Nepalese cuisine is comforting, filling and healthy

Nepalese cuisine may borrow generously from the food in its neighbouring countries like India, China, and Tibet, but it has a distinct identity of its own. Home to people from different ethnicities, the cuisine varies with season and locality too. The Newar community has more than 200 dishes in its cuisine, while the food from the Terai region is unique because of its rich agriculture produce.
Lentils, meats, potatoes, and rice are the fare's staples. Pulao, a rice-dish prepared with vegetables, meat, and spices, is much enjoyed by the locals. Chatamari, a rice flour base topped with meat, eggs, and vegetables is a must-try delicacy. The tourists refer to it as a pizza. In higher regions of Nepal, rice is substituted with grains like barley and cornmeal. Yogurt is also an important part of the meal and if not eaten by itself - it is served as a lassi (salt/sweet beverage) or used to prepare a saffron-cardamom flavoured dessert called Sikarni.
Chow mein, momos, and thukpa are just a few Nepaleses dishes that are enjoyed across the globe. Thukpa, a hearty noodles soup, originated in the northern Himalayan region. At Moshi - Momo & Sushi (across two locations in Dubai), you can take a pick between Vegetable, Prawn, and Chicken Thukpa. At Nepaliko Sagarmatha Restaurant (043522124), Meena Bazaar, you can sample a full Nepalese meal for just Dh30. The must-haves include Aalu Sadeko, a spicy potato salad and Sukuti, a dried meat preparation. As for momos, you'll be spoilt for choices both in the fine dining and easy on the pocket sector. Of course, only a Nepalese will be able to tell you that other than steamed and fried - momos can also be Kothey (half fried-half steamed) or Jhol (served in a bowl of sauce).
purva@khaleejtimes.com