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Sajan Lamichhane has been the official photographer for the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for two years now. He has his own studio ‘Sajan Photography’ under the banner of which he covers various events. He has five years of experience in photography. He is only 22 years old and is currently enrolled in college. 

Lamichhane’s love for photography started when he was in school, in the fourth grade to be particular. They had some visitors from Poland who showed cameras to the students and let them take some pictures. Lamichhane was enthralled. He wanted to own a camera. Fast forward a few years and he had saved every spare paisa to buy a DSLR camera. At 17, he started working as a photojournalist for Online Pana. He worked for Routine of Nepal Banda (RoNB) too. 

As the official photographer of CAN, he feels he has been able to make a mark through his work. He knows he has a long way to go, but he is proud of how far he has come. The photograph he captured of a fan holding Nepal’s flag in the crowd during the Nepal vs UAE match garnered much appreciation. It was featured by various international media and the International Cricket Council (ICC) and many prominent figures posted it on their social media as well. “That one photograph changed how people saw me and my work. It was a defining moment in my career,” he says. 

Lamichhane’s foray into photography came unexpectedly. He was always a nerdy kid who excelled in academics. Since most of his relatives were preparing for the Public Service Commission examination, his parents had the same expectations from him. He went against their will when he decided to pursue photography. But his hard work has proved his mettle and his parents, he says, are now supportive of his decision. 

As a photographer, he believes his job is to tell a story and tell it well. Cricket photography is not just about taking photos of the players in action but it’s also about capturing the myriad emotions of the placers and viewers alike. It can be challenging, he says, given the high adrenaline situation and the fact that he has to keep his biases aside and celebrate every win.

There has been a moment when he has been unable to hold back his tears on the field. Witnessing Nepal’s qualifier win after 12 long years was overwhelming and he had to remind himself to keep working, that he couldn’t stop long enough to let crucial moments pass. Lamichhane believes in giving every player their moment to shine through his shots. Every match is unique and there are highs and lows and he believes photos can highlight the best aspects of it, and that’s what he focuses on. For this, he says, he has to be alert every second of the match.  

He’s been involved in matches ranging from the grassroots to the international level, documenting events such as the ODI Series 2022, Nepal T20, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, PM Cup, and others. His dedication earned him the ‘Commitment Award’ from Monty Desai, the Indian professional cricket coach who is currently the head coach of Nepal national team. 

Despite an intense work schedule, his love for photography fuels him and keeps him going. “A major challenge in sports photography is expensive equipment and gear and there is no budget for it,” he says. But he says he has always managed to get his hands on whatever he needs to take good shots. He has borrowed equipment from friends or taken out loans to buy them himself.

Apart from good gear, a sound knowledge of sports is also necessary to take good photos of any sporting event. So Lamichhane constantly updates himself on what’s happening in the global arena. This helps him keep his eyes open for defining moments in a sports person’s life. 

Besides sports photography, which is his primary focus, he finds joy in street photography as well as capturing portraits. A good photo, he says, is hard work. You have to find the right angle and lighting and capture the emotion as well. People need to feel something when looking at a photo and Lamichhane wants people to connect with his work. 

Photography is a challenging but rewarding field, he says, and for those who want to pursue photography he only has one thing to say: “Be ready to learn and evolve. Your photography can be outdated if you always follow old, tried and tested ways.”

Aayush Tamrakar, a co-owner of T’s Your Palate, started the business with three of his cousins. They decided to name the restaurant after the shared initial of their last name—T for Tuladhar and Tamrakar. The burger joint is located in Thamel, Kathmandu, and it has been providing patrons with a delightful food experience. Their slogan—‘Good Food, Good People and Good Moments’—is their motto and they are trying their best to fulfill it. 

The menu at T’s Your Palate is a burger lover’s dream as it has so many options. The names are enticing, making you want to order everything you come across. We opted for the Jaw Dropper and Hook-a-Chuck as they are crowd favorites.

The Hook-a-Chuck Chicken Burger is amazing. It’s a flavor burst. You’ve got this crispy soft bun, loaded with fresh lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, covered in melted cheese and zesty sauce. The smoky and juicy grilled chicken elevates the taste. We appreciate how they offered crispy nacho chips with salsa dip on the side. They also nailed the presentation on this one. 

The Jaw Dropper burger makes your jaw drop. The mix of caramelized onion, sizzling buff meat, crispy bacon, and cheese was a flavor masterpiece. The T’s team has nailed the art of blending flavors.

