Best Newari Restaurants In Pokhara

Over the years, Nepal has been the primary content source for food bloggers and video enthusiasts. Many world-renowned content creators have visited Nepal to explore the native taste in the country. When we talk about food, Newari cuisine comes to our mind, and that is for sure. Due to its savory taste with spices and the collection of many dishes, it has become a popular dish in Nepal and worldwide.

 

Basically, Newari food is widely popular in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. But what if you are outside the reach of the Valley? Well, that's not a problem. If you are in Pokhara and looking forward to tasting some of the finest Newari cuisines, you don't have to travel to Kathmandu. Many consider Pokhara to be the cultural hub of the country.

 

Throughout this vibrant and lively city, you can find various top-notch restaurants serving up Newari delicacies. From street food stands to upscale Newari restaurants, Pokhara has something for everyone's taste buds.

 

We know that finding the best places can be overwhelming, so I've put together a guide on the top Newari restaurants in Pokhara. In this guide, I'll reveal some must-visit spots from my experience so you can discover all the flavors and culture Pokhara has to offer!

 

What Is Newari Cuisine?

The city of Pokhara is renowned for its stunning mountain views and laid-back atmosphere. But even more fascinating than the city's landscape are its tongue-twisting flavors. In Pokhara, restaurants offer delicious Newari cuisine, a unique blend of foods from the Kathmandu valley, the Himalayas, and the Terai.

Photo: Samay Bajey- Newari Khaja Set

 

Newari food is based around rice, beans, lentils, and vegetables, but you'll also find various meats and spices that add flavor. Common Newari dishes include bara (lentil pancakes), alu tama (potatoes with bamboo), and Yogurt with beaten rice. And make sure to take advantage of jaad (local wine) and chhoila (spicy, steamed meat). Finish with a platter of pickles made from local fruits and vegetables to complete your meal.

 

Exploring Traditional Dishes From Newari Restaurants in Pokhara  

Newari cuisine is heavily influenced by various spices, vegetables, and meat. Pokhara's top Newari restaurants offer some of the most authentic dishes around. A few traditional dishes you should try are Juju Dhau, a yogurt-based dessert; Samay Baji, a dish made from flattened rice and lentils; and Sel Roti, a rice flour doughnut-like bread.

 

If you're feeling more adventurous, pick up some Bhuteko Masu (spicy meat curry) or Kauli Ko Pakora (cauliflower fritters). Or, if you want to dive into the culture and try something unique, give Sekuwa a go – grilled meats marinated with herbs and spices for added flavor.

 

No matter what dish you choose, remember to include other dishes like Chatamari, choila, and kachila. Whether it's a spicy snack or dessert, Newari restaurants in Pokhara will surely excite your taste buds!

 

Popular Newari Items Popular in Pokhara

If you are looking for a Newari restaurant in Pokhara, you'll want to sample some delicious local fare. Newari cuisine is unique because it combines flavors and ingredients—think spicy, sour, sweet, and salt all combined in one dish. Here are some of the popular items to try while you're there:

 

Chatamari

One of the most popular Newari dishes is chatamari, essentially like a pancake made from rice flour and garnished with exciting ingredients like boiled eggs, minced meat, spices, and herbs. This snack item tastes best with a cup of hot tea. People also call it Newari Pizza since it comes with toppings of mushrooms, cheese, and meats. You can choose either of them.

 

Samay Baji Set

A Samay Baji set is a khaja set containing most Newari dishes. From the beaten rice to the pickles and dried-fried meat to the desserts like Yogurt, they all are included in this dish.

 

There are more than eight items in the dish, and some places serve more than twelve dishes collectively. From the sugary items to the spiced ones, you can taste it all in one set.

 

Bara

Baras are pancakes made from lentils. They are coated with an array of spices that make them irresistible. The unique mixture used in this dish can be off-putting if you don't have enough experience. You can even request the restaurant to add your ingredients to make it more flavorsome.

 

Best Newari Restaurants in Pokhara

Newari cuisine is diverse, and Pokhara offers various types of Newari restaurants. Some of them are:

 

Newari Bhoj

For an authentic Newari experience, you'll want to check out the momo spots around the city. These small eateries specialize in Newari cuisine, and Newari Bhoj is one of them. They serve you one of the classic and traditional Newari dishes you will never forget.

Photo Credit: Newari Bhoj Restaurant, Pokhara

 

They are affordable, so try as wide varieties as possible to get an authentic taste of the culture! Newari Bhoj is located on New Road, Pokhara.

 

Choila Newari Restaurant

If you want something more upscale, you'll want to head straight to Choila Newari Restaurant. Here you'll find classic Newari dishes like bara (lentil pancakes) and barbecued meats elevated with carefully sourced ingredients. Moreover, the place is warm, hospitable, and excellent for experiencing authentic Newari dishes in a luxurious setting.

 

Newa Lahana

Newa Lahana is another excellent destination for food enthusiasts. Of course, only a visit to Pokhara is complete with tasting some Newari food, and Newa Lahana provides you with that offer. 

Photo: Newa Lahana

 

With the crispy and spicy meat items aligned with the pickles and locally fermented wine, you will experience one of the unique dishes in Newa Lahan. This eatery lies in Malepatan, Ganatantra Chowk, in Pokhara, a short drive from the central city.

 

Denight Newari Bhoj

If you are near the lakeside in Pokhara, the best thing to do is to go to Denight Newari Bhoj and get a taste of the classic Newari cuisines. This place serves you one of the best homemade fermented pickles and a Newari Khaja set whose flavors will be fresh on your tongue forever.

Located in Phewa Marg Jarebar Chok in Pokhara, this eatery serves you the local chatamari, khaja set, choila, kachila, yomari, wine, and many others.

The best way to find out about other great Newari restaurants in Pokhara is to ask locals what their favorite spots are—trust us; they'll have plenty of suggestions!

 

Surprising Facts About Newari Dining in Pokhara

When uncovering Pokhara's flavors, you'll definitely want to sample the local Newari food. But do you know all there is to know about Newari dining in Pokhara? Here are a few surprising facts that will help you make your way through the city's food scene:

 

Magic of Ingredients

Newari cuisine's flavors can be boiled down to 4 main ingredients: ginger, garlic, turmeric, and chili. That's right—just four ingredients are all it takes to bring out the complexity of this cuisine.

 

Brass plates And Leaf Plates

Another thing you might need to learn is that Newari meals are traditionally served on brass or leaf plates. Even today, many restaurants throughout Pokhara still opt for these plates for their traditional Newari dishes.

 

Street Food Culture

Newar cuisine thrives on street food stalls throughout Pokhara city — it's a great way of sampling variations on classic dishes and trying some unique regional specialties. You can find something new around every corner!

 

Alcohol Allowed

Finally, something surprising about Newar dining is that alcohol is served as culture. Even if you visit Newari house, alcohol is a complimentary add-on to your dishes, served at the end of your meal.

Photo: Traditional Newari Alcohol

 

Conclusion

Whether you're a Nepali food enthusiast or just looking to taste the city's local fare, Pokhara offers many delicious Newari restaurants. From the most popular and well-known local restaurants to those hidden gems that only a few know about, Pokhara provides a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.

 

No matter what part of town you're in, the unique flavors of Pokhara will have you coming back for seconds. So get out there and explore the vibrant flavors of Pokhara – you won't regret it!