What do you think is the biggest winter dining trend this year? Let us give you a small hint, it’s been the biggest dining trend for the past year, the year before that, and even the year before that.

If you didn’t guess Momo, what are you doing?

For Nepalese people, Momo is our soul food. It fits into every trend that exists. However, if you’re looking for a change and want to know what’s brewing and cooking this winter, you’ve landed on the right page. At Restroverse, we love and take our food seriously, so much so that we’ve built an entire website dedicated to food and hospitality.

Nepali cuisine is deeply connected to the country’s diverse cultural heritage, climate, and traditions. Each season brings its own unique flavours and ingredients. Winter holds a special place in Nepali cuisine, focusing on warmth, nourishment, and dishes that help fight the cold. This winter season, we’ve curated a list of major food trends that will surely keep you cosy and save you from the cold chills.

Nepali Winter Dining Trends

The Comfort of Traditional Dishes

Newari Cuisine

Iconic dishes such as Yomari, a steamed rice flour dumpling filled with molasses and sesame seeds, and Chatamari, often called "Newari pizza," provide comfort and indulgence during the colder months. Traditional platters like Samay Baji bring together beaten rice, spicy potatoes, pickles, and grilled meat, showcasing the communal and celebratory nature of Newari cuisine. These are very popular at the moment as people are looking for traditional foods that help them to understand their culture and that of others.

Buckwheat and millet-based dishes

From hearty buckwheat pancakes (fapar ko roti) to millet porridge, these gluten-free grains are making a comeback for their nutritional value and warming properties. These grains were not eaten by most people back in the day as it was considered a labourer’s meal. However, with people wanting to go gluten-free and be more mindful of their eating habits, these dishes are back.

Dal Bhat Tarkari: The Ultimate Meal

Dal (Lentil Soup), Bhat (Rice), and Tarkari (Vegetable Curry) are essential and it ranks at the top of our winter trends. Nepali Khana is the perfect wholesome and warm meal that satisfies your stomach and heart to the fullest.

Momo

Momo, Nepal’s beloved dumplings, are incomplete without the signature chutney. The chutney that you get is different depending on the place. Some of the most famous ones are made from tomatoes, sesame seeds, soybeans, hog plums, garlic, timur (Sichuan pepper), etc. The chutney is a fiery companion to both steamed and fried momos. People are also loving chilly oil and soy sauce with their momo. You can expect more Momo Mania in 2025.

Hot and Spicy

Nepali cuisine is filled with bold and spicy dishes that warm both the body and the soul. The love for fiery flavours is deeply ingrained in Nepal’s culinary traditions. These dishes not only add a kick to your meal but also provide the warmth and comfort that are much needed in the chilly season.

Keema Noodles

Keema noodles are a hearty and flavorful street food dish featuring spiced minced meat (keema) with noodles, vegetables, and bold seasonings. Whether served with chicken, buffalo, or mutton keema, this dish is a go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. These noodles have gotten a lot more popular in the past few years and for all the right reasons. They will certainly be a favourite in 2025 as well.

Laphing

Laphing, a Tibetan-inspired dish, has taken Nepal’s street food scene by storm. Made from wheat starch, laphing is served with a spicy, tangy sauce and soy sauce that is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Available in both dry and soupy versions, its bold combination of garlic, chili, and Sichuan pepper flavors makes it a favorite among spice lovers.

Chhoyla

A Newari specialty, Chhoyla is grilled buffalo meat marinated in mustard oil, garlic, and an abundance of chili powder. Served cold but bursting with heat, it’s a favorite appetizer or snack that pairs well with beaten rice (baji) and local rice beer (thon).

Sekuwa (Spiced Grilled Meat)

Sekuwa, Nepal’s version of spiced and grilled meat, is a hot and smoky delight. Marinated with chilli, garlic, ginger, and traditional spices, sekuwa is grilled over an open flame for a rich, smoky flavor. Served with a side of chili achar, it’s an essential for spice lovers. You will certainly get an aromatic and smoky smell of sekuwa as you walk the roads of Kathmandu in 2025.

Hot Pickles (Achar)

No Nepali meal is complete without achar, and the spicier, the better. From red chilli achar to fermented radish, vegetables, meat, and mustard greens, these pickles add heat to even the simplest meals. Seasonal ingredients like timur, garlic, and roasted chillies take the spice factor up a notch. There are a lot of local women and small businesses making pickles in recent times.

The Beverage Scene: Tea, Coffee, and Matcha

Whether you’re enjoying a classic cup of milk tea or indulging in the warmth of hot lemon, these beverages are an integral part of the season:

Milk tea

Sweet, creamy, and comforting, milk tea is a staple, enjoyed by families and workers alike. Tea is a communal drink that brings people together. There has been a great rise in the number of tea shops that are opening and we are not complaining.

