The medieval Bhaktapur is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been; visiting Bhaktapur is like stepping back in time. Bhaktapur is a Newari city famous for its history, culture, architecture and craftsmanship. But what most travelers don’t know is that Bhaktapur is also an amazing destination for food lovers. In fact, the Newars of Bhaktapur are extremely proud of their rich culinary heritage.
Among other South-East Asian cuisines, Nepali food stands out for its distinct cultural influences from various ethnic groups, and one of its richest and tastiest cuisines is undoubtedly the Newari cuisine.
In Bhaktapur, avoid the rooftops selling continental food for the tourists and get ready to experience the traditional local food! The real deals are tucked away in small alleys, far from the tourist traps. And the majority of these eateries and stalls have been serving the same traditional dishes for decades.
So, how do you know where are the real deals? When you travel to Bhaktapur, what should you eat?
With this article, you’ll be able to plan your very own local food experience without hassle.
Here’s my list of the top 10 must try food in Bhaktapur.
Table of Contents
Watch my Bhaktapur Food Experience Video
Top 10 Must Try Food in Bhaktapur
Juju Dhau, the King Yogurt
Bhaktapur is famous for its amazing ‘Juju Dhau’, also known as ‘King of Curds’.
Juju Dhau is made of fresh buffalo milk and served in a small clay pot. Sweet, creamy and thick with a crunchy layer, Juju Dhau is seriously the best yogurt I’ve ever tasted.
How to know if a Juju dhau is of great quality? Well reverse the pot, shake it and if nothing falls down, it means that you’re eating the original Juju Dhau.
Where?
You’ll easily find many shops and stalls selling Juju Dhau in Bhaktapur. Juju Dhau is from Bhaktapur and most of the shops sell great Juju dhau.
Bara, the Newari Pancake
Another famous specialty in Bhaktapur is ‘Bara’ (also called ‘Wo:’ in Newari language), a Newari pancake made from black lentils and spices.
You can add other items such as eggs, spinach, minced meat (buff or chicken mostly), etc.
Bara is usually served with an amazing chana curry on the side.
Where?
The best place to try Baras in Bhaktapur is ‘Aama ko Bara Pasal’ which literally means ‘the Bara shop of Mother’. The eatery is open since 50 years. You can find the place on Google Maps; it is called ‘Hole in the Wall’.
Samay Baji, the Newari Set Meal
Samay Baji, also known as ‘Newari Khaja set’, is probably the most famous Newari dish in Nepal.
The Newari meal comprises a lot of different items, including beaten rice (chiura), soybeans (bhatamaas), boiled beans curry (bodi ko achar), spicy meat (choila), spicy potatoes spinach (saag), lentil pancake (bara), fried boiled egg, pickles (achaar), sliced ginger (aduwa), … Many other items can be added.
Where?
Newa Lahana Khwopa is an authentic Newari restaurant. We had an epic Newari lunch at their main outlet in Kirtipur. The one in Bhaktapur didn’t disappoint. This restaurant is known for its amazing Samay Baji.
Choila, the Spiciest Grilled Meat
Choila is a grilled meat (buffalo, mutton, chicken, or pork) that is known for its spiciness. The meat is blackened and crunchy on the outside and pink and tender inside. Then, the meat is marinated in a combination of spices.
Often served with Chhyang (a local alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice), this mouth-watering specialty is most of the time eaten as a snack.
Being French, I must admit that my palate was not really used to spicy food. But… I am loving it now, especially when it is very flavorful! And apparently, the more you eat spicy food, the more resistant you become.
I am a true choila fan now. Thanks to my husband, Krishna, for introducing me to choila!
Where?
‘Choila Specialist’ is one of the best places to try Choila in Bhaktapur. They serve amazing spicy buff choila. They are open since 30 years.
Aalu Tama, the Healthy Stew
Aalu Tama is a curry stew made of Aalu (potatoes), Tama (bamboo shoots), and boiled black eyed peas. It is often served with chiura (beaten rice).
It is a perfect healthy winter dish.
Where?
In Bhaktapur, we had our Aalu Tama at the ‘Choila Specialist’.
Sekuwa, the Yummiest Barbecue Meat
Sekuwa is a traditional Nepali barbecued skewered meat. The best sekuwas are roasted directly over open fire. You can still find some eateries in Kathmandu that use this method.
Sekuwa is probably my favorite Nepali food. I have to admit that my favorite is my husband’s; Krishna really makes mouthwatering sekuwas whether it is with chicken, buff, goat or pork.
Where?
‘Kancha Ram ko Batti Pasal’ serves great Sekuwa in Bhaktapur. It is a very famous eatery among locals in Bhaktapur.
Kachilaa or Kachilaa Anda Fry, the Newar’s Unique Specialty
Kachilaa is marinated raw minced Buff meat. It is little similar to what we have in France, ‘Tartare’ (except Tartare is made of beef).
Kachilaa Anda Fried is another variation: you add Anda (an egg) and you fry the Kachila.
It is super yummy!
Where?
‘Kancha Ram ko Batti Pasal’ serves good Kachilaa (fried or not) in Bhaktapur.
Yomari, the Dessert for the Gods
Oh Yomari! I was really surprised at first by the taste. But now, I really love it.
Yomari is a Newari delicacy that is very popular in Bhaktapur. It is a steamed rice dough filled with brown cane sugar, ghee and sesame seeds (chaku). We’ve also tried the other version with khuwa (condensed milk).
There is even a Newari festival named after the delicacy, ‘Yomari Punhi’, that marks the end of the rice harvest (December).
Where?
Most of the eateries and restaurants in Bhaktapur serve Yomari. The best Yomari I had was at my friend family’s house in Bhaktapur. We had pretty good Yomaris at ‘Newari Kitchen’ and ‘Newa Lahana Khwopa’ in Bhaktapur.
Kulfi, the Traditional Ice Cream
Kulfi is a traditional Indian / Nepali ice cream made of milk, cashew, almond and cardamom. You can find Kulfi all over Kathmandu now (even all over Nepal really). But the best place to try Kulfi is Bhaktapur.
Where?
Kulfi Sansar, the oldest store selling Kulfi in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Thon (Chhyang), the Nepali Rice Beer
Thon, also known as Chhyang, is an alcoholic Nepali beverage. It is also known as ‘white rice beer’. It is very different than Aida, which is a Nepali wine. Chhyang can be quite strong, even more than Aida. Most spicy snacks in Nepal are eaten with Chhyang on side.
Where?
Apparently, the ‘Choila Specialist’ is serving pretty good Chhyang (according to my husband).
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