Best Newari Restaurants in Kathmandu

Traveling to Nepal is one of a kind to cherish its natural beauty and cultural experiences. When discussing cultural things, cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are best regarded as culturally rich, featuring people from several ethnic backgrounds. Kathmandu is mainly inhabited by Newar people, who are culturally very rich and have great value to the country. From the dress to cuisine, the Newar community offers many tourism prospects in Nepal. Many international travelers and vloggers have featured the Newari culture in their content.

So are you looking for the best Newari dishes in Kathmandu? If you love trying out new foods and exploring new cultures, this is the perfect guide! The Nepalese city of Kathmandu is well known for its outstanding Newari cuisine. The city is home to various restaurants serving up some of the most delicious and traditional Newari dishes.

From savory curries to momos, Kathmandu's Newari restaurants have everything. We've compiled a list of the city's best restaurants and Newari cuisines, so you can explore all that Kathmandu has to offer. Whether looking for a cozy atmosphere or quick takeout, this guide will help you find what you want.

 

Introduction to Newari Cuisine

Newari cuisine is the fantastic food of the indigenous Newar people from Kathmandu. This traditional cuisine has distinct flavors and preparations, making it one of Nepal's most popular cuisines.

From hearty dumpling-filled soups to fragrant curries, there's something for everyone on a Newari menu. The staple of Newari meals is often rice and lentils, served with various other dishes such as mashed potatoes, gundruk (fermented leafy greens), and an assortment of pickles. Too full to eat another bite? Don't forget to try their signature food: sel roti – deep-fried doughnuts!

Whether you're looking for a cozy spot or a fine dining experience, Kathmandu has plenty of great restaurants serving authentic Newari dishes. 

 

The Best Restaurants for Authentic Newari Dishes in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's Newari cuisine is truly one of a kind. From the classic favorites—such as chatamari, bara, and aloo tama—to the gems only Kathmandu knows, such as that take and gundruk ko jhol, trying some of these dishes should be high on your list of things to do in this beautiful city.

So where should you go to get the best Newari food? Here are some of the best Newari restaurants in Kathmandu:

 

Bhojan Griha In Dillibazar

Bhojan Griha in Dillibazar is the one that comes into your mind when looking forward to trying out some of the dashing Newari food in Kathmandu. This eatery is focused on providing its customers with Newari cuisines with different eating experiences and dishes.

 

Photo Credit: Bhojan Griha

 

Moreover, the menus are standard, and the logistics feature the ancient architecture that gives you the vibes of 100% pure Newari culture. They offer several cuisines like sel roti, samay baji, yomari, chatamari, and fine wine. If you are in Kathmandu for a trip, try this place to experience the Newari food and culture.

 

Paalcha Newari Restaurant

Located in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, Paalcha Newari restaurant offers much. With the name itself, you may be familiar with the available cuisine, which is Newari. Besides that, it also serves several forms of cuisine, like Continental dishes.

Paalcha Newari Restaurant has a contemporary interior with semi-indoor space that offers a vast area with hassle-free serving. Moreover, the services are excellent, and the staff is hospitable. They serve everything regarding Newari cuisine, from Chatamari to Samay Baji.

 

Paleti Bhanchha Ghar

Paleti Bhanchha Ghar is another excellent destination to visit if you are a food lover. Since this restaurant serves ancient and classic Newari cuisine, you will probably love this place. Some of the attractive services of Paleti Bhanchha Ghar are Nepali Thali Set, Newari Khaja Set, and Nepali Faper/Kodo set, including the benefit of sel roti.

Paleti Bhanchha Ghar is located at J.P. road in Thamel. Once you are in Kathmandu, it's to be noticed.

 

SaSa: The Newa Restaurant

Sasa: The Newa Restaurant is in Kathmandu, Sagal Tole - 5, Kirtipur RingRoad. By its name, it's already evident what kind of cuisine and services it serves. This restaurant has become one of the famous eating destinations for people since it offers different types of Newari food featuring varied spices.

From Chatamari to Yomari and Samay Baji Khaja Set to the fried Hyakula, choila, and sekuwa, SaSa has been the primary point of having a soothing Newari snack.

