Nepalgunj is a mid-western region administrative, economic, and transport hub. It is close to India’s border and borders two national parks, Banke National Park and Bardiya National Park. It is home to various food cultures, including Madhesi, Muslim, and Tharu cuisines. It is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in Nepal, and it has fantastic Muslim food. Street food culture is vibrant, and the food is affordable.
After the trek to the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo, I stayed in Nepalgunj for a few days to enjoy the local cuisine. It was perfect weather. However, don’t expect clean streets. The city must work hard to make cities more walkable, greener, and cyclable.
These are some of the most famous and iconic Nepalgunj foods you must try while visiting.
Biryani is a must-have in Nepalgunj. Although there are many places to get biryani, most of them are in Muslim areas; the most famous and well-known one is ‘Mubarak Biryani Corner’ for mutton biryani. Their mutton biryani, although not prepared traditionally, is flavorful and aromatic. It’s served with simple yogurt, onion, chili, and a raita. Biryani is so famous that it sells out in the early afternoon. Make sure you go before 1 pm. It was closed when I visited their second location at 2:45 pm. It would be best if you also tried their delicious mutton curry and ketob (made with minced mutton, chickpea dau, and other spices).
The restaurant is located in a residential area that is mainly Muslim. It may be not easy to find the restaurant. M.P. Go to M.P. It is adjacent to the sub-metropolitan 7th office.
Mutton Sekuwa at Gandaki Bhansa Ghar, B.P. Chowk
You can stroll around Dhambojhi Chowk or B.P. You will smell barbecued meat at Chowk late afternoon or evening. There are many places to eat. The most well-known and pioneering secure is the ‘Hamro Momo Center,’ located at Dhambojhi Chowk (sadly, they employ minors, and their service could be better). ‘Gandaki Bhansa Ghar’ at B.P. Chowk offers more succulent, flavorful, and delicious mutton. The marinade is rich in spices, but the flavor is perfectly balanced. The mutton Sekuwa comes with puffed rice, tomato achaar, and potato achaar and roasted soybean salad. We also tried the plain sekuwa without any spice marinating. It was delicious and served with just salt and chili achaar. There are many mutton dishes, including one made with goat brains and ears.
Gandaki Bhansa Ghar: Mutton sekuwa with tomato achaar (puffed rice), potato achaar (potato achaar)
Plain mutton sekuwa served without marinating and accompanied by salt-fresh green chilies.
Making mutton sekuwa at Gandaki Bhansa Ghar
Tharu Food at Gochali Khaja Ghar, Charbahini Road
On my recent trip, I was thrilled to discover the Tharu food in Nepalgunj. Although Tharu people mainly live in the area, restaurants that serve Tharu food are rare. A friend took me to the Gochali Khaja Gahar, the most famous Tharu restaurant in the area, at Charbahini Road. Ghonghi, a must-have Tharu dish, was served along with dhikri (steamed rice flour dough), bayar chutney (“wild berry achaar”), sidhara (small dried fish), Tharu aalu achaar (“achaar made a small variety of potato in a small area) and bhatmaas achaar (“roasted soybean achaar”). It was all delicious and the highlight of my trip. You may also find other Tharu delights like sutahi, freshwater mussels, and wild boar meat. Ask if they have any other Tharu foods.
Raabadi at Tribhuwan Chowk
You can’t leave Nepalgunj and not try Raabadi, a rich creamy sweet dessert made by boiling the milk until semi-solid. It can sometimes be found with sugar or saffron. Raabadi can be found in sweet shops and street vendors at Tribhuwan Chowk. You can usually get fresh raabadi from street vendors. The raabadi taste is different now, as they used to be able to make more delicious rasabadi.
Haluwa Paratha at Chaulika
Truthfully, I didn’t expect haluwa partha to be so delicious and satisfying. The fluffy, yet soft paratha pairs well with the sweet buttery Haluwa. Paratha bread is made from wheat flour, while Haluwa bread is made from semolina milk, sugar, and butter. This delicacy is very popular in Chaulika, a small town just south of the city. This shop is more than 30 years old and is a rustic, open-air hut that can be found along the main road. Here you can see how to make large paratha. The shop is often crowded with locals and students from the nearby college, especially in morning and afternoon. The haluwa Partha is sold by weight. 100 grams will cost you only 25 rupees
Chana Puri at Tribhuwan Chowk
This is not the chanapuri that you are used to. This is another food that surprised me in its texture and taste. Puri deep-fried bread is a small, bite-sized piece of bread that is very crisp in texture. This bread is great with potato curry and chickpeas, and topped with tomato sauce. Tribhuwan Chowk is the best place to try this delicious food. It is often eaten for breakfast. Many people pack it to take home. It is unbelievable cheap. It cost me only 10 rupees to get the portion in the photo. It was served in newspaper layers with sal leaf leaves.