Masala tea

What is better than tea, you ask? The answer is Masala tea. Infused with spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, masala tea not only warms the body but also boosts immunity and aids digestion.

Iced Tea

Iced tea is becoming a go-to choice in cafes, and restaurants. Whether it’s classic lemon iced tea or fruit-infused variations like peach or berry, iced tea is a saviour during warmer days. People enjoy experimenting with its flavours, making it a versatile drink for any occasion. As the tea culture in Nepal evolves, iced tea is carving its niche, proving that tea is not just a drink for winter

The Rise of Coffee and Matcha Culture

Urban Nepal is seeing a shift toward coffee and matcha, fueled by younger, more experimental consumers:

Coffee culture

Specialty coffee shops in Kathmandu and Pokhara are serving everything from espresso to locally sourced brews.

Matcha mania

This powdered green tea is gaining popularity for its health benefits and unique flavor, with matcha lattes and desserts appearing on menus across the country.

4. Bakery Delights

The bakery scene in Nepal has been experiencing a renaissance, with both traditional and modern baked goods becoming staples of winter indulgence. As the cold months call for rich, warm, and comforting treats, bakeries across the country are stepping up their game with an array of delicious offerings that cater to all palates.

Cakes

Cakes have become a winter favourite, not just for celebrations but as a daily indulgence to pair with a hot beverage. Flavours like dark chocolate, black-forest, white-forest, cheesecakes, and red velvet dominate bakery shelves. With people wanting specific designs for their special day or celebration we can see the rise of personalized designs and flavors.

Pastries and Croissants

The growing love for European-style pastries has made items like croissants, danishes, and puff pastries popular across Nepal. Savory Pastries that are filled with cheese, mixed vegetables, or meat are ideal for breakfast or a light snack. Sweet Pastries with flavours like chocolate, and almond are also what people like to eat with a cup of coffee.

Hot Chocolate Pairings

No winter bakery experience is complete without a cup of rich, velvety hot chocolate. These are often liked by younger people who do not like caffeinated or strong drinks. The Classic Hot Chocolate made with dark chocolate and cream, can now be seen in the menu of a lot of bakeries, and cafes.

5. Local Produce in Dining and Restaurants

Farm-to-Table Concepts

Restaurants in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are adopting farm-to-table approaches, featuring dishes that highlight the best of local, seasonal ingredients.

In rural and urban areas alike, some restaurants offer guests the opportunity to choose a live hen from their in-house farms. This personalized selection is followed by the preparation of the hen in a style chosen by the customer like traditional stews, stir-fries, and roast.

With its pristine rivers and streams, Nepal is home to some of the finest freshwater trout, particularly from regions like Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Pokhara. Trout are highly sought after for its tender meat and mild, buttery flavour, making it a favourite winter delicacy. Some restaurants offer guests the chance to catch their trout live and have it cooked to their liking.

Both local hen and trout show Nepal’s move toward interactive and sustainable dining practices. By involving diners in the selection process, restaurants create a deeper connection between the customer and the meal. This practice also supports local farmers and fishers, ensuring a direct economic benefit to the community. This trend can get more popular in 2025.

6. Honourable mentions

Korean Cuisine

Korean food has become immensely popular in Nepal, especially among younger diners. It's bold flavours and interactive dining styles resonate well with the Nepalese palate. In the past Korean food was mostly a favorite of youngsters but now we can see that more people are trying newer cuisines and want to experiment with their food. Some of the trending dishes are hot pots, tteokbokki, bingsu, ramen, kimchi, etc.

Plant-Based and Vegan Options

With global awareness of sustainability and health, plant-based dining is gaining momentum in Nepal. Many urban cafes now feature vegan burgers, pastas, and desserts. We can also see shelves of supermarkets filled with milk-substitutes like almond milk, oat milk, and tofu. Vegan versions of traditional Nepali foods like momos or dal bhat are being embraced by not just by foreigners but the Nepalese people themselves.

Why Restroverse Is Your Winter Dining Companion

At Restroverse, we pride ourselves on being the ultimate guide to Nepal’s food scene. Here’s why you’ll want to keep coming back:

Restaurant spotlights: Discover where to find the best momo, traditional dishes, or tea cafes in Nepal.
Event updates: Stay informed about winter food festivals, pop-ups, and dining events happening across Nepal.

Whether you’re delving into Nepal’s vibrant food culture, or looking for the finest in hospitality services, Restroverse is your trusted gateway to extraordinary dining and hospitality experiences across the country.

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