Nepal's street food is a delightful fusion of flavors, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry and diverse ethnic communities. From the bustling alleys of Kathmandu to the serene lakeside of Pokhara, street vendors serve up an array of mouthwatering dishes that are both affordable and authentic. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious foodie, exploring Nepal's street food is an experience not to be missed.​

Must-Try Street Foods in Nepal

1. Momo (Dumplings)

Momos are Nepal's quintessential street food, beloved by locals and travelers alike. These dumplings, filled with minced meat or vegetables, are encased in a soft dough and steamed or fried to perfection. Served with a tangy tomato-based achar (sauce), they offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Variations like jhol momo (served in a spicy broth) and C-momo (tossed in chili sauce) add diversity to this staple. Kathmandu's Thamel area and Pokhara's Lakeside are renowned for their momo stalls.

2. Chatamari

Often referred to as the 'Nepali pizza,' chatamari is a rice-flour crepe topped with minced meat, eggs, and vegetables. This Newari delicacy boasts a crispy base with savory toppings, offering a unique taste experience. It's traditionally prepared during festivals but is now widely available in street markets. Asan Bazaar in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur Durbar Square are popular spots to savor authentic chatamari. The dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Newar community.

3. Sel Roti

Sel roti is a traditional Nepali rice doughnut, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Made from rice flour, sugar, and ghee, it's deep-fried to golden perfection. Commonly prepared during festivals like Dashain and Tihar, sel roti symbolizes celebration and togetherness. Street vendors in Patan Durbar Square and roadside stalls in Dharan offer freshly made sel roti year-round. Its sweet aroma and unique texture make it a favorite among locals.


4. Pani Puri (Gol Gappa)

Pani puri, known locally as gol gappa, is a popular street snack consisting of crisp hollow balls filled with spicy potatoes and tangy tamarind water. Each bite delivers a burst of flavors, combining heat, tanginess, and crunch. It's a favorite among those seeking a quick, flavorful treat. Lakeside in Pokhara and New Road in Kathmandu are bustling with pani puri vendors. The snack's interactive eating experience adds to its charm.

5. Samosa and Pakoda

Samosas are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes or lentils, while pakodas are fritters made from vegetables dipped in gram flour batter. Both are staple snacks in Nepal, often enjoyed with spicy chutneys. Their crispy texture and savory fillings make them irresistible. Mahabouddha in Kathmandu and street markets in Nepalgunj are known for these delights. They are perfect companions to a cup of masala tea.

6. Sekuwa

Sekuwa is a traditional snack of the Limbu people, consisting of marinated meat roasted over a natural wood fire. Seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs, the meat acquires a smoky flavor that's both aromatic and savory. It's a popular street food, especially in the evenings. Bajeko Sekuwa in Kathmandu is renowned for serving authentic sekuwa. The dish reflects Nepal's rich barbecue traditions.

7. Lakhamari

Lakhamari is a flaky, crunchy bread made of flour, butter, and sugar, often enjoyed as a sweet treat. An important sweet in Newar culture, it's especially significant during weddings and festivals. Its intricate design and rich taste make it stand out among Nepali confections. Kasthamandap Mithai Bhandar in Kathmandu offers some of the best lakhamari in the city. The sweet symbolizes prosperity and happiness.​

8. Bara

Bara is a savory pancake made from black lentils, seasoned with ginger, garlic, and turmeric. Often served with zesty achar (pickle) and creamy yogurt, it's a hearty snack that satisfies. This Newari delicacy is both nutritious and flavorful. Indrachowk Bara Pasal near Durbar Square in Kathmandu is a popular spot to try authentic bara. It's commonly enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.

9. Dahi Puri

Dahi puri is a delightful variation of pani puri, where the spicy water is replaced with yogurt, offering a sweet and sour flavor. The combination of crispy puris, creamy yogurt, and tangy chutneys creates a harmonious taste. It's a refreshing snack, especially during warmer months. Om Panipuri Chat Center in front of People’s Plaza, New Road, Kathmandu, is known for its delicious dahi puri. The dish is a favorite among street food enthusiasts.

10. Bhakkha

Bhakkha is a traditional fluffy rice cake from the Rajbanshi and Tharu communities, made by steaming lightly soaked milled rice. Its light texture and subtle flavor make it a delightful treat. Often enjoyed as a breakfast item or snack, it's both filling and nutritious. Street stalls in the Terai region offer freshly prepared bhakkha. The dish reflects the culinary diversity of Nepal's southern plains.

Where to try: Street stalls in the Terai region.​


11. Gwaramari

Gwaramari, meaning "round bread," is a Newari breakfast item made by deep-frying a dough of flour, baking powder, spices, and water. It's crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect with a cup of tea. Often enjoyed in the mornings, it's a staple in Kathmandu's street food scene. Vendors in the city's alleys serve fresh gwaramari daily. The snack is both comforting and satisfying.


12. Yomari

Yomari is a steamed dumpling with a rice flour exterior and sweet fillings like chaku (molasses) and khuwa (milk solids), significant in Newar culture. Traditionally prepared during the Yomari Punhi festival, it symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Its unique fish-like shape and rich filling make it a festive favorite. Local sweet shops in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur offer yomari year-round. The dessert is a testament to Nepal's rich culinary traditions.

13. Thukpa

Originating from Tibet, thukpa is a hearty noodle soup embraced by Nepalese cuisine, especially in mountainous regions. It combines hand-pulled noodles, vegetables, and meat in a spiced broth, offering warmth and comfort. Popular during colder months, it's both nourishing and flavorful. Thamel and Boudhanath areas in Kathmandu are known for their authentic thukpa. The dish reflects the fusion of Tibetan and Nepali culinary influences.

