So you find yourself in Kathmandu after a long trek and you’re sick of rice and lentils, had enough of noodles, or just a little sick at home. You may want some simple steamed vegetables or a crunchy salad but you have no idea where to start looking, well I’m here to shed some light on the hidden treasures of Kathmandu’s culinary delights.

PIZZA
One doubts that there are many people in this world who travel and don’t have a craving for pizza from time to time. At one time you couldn’t get a decent pizza in Nepal, nowadays there are a lot of restaurants that make very good wood fired pizzas, in fact, I dare say they are better than what we can get at home! But like all good things in life, it comes at a price. Pizza varies from 300 to 550 rupees depending on the ingredients! The best place to get pizza is Fire and Ice, which is something of an institution in Thamel. A great place to relive the highlights of your trip with friends, while enjoying a delicious pizza and the drink of your choice.

PASTA
A good plate of fresh handmade pasta will always satisfy any appetite. On those cold winter days, head to La Dolca Vita. Three floors of well-appointed dining rooms and an alfresco-style rooftop terrace invite the diner to enjoy a pasta feast. Portion sizes are generous and delicious. My personal favorite is the handmade Gnocchi del la Rossa (Gnocchi in tomato and red wine sauce). Here the salads and pizza are also very good. Finish off your meal with imported Lavatzza Italian-style coffee.

FILLET
For carnivores, we all crave that big juicy chunk of red meat. For those familiar with Hindu culture, it is against custom to eat beef, so most of the red meat products in Nepal are, in fact, buffalo meat, a bit more textured and chewy than a good steak. lean beef Everest Steak house, located both in Thamel and by Lake Pokhara, serves the best steak this side of New Orleans. You can order imported beef steak, rib eye steak, or sirloin steak, cooked to your liking and served with French fries and steamed vegetables. A meal at The Everest Steak House will set you back around 600 NPR, including drinks and tax.

JAPANESE
Make your taste buds sing with amazing sushi at a little restaurant called Momo Taru. Tucked away at the top end of Thamel, this gem of a restaurant is run by professional Nepali staff in collaboration with an elderly Japanese couple. Many of the ingredients are flown in from Japan, including the seafood. The food is AMAZING and a great tasting healthy meal here isn’t going to break the bank either. Around 400 NPR will see you with a nice plate of Maki Sushi, a bowl of Ramen noodles, unlimited tea, miso soup, a selection of pickles, and maybe a cold Ashi beer. The atmosphere is cozy with a choice of table or cushioned seating and the staff are very friendly and speak English and Japanese.

A CHOCOLATE SUCCESS
So we’ve all been there, after a good meal we still feel a bit dissatisfied and our taste buds crave that hit of sugar. Kathmandu may offer excellent international cuisine, but it’s not really known for desserts. Alas, let me let you in on a little secret: try the unbelievably delicious sizzling chocolate brownie at Road House…did I mention it’s amazing? Add a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream and you’re sure to be in chocoholic heaven!

HOME COMFORT
Have you ever seen the movie Ratatouille, the scene where the critic cries as the food reminds him of his mother’s kitchen? We all get that sick feeling at home sometimes, and food can give us real comfort when we need it. Head over to Northfield Cafe, the beef stroganoff served with mashed potatoes is the dish that almost brings me to my knees crying for my mom…right down to the whipping cream and a hint of rosemary. It’s the perfect dish to help me get over the homesickness. Other homemade treats on their menu include Sheppard’s Pie and everyone’s favorite bangers and mash!

So there you have it, while the local food in Nepal is GREAT, we all need the comforts of home from time to time. I hope this helps you fill that hole in your stomach with something other than Dhal Bhart Tarkuri. eating happily…