Newari food is a delight for those who enjoy eating! Newari cuisine is one of the world’s oldest food traditions and has been loved by the people of Nepal. Newari cuisine is an incredible culinary experience due to its rich flavours, fresh ingredients, and time tested cooking methods. If you’re looking for the best Newari food in Kathmandu, Chandragiri and its surrounding areas offer a perfect blend of tradition and taste. Located just near Kathmandu, Chandragiri has rapidly become a hotspot not only for tourists but also for food lovers who crave something deeply cultural and flavorful.
Must-Try Newari Foods in Kathmandu
Explore the best Newari food in Chandragiri with rich, authentic flavors that showcase traditional spices, textures, and local culinary heritage.
Chatamari: The Newari Rice Crepe
Chatamari, a Newari dish is a thin crepe made of rice flour with a variety of toppings including eggs, ground meat, or veggies, is probably the well known Newari dish. This dish has earned itself the title of a “Newari pizza” due to its flat and round nature that can accommodate a wide variety of toppings, while also being light, delicious, and easy to eat!
For someone looking to try Chatamari in the traditional manner, many small restaurants located near Chandragiri Hills (in Balambu) are a good choice. Additionally, if you are looking to create the ultimate Newari meal, you can add a samay baji meal set to Chatamari for a complete and filling meal.
Bara: Traditional Lentil Pancake
Bara is a classic food beloved in Newari cuisine. Bara is a round lentil cake that is crispy outside and soft inside (made from ground black lentils). You can have it plain or with an egg or ground meat.
Samay Baji: The Full Newari Experience
Samay Baji will help you learn about Newari food culture. It consists of numerous small dishes served at the same time, such as beaten rice, fried fish, boiled eggs, black soybeans, spiced meat, slices of ginger and more. Each item represents something important within Newari tradition.
Yomari: A Sweet Newari Treat
Yomari is a moist, steamed dumpling with sweet filling made from rice flour. The filling is most generally made with chaku or sesame and coconut, and the yamari is formed as a pointed dumpling. The dish is traditional cuisine in Newari culture and is also available at many locations around the Chandragiri Hills year round.
Choila: Spiced Buffalo Meat
Buffalo meat, or “Choila,” is one of the most popular foods among the Newars. Choila can be made in either a grill or roast form. It’s mixed with garlic, ginger, chili, and mustard oil, giving it a smoky, bold flavor. Choila is typically served alone in a khaja set, but may also be eaten with other foods such as bara and beaten rice.
Aila (Newari Raksi)
Aila is a traditional homemade distilled liquor made from rice, deeply rooted in Newari culture. It is not just a drink but an important part of rituals, ceremonies, and social gatherings. Known for its strong yet smooth taste, aila is often served in small clay cups and symbolizes hospitality, tradition, and celebration in the Newar community.
Beside this you can enjoy many other newari foods like Kachila, Sapu Mhicha, Alu Tama, Pau Kwa, Bhuttan, Sekuwa etc.
Where to Find Newari Food in Kathmandu
There are a lot of small and medium-sized hotels and restaurants near Chandragiri that serve real Newari food made with traditional recipes. These places focus on keeping the original flavor by using local ingredients, rich spices, and tried-and-true cooking methods. When you enjoy a meal here, you’re not just eating—you’re experiencing the true essence of Newari culture and flavor, just as it has been enjoyed for generations.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Newari food at Chandragiri Hills is more than just a culinary journey—it’s a cultural adventure. Combined with the stunning views and peaceful environment of Chandragiri, this experience becomes truly unforgettable. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic newari cuisine with a local taste, Chandragiri could be the best place.