Photo Credit: SaSa-The Newa Restaurant

 

Harisiddhi Newa Suhlee

Harisiddhi Newa Shulee was established in 1982 A.D. and had been serving the classic Newari cuisine since then. You can try several dishes there and experience a warm and hospitable atmosphere. Harisiddhi Special Newari Khaja Set is the most special dish they serve in this eatery, featuring twelve dishes. It is a collection of Duck Choila, Ja-la Dyakula, Pickles, Sukuti, Buff Chilli, Aalu Tama, Haku Choila, Kachila, and many more.

Harisiddhi Newa Suhlee is located in Jyatha Marg, Thamel, in Kathmandu. Ensure that you make your stop if you are in Kathmandu.

 

Must-Try Dishes: Specialties of the Best Newari Restaurants in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is known for its selection of delicious Newari dishes, so if you're looking for a taste of this traditional cuisine, you'll have plenty of options. Here are some of the must-try dishes you can find at the best Newari restaurants in Kathmandu:

 

Yogurt

Yogurt is a staple in traditional Newari cooking and is available almost everywhere. It is made from pure milk and will give you the classic taste of Nepalese Yogurt. Don't miss out on trying this unique Yogurt during your visit to Kathmandu!

 

Choila

Choila is a classic Newari dish made from marinated roasted or boiled meat mixed with garlic and spices. It makes a great appetizer to kick off your meal and pairs perfectly with beaten rice (chiura).

 

Samay Baji

Samay Baji is one of the most popular Newari dishes. It's made from beaten rice and other ingredients like boiled eggs, spicy potatoes, and steamed soybeans. It usually comes served on a specially designed plate, adding to its visual appeal. If you want to dig into an authentic local dish in Kathmandu, then try Samay Baji!

Photo: Samay Baji Set

 

Yomari

Yomari is a kind of bread and doughnut with a unique structure and taste. It is one of the most unique cuisines you will ever find anywhere. Yomari is made from rice flour with Chaaku inside it. Chaaku is a sugary item that appears as a brown paste.

Besides Chaaku, people also use Khuwa, made from milk inside Yomari. It is steamed for around 10 minutes like momo before serving. There is a festival called Yomari Purnima, where people are entitled to do Yomaris as a culture.

 

Bara

Bara is also a famous Newari cuisine that has prevailed for centuries. Bara is a lentil pancake made with a soft fry in oil. People soak lentils in water for around a day and peel off their skins before grinding them to a thick paste.

Then they soft fry the paste on oil, and Bara is ready to serve.

 

Chatamari

Chatamari is a Newari Pizza - it looks like a pizza with fewer ingredients. It is made from rice flour, with a little bit of rice added to give you a salty taste.

Like Pizza toppings, you can add several forms of toppings like eggs, cheese, vegetables, mushrooms, and others before serving.

 

What to Expect From the Most Popular Newari Restaurants in Kathmandu?

Undoubtedly, you can find the best Newari dishes in Kathmandu, and it all starts with finding the right restaurant. In Kathmandu, plenty of Newari restaurants serve authentic and traditional dishes, so it's worth exploring what each one can offer.

When you're searching for the best Newari restaurants in Kathmandu, here are some of the things that you can expect:

Photo Credit: SaSa-The Newa Restaurant

 

Delicious Authentic Dishes

The most popular Newari restaurants in Kathmandu will be serving up traditional Newari dishes like aloo tama (potato and bamboo shoot curry), bara (black lentil pancakes), samaya baji (rice mixed with several other ingredients), and other delicious items.

 

Unique Setting

Most of these restaurants will also have their unique atmosphere. Many feature a courtyard setting or rooftop seating for a truly authentic experience. Nepali and Newari music often plays in the background to make your dining experience even more memorable.

 

Great Service

Finally, when you visit one of Kathmandu's most popular Newari restaurants, you can expect excellent customer service. The staff is usually friendly/hospitable and knowledgeable about the menu items, so they can help you find dishes that best suit your tastes.

 

Conclusion

If you're looking for a truly unique dining experience, Newari restaurants in Kathmandu offer you a chance to explore the city's best-kept secrets. From steaming momo dumplings to Woh-style buff curries, Newari restaurants promise an unforgettable culinary experience.

The next time you're in Kathmandu, looking to take a break from the city's hustle and bustle and have an authentic Newari meal, you know where to go. Be sure to save up your appetite, as you'll be sure to enjoy every bite.