoring and my favorite ingredients is aromatic-nutty roasted mustard oil. The world is yet to discover. In embracing the commercial global cuisine, we are also forgetting our own ethnic food culture and heritage. It is imperative to preserve and promote Nepal’s rich and diverse food culture not just simply for the sake of tourism but most importantly to preserve our own variegated heritage, history, culture and identity, and for our next generation to experience.

Food connects us in a level that no other thing does and understanding other food culture will help us appreciate and respect each other’s culture more. I am sure this brief and to the point information about food and cuisine of Nepal has given as a fair idea on the cuisine and eating habits. Let us try to incorporate, adapt into, share and promote this very interesting & tasty cuisine as well around us spreading the good thoughts, good vibes and flavors!