Kathmandu, a vibrant city filled with rich history is not just known for its stunning temples but also for its incredible street food. From spicy, savory, and sweet treats, the streets of Kathmandu offer an array of dishes that reflect the diverse flavors local people look for in the city. Walking through, you will be welcomed with the aroma of the famous steam momo, tangy chatpate, and freshly brewed chiya. Each street food has a vibrant story, from age-old recipes passed down through generations to creative fusions that blend traditional flavors. Whether you are a local or a foreigner looking for ideas for eating the famous street food in Kathmandu, here are 20 of the city’s most famous foods.

Momo

When traveling through the streets of Kathmandu, you will surely get the fresh aroma of the Momo lurking around. Momo is a popular dumpling in Nepal. It is a type of Nepalese dumpling stuffed with minced meat (such as pork, chicken, and buffalo) mixed with spices, onion, and garlic. You can also find vegetarian momo with fillings like cabbage, carrot, spinach, and paneer.

The traditional way of cooking momo is steaming them, so steamed momo is very popular. However, you can also find fried momo, jhol momo, and kothey momo. Momo is always paired with a flavorful dipping sauce known as “achar”. Achar is made from sesame seeds, tomatoes, garlic, chilies, and other spices. This dish is found everywhere from local restaurants to high-end restaurants. It is affordable and is very popular among locals and tourists. The price of momo starts from 100 Nepali Rupees and may vary from location to location.

Laphing

Laphing is another popular street food in Kathmandu. It has a unique taste with spicy and tangy flavor. It is a Tibetan dish introduced by Tibetan migrants and is very popular among Nepali locals. Over the years, it has evolved with a local Nepali twist incorporating local chips and raw noodles with spices. It is an affordable snack making it popular among younger generations looking for a quick and flavorful snack. This Tibetan dish has become integral to Kathmandu’s street food scene, especially in areas like Swoyambhunath, Bouddha, and Jawalakhel. This dish is found in three different varieties: dry, wet, and stuffed laphing. This Tibetan dish can cost NPR 50-100 according to the location and portion.

Keema Noodles

Keema noodles is a popular budget-friendly street food in Kathmandu that features stir-fried noodles with spicy minced meat, creating a satisfying fusion adored by locals and visitors alike. Priced around NPR 120-200 per generous serving, it can be found in bustling eateries and roadside stalls, particularly in areas like Thamel, Boudhhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Durbarmarg, with Boudhhanath being the recommended spot for the best experience.

Chatpate

Chatpate is one of the beloved snacks in Nepal. This tangy and spicy treat is a go-to comfort food for the locals. Found in almost every corner of Kathmandu, it is not just not a snack but an experience. This snack is a mix of puffed rice (bhuja), fresh vegetables like carrot and radish, noodles, and spices, all brought together with mustard oil and lemon juice. The combination of these spicy and crunchy elements makes this snack exciting and addictive.

A plate of this snack cost NPR 30-100 depending on the location. Vendors can adjust the spice level if you are not used to eating spicy. There is not specific spot for chatpate, you can find vendors selling this snack in every corner of Kathmandu.

Syaphale

Syaphale is another Tibetan-inspired street food that has captured the hearts of Nepali locals. Syaphale (also spelled as Shyaphale) is a deep-fried or pan-fried pastry stuffed with seasoned meat. This dish popular in the Tibetan influence regions like Swoyambhu and Boudhha. It is a flavorful snack that reflects the cultural fusion of Nepal’s diverse communities. A single syaphale costs NPR 60-150 dpending on its size and location. This spiced meat-filling dish is especially comforting in Nepal’s chilly weather.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a hearty noodle soup that is very popular and has become a comfort food for the locals. It is a hot noodle soup that combines a rich broth, chewy noodles, a variety of vegetables, meat (chicken, buffalo, and mutton), and spices. You can customize it from a variety of meat and vegetarian options. It is a budget-friendly dish with prices ranging from NPR 100-300 depending on the location and ingredients. It is found in bustling areas of Kathmandu like Bouddha, Swayambhu, and Thamel.

Chiya

Chiya is Nepal’s version of spiced milk tea. It is a staple drink that fuels up the conversations whether it is a chilly morning in the mountains or in the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Known for its aromatic and creamy profile, chiya is enjoyed at any time of the day—be it morning, afternoon, or evening. Sharing chiya is a common way of welcoming guests, connecting with friends, or taking a break from work. It is an inexpensive drink ranging from NPR 20-50 depending on the location. This drink is especially enjoyed early in the morning with gwaramari (local fried bread), in the afternoon with samosas and pakaudas, and in the evening with any complimentary snack you like.

Gwaramari

Gwaramari is a popular breakfast item in Kathmandu. “Gwaramari” translates to “round bread” in the Newari language which is crunchy on the exterior and soft on the interior. It is best paired with chiya in the early morning. Street vendors and small tea shops sell this bread early in the morning. If you are buying it from the street vendors then it will cost you NPR 20-50 per serving, which consists of 8-10 pieces. Therefore, this makes an excellent choice for budget-friendly and fast early-morning snacks.