14. Aloo Chop

Aloo chop consists of spiced mashed potatoes shaped into patties, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden. Often served with tangy tamarind chutney, it's a flavorful bite. Popular among students and workers, it's a go-to snack across Nepal. Street stalls near educational institutions and marketplaces frequently offer aloo chop. The snack is both affordable and satisfying.

15. Chatpate

Chatpate is a spicy and tangy snack made by mixing puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander, and a blend of local spices. It's a go-to snack for those craving something flavorful on the go. The combination of textures and flavors makes it addictive. Asan Market in Kathmandu and local stalls in Pokhara are popular spots for chatpate. It's especially favored by the younger crowd.

16. Fulki

Similar to pani puri, fulki involves hollow puris filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, tamarind water, and spices. It's a burst of flavors in every bite. The snack is both refreshing and satisfying. New Road area in Kathmandu is known for its fulki vendors. It's a must-try for street food enthusiasts.​

17. Jeri

Jeri, also known as Jalebi, is a beloved Nepali sweet that delights with its crispy exterior and juicy, syrup-soaked interior. This deep-fried treat is crafted by piping fermented batter into circular or spiral shapes, frying them until golden, and then immersing them in aromatic sugar syrup. The result is a vibrant, orange-hued confection that's both crunchy and succulent, offering a burst of sweetness in every bite. Jeri is often enjoyed fresh and warm, making it a popular choice for breakfast or festive occasions.​


18. Tongba

ongba is a traditional alcoholic beverage from the eastern mountainous regions of Nepal, particularly among the Limbu community. It is made by fermenting millet and pouring hot water over it, then sipped through a bamboo straw. The resulting drink is thick and milky, with a pleasant, mild flavor that is slightly alcoholic, smooth, and has a mild, milky, mushroomy taste with some bready hints. Tongba is often enjoyed in a communal setting, where friends and family members take turns sipping from the same vessel, symbolizing camaraderie and togetherness.

19. Syabhale (Shaphaley)

Syabhale, also known as Shaphaley, is a beloved Tibetan snack that has found a cherished place in Nepal's street food culture. This deep-fried pastry is typically stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices, creating a delightful combination of crispy exterior and juicy filling. The dough is rolled out, filled, and then folded into semi-circular or circular shapes before being fried to golden perfection. The result is a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of flavorful meat, making it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Syabhale is often enjoyed with a side of spicy dipping sauce, enhancing its rich taste and making it a must-try for those exploring Nepal's culinary offerings. 

20. Sapu Mhicha

Sapu Mhicha is a unique and traditional delicacy from the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. This intricate dish involves stuffing buffalo leaf tripe with bone marrow, tying it securely, and then boiling and frying it to achieve a crispy texture. The preparation process is meticulous, reflecting the Newars' culinary artistry and attention to detail. When consumed, the crispy tripe exterior gives way to the rich, melted marrow inside, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Sapu Mhicha is typically served during special occasions and festivals, symbolizing hospitality and the community's rich cultural heritage.

21. Choila

Choila is a quintessential Newari dish that showcases the bold flavors of Nepalese cuisine. Traditionally made with grilled buffalo meat, Choila is marinated in a mixture of mustard oil, garlic, ginger, and a blend of local spices, resulting in a spicy and aromatic delicacy. The meat is often smoked or grilled to impart a distinct flavor, then mixed with the marinade to absorb the rich spices. Choila is commonly served with beaten rice (chiura) and is a staple in Newari feasts and gatherings. Its fiery taste and cultural significance make it a favorite among those seeking an authentic Nepalese culinary experience. ​

22. Laphing

Laphing is a spicy, cold noodle dish that has its roots in Tibetan cuisine but has become immensely popular in Nepal, especially among the youth. Made from mung bean starch, the noodles have a slippery, jelly-like texture. They are typically served with a fiery blend of chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and Sichuan pepper, creating a numbing and spicy sensation. Often garnished with fresh herbs and sometimes stuffed with soy-based fillings, Laphing offers a unique combination of textures and bold flavors. It's a must-try for those seeking a different kind of heat in their culinary adventures.​

23. Samay Baji

Samay Baji is a traditional Newari dish that is a medley of various components, each bringing its own flavor and texture. Typically, it includes beaten rice (chiura), barbecued buffalo meat (choila), boiled egg, black-eyed peas, fried boiled egg, spicy potato salad, and a variety of pickles. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also holds cultural significance, often served during festivals and special occasions. The combination of spicy, tangy, and savory elements makes Samay Baji a comprehensive representation of Newari culinary artistry.​

🗺️ Street Food Hotspots Across Nepal

  • Kathmandu: Asan Market, Thamel, New Road, New Buspark.

  • Pokhara: Lakeside, Mahendrapul.

  • Bhaktapur: Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square.

  • Lalitpur (Patan): Mangal Bazaar, Patan Durbar Square.

  • Chitwan: Narayangarh Market.​

✅ Tips for Enjoying Street Food Safely

  • Choose Busy Stalls: High turnover often means fresher food.

  • Observe Hygiene Practices: Opt for vendors who maintain cleanliness.

  • Stay Hydrated Safely: Drink bottled or purified water.

  • Communicate Dietary Preferences: Don't hesitate to ask about ingredients.​


Please feel free to share which street food is your favorite, we’d love to hear from you!