1
Food & Dining
Nepali cuisine revolves around dal bhat — lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetable curries — a nutritious, satisfying meal that forms the backbone of daily eating. Beyond dal bhat, both Kathmandu and Pokhara offer surprisingly diverse international dining at very low prices.
- Dal bhat: the national staple; $1–$3 at local eateries with unlimited refills of rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles — genuinely the best value meal in Asia
- Momo (Tibetan-Nepali dumplings): steamed or fried, filled with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables; $0.50–$2 for a plate of 10; available everywhere
- Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), chow mein, and Newari cuisine (beaten rice with spiced meat, choila) round out the local options
- International dining in Kathmandu: Japanese, Korean, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Thai restaurants, particularly in Jhamsikhel and Thamel; $5–$15 per meal
- Pokhara Lakeside café scene: wood-fired pizza, smoothie bowls, espresso, and international comfort food; $3–$10 per meal
- Fresh produce at local markets (sabji mandi): extremely cheap — $0.50–$1 per kg for seasonal vegetables; $100–$150/month covers generous grocery shopping
- Supermarkets: Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket in Kathmandu carries local and imported products; imported Western goods are 2–3x home prices
- Alcohol: locally brewed Gorkha and Everest beer $1.50–$3; imported wine $8–$15; local spirits (raksi, tongba) are cultural experiences at rock-bottom prices