Aalu Chop

Aalu Chop is a delicious and popular Nepalese food and snack. It is a fried potato patty made with spiced mashed potatoes coated in a batter and deep-fried until crispy. It is a staple snack in Nepali households and is especially popular during gatherings, tea time, or festive occasions. It is easy to prepare, affordable, and loved by people of all ages. You can find this dish in local eateries and small street vendors. It can cost you NPR 15-30 per piece. You can also find it in cafes and restaurants with prices ranging from NPR 100-200 per serving.

Sel Roti

Sel roti is a traditional rice-based fried bread that resembles a doughnut shape but with crunchy on the outside but soft inside. It is a snack eaten in celebrations and festivals in Nepalese households. The main ingredients of this dish are rice flour, ghee, and sugar. It is usually served with curry or tea. This is usually eaten warm and fresh and also can be stored for several days.  

Katti Roll

Katti Roll is a savory food found in the corners of Kathmandu. It is a favorite among street vendors who prepare them fresh on the spot. Vendors often serve them in bustling areas or near busy roads, offering a quick, affordable meal for passersby. Street vendors can charge you NPR 100-200 per roll according to fillings.

Pani Puri

Pani puri is one of the beloved street foods all over South Asia. It is known for its tangy and spicy flavors that are both fun and addictive. In Nepal, it has other names like Fulki and Golgappa. You can find pani puri in roadside stalls or even in cafes and restaurants in Nepal. You can also find this dish in food courts in malls like Civil Mall, Kl Tower, City Centre, and so on. Vendors can customize the spice level according to your taste. Street vendors can charge you anywhere between NPR 50-100 per plate. Whereas, food courts and cafes can charge NPR 150-200.

Sekuwa

Sekuwa is flavorful Nepali dish made from marinated meat (usually chicken, buffalo, pork, and mutton). It is known for its smoky flavor and spicy seasoning in the streets of Kathamandu. You can easily find in busy marketplaces that specialize in meat dishes. The popular location for this dish is New Road Thamel, Basantapur, Maru Hiti, and Boudhha. It can cost you NPR NPR 100-300 according to serving size and location.

Lassi

Lassi is a South Asian drink made from yogurt, water, and other flavorings. It is a chilled drink popular in both India and Nepal. It is a healthy drink that you can find in the streets of Kathmandu, especially in Indrachowk. There are several shops that serve sweet lassi at an affordable price of NPR 80-120. You can also encounter this drink in cafes and restaurants.

Fokso Fry

Fokso fry is a crispy snack that combines the rich flavors of goat lungs and is fried with other spices. It is popularly served by street vendors who specialize in meat dishes. You can try this snack in the streets of Maru hiti, Basantapur, Thamel, and Sundhara. Local vendors can charge you NPR 50-100 per serving.

Papdi Chaat

Papdi chaat is a beloved street food from India which is popular in Nepal. It is a delightful mix of crispy fried dough wafers (papdi), tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, creamy yogurt, and an assortment of spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. You can find this in the local snack corners in New Road, Khichapokhari, and Sundhara, Thamel. This will cost you NPR 100-200 depending on the toppings and location.

Jerry Swari

Jerry Swari is one of Nepal’s most iconic and beloved breakfast combinations. It consists of jerry (a Nepali version of jalebi) and swari (a soft, flaky flatbread). You can find this sweet delight in the local sweet shops and tea stalls. It is mostly accompanied by chiya in the early morning. It is a very affordable breakfast option and it ranges from NPR 30-50 per plate in the street vendors and NPR 80-150 in cafes. Traditional sweet shops of Ason Bazaar, Indra Chowk, Jhochhen, Kalanki, Ratnapark , and Kirtipur are popular go-to for this dish.

Local Aalu Chips

Local aloo chips are local potato chips that are often handmade offering a unique flavor that sets it apart from other chips. You can find this in bustling markets and roadside stalls of Kathmandu valley. One of the popular places that offers a various flavor of chips is Pimbahal Chips located at Pimbahal, Lalitpur. Otherwise, you’ll find local aloo chips sold in paper cones or transparent packets in busy marketplaces. Street vendors sell it for NPR 50-80 per packet depending on the quantity and location.

Juju Dhau

Juju Dhau, also known as the “King of Yogurt,” is a rich, creamy, and flavorful yogurt that originates from the Newar community in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal. It is a beloved dessert and holds a special place in Nepali culture, especially during festivals, ceremonies, and celebrations. It tastes very different from regular yogurt as it uses buffalo milk which has a high fat content. It is usually served as a sweet treat, enjoyed at the end of the meal. The street vendors can charge you NPR 50-100 for a single serving in a small clay pot.

Pakauda

Pakauda is a popular street food enjoyed by every age group in Nepal. It is made from vegetables, lentils, and even meat, coated in a chickpea flour batter and fried until crispy. It is one of the common street foods in Kathmandu. The most popular to encounter this dish is New Road, Lagankhel, Thamel, and Asan Bazaar. The street vendor can charge you NPR 30-70 per serving. Whereas local eateries can charge NPR 50-150.

Conclusion

Kathmandu’s street food tour is not just a journey but a culinary experience into the heart of Nepali culture. Exploring this 20 street food is a must for food lovers visiting Kathmandu. So, next time you visit Kathmandu, don’t forget to savor these iconic dishes.