Time to Celebrate MOMO (मोमोको अचार पिरो भयो)
The moment you walk past a local MOMO shop in the Kathmandu Valley, the mouth-watering aroma pulls you in, making it hard to resist. When you step into a Nepali restaurant, you’ll often find MOMOs on every table, with people savoring this beloved dish. There’s a saying in Nepal: we browse the entire menu at a restaurant but always end up ordering MOMO.
Kathmandu Valley is home to numerous local MOMO restaurants. These establishments typically feature compact menus, quick service, efficient dining, speedy billing, and satisfied customers. Such restaurants can easily be classified as Quick Service or Fast Food Restaurants.
MOMO, a cherished Nepali delicacy, consists of dumplings filled with a flavorful mixture—often minced meat or vegetables—perfectly spiced and wrapped in delicate dough. Typically steamed, these juicy bites are served with a spicy, tangy tomato and sesame pickles that elevates every mouthful. Across Kathmandu, MOMO stalls offer countless variations—steamed, fried, or even in jhol (soup)—each providing a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
MOMO is particularly enjoyable during winter. The warmth of hot MOMOs combats the chill, making them a perfect comfort food. This winter, I had the opportunity to taste MOMOs at several places, and in this article, I’ll share a few of the most delicious MOMO restaurants I visited.
Mahabharata MOMO
Forty years in the business and operating in five different locations, the family-run business has a long history. I have often visited the Patan Dhoka and Lagankhel branches, and this time I tried their Putalisadak branch. I asked the owner if the taste was the same as in Patan, and he said that all the ingredients are prepared at the Patan branch, and only the packing is done at each branch.
The taste here is similar to Patan Dhoka. The buff MOMO was delicious and tastier than the chicken MOMO. They also served three different pickles: spicy, tomato, and sesame, which elevate every mouthful.
Kwati MOMO, Sam’s One Tree Cafe, Durbarmarg
During Kwati Purnima (a festival), some Newari people traditionally prepare kwati with momo in areas like Ason. I saw ‘Winter Special Kwati MOMO’ on the menu.
The bean soup is perfect for a cold winter day in Kathmandu, so I ordered it without any doubt. The soup had a homely taste, and so did the chicken momo. The soup isn’t very spicy, which I liked because I prefer non-spicy food. This meal is quite healthy too, as the bean soup is rich in protein. I definitely recommend this ‘Special Kwati MOMO’ during the winter.
OPEN MOMO & FAST FOOD in Indrachowk – A Must-Try Open Buff Momo
If you’re in Indrachowk, don’t miss OPEN MOMO & FAST FOOD, famous for its unique open buff MOMO. These MOMOs feature a basket-like shape, filled with spiced minced buffalo meat, and steamed to juicy perfection. They are served with three different types of pickles and come with quick, efficient service.
JHEGUE NEWARI KHAJA GHAR
If you’re near Bir Hospital or Mahabouddha, be sure to try the delicious SPICY BOILED Buff MOMO at JHEGUE NEWARI KHAJA GHAR. The spot can be tricky to locate, so don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions. But if you have a sharp nose, you’ll easily sniff it out!
Everest MOMO Naxal
With more than 3 decades of service, they have never failed to meet your expectations with their delicious MOMO.
GHANGRI SUMAI OPEN MOMO, Pulchowk
Ghangri Sumai MOMO charges Rs. 400 for a plate of chicken MOMO, but it feels like you’re paying more for the ambiance than for the food itself.
New Everest MOMO, Kamalbinayak Bhaktapur
We had a plate of delicious buffalo MOMOs, perfectly steamed and full of flavor. The meat filling was tender and flavorful, offering a unique taste. The MOMOs were soft on the outside and juicy inside. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth trying for an authentic MOMO experience.
Aambo MOMO in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur
Recently celebrated its 5th anniversary on December. I tried the Pork and Chicken MOMO there. Both were juicy and flavorful, but I especially liked the Pork MOMO more than the Chicken, which was just okay. The MOMOs were served in a bota, and we had to use a plastic fork, but I prefer eating with my hands. For me, eating with my hands is more enjoyable, like eating Dal Bhat. They also served three kinds of pickles, which were amazing. I definitely recommend this place for the Pork MOMO.