“We play around with the ingredients and ask customers for their feedback. If something becomes a hit, we add it to our menu,” says Tamrakar.  You won’t be let down by the taste or the portion size at this burger spot as everything is super fresh and they don’t use frozen meat items. Each burger comes with a fun, small flag on top of it. The flags have caricatured pictures of the four owners. 

In addition to the wide variety of unique burgers, they offer nachos and chicken wings with a fusion of Nepali spices. The toppings are evenly distributed and the nachos are made of corn and millet. The snack doesn’t just satisfy your cravings but also provides a savory delight with buff meat, zesty jalapenos, diced tomatoes, and creamy guacamole on top.

Don’t forget to try the Smokey Barbecue Wings. These are drenched in smoky barbecue sauce that adds a sweet and savory kick that’s just perfect. It smells really good and tastes even better. The wings are cooked to perfection. It’s neither too juicy, nor too dry. 

There are limited vegetarian options so for those who don’t enjoy meat or have it at all, T’s Your Palate might not be the place for you. But if you’re in the mood for a drink, you can grab some brewed Sherpa beer. The ambiance, with hanging lights, indoor plants in ceramic planters, funky mirrors on the walls, and unique chairs in warm undertones, is just right for some relaxing time with friends. 

If you don’t want to head to Thamel in this cold but want to have some delicious burgers, you can order their food through Foodmandu, Bhoj Deals, and Pathao. 

Their specials:

Jaw dropper

Hook-a-Chuck

Nachos

Smokey Barbeque Wings

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 2000

Opening hours: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm

Contact: 9802264388

Online Payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

Dusit Princess Kathmandu hosted a Christmas Eve bash that was more than just a feast. There was carol singing for an hour and it was followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner at the Soi Restaurant and Christmas Salsa Night Extravaganza at the Kibu Sky Lounge. The celebration that started at 6:30 pm went on till 10:30 pm.

The ambiance was festive with a giant Christmas tree and a cute gingerbread house. There was mulled wine and tasty treats being handed out as people took in the decor. 

At Dusit Princess Kathmandu’s rooftop Kibu Sky Lounge, cocktails were being served. There were people on the dance floor. The buffet, live barbecue, and appetizer area were set up outdoors. There were heaters to beat the winter chill so despite choosing to sit outside, it was nice and toasty. 

The food was delicious. We started with some fancy appetizers. The Bao stole the show. The buns were super soft. The appetizer came in two options, mushroom and pork. There was also pasta, pizza and crystal dumplings (which was our personal fave). The dumplings had a fresh, almost translucent wrap filled with spinach and chicken and it was just so satisfying.

The live barbecue was another highlight of the event. The chef skillfully grilled chicken, pork, fish and sausages, complete with a flame show. The smoky charred presentation and perfect marinade compelled us to try everything. 

There was an elaborate buffet too. We tried the biryani and palak paneer. The Lucknow Murgh Biryani was mouth wateringly delicious. The blend of spices gave it a nice color too. 

We really loved the Sushi. It was visually appealing and super chewy and absolutely delicious. Pork Wellington was totally new to us but the golden crust pastry hugging the juicy pork was heavenly. There was a hint of butter on the crust and it made the dish even more tasty. 

Later, we went to Soi Restaurant, known for its enchanting Thai decor. For Christmas eve, they had set up a buffet featuring a mix of Continental and Thai dishes, complete with sweet treats and desserts. We tucked into some chocolate praline, strawberry delight, gooey mud pie, and some pastries.

The gooey mud pie was a chocolate lover’s delight. It wasn’t too sweet. The soft piano tunes created a harmonious background score which lent a relaxing feel to the evening. 

If the Christmas cheer was anything to go by, the New Year’s bash that they are hosting soon holds a lot of promise. 

Jaleswari Shrestha, a 76-year-old author and storyteller from Kathmandu, has gained widespread recognition for her literary contributions. Her notable works for children include ‘Pari ko Ghar’, ‘Pinky Ra Putali Haru’, a Braille book for visually impaired students, and anthologies like ‘Lava Ka Baaf Haru’, ‘Maun Bidroha’, ‘Phool Phoolaune Gamala’ and ‘Marriage Anniversary’. She published a novel ‘Niyati Chakra’ in 2012 which focuses on women’s empowerment. 

The feminist writer serves as the chairperson of ‘Gunjan Nari Sahitya Sanstha’ and is actively engaged in literary initiatives and programs. She was awarded the ‘Nawaranga Sahitya Bisesh Kadar’ in 2003, ‘Bal Sahitya Pratisthan Samman’ in 2006, ‘International Shaan Award’ in 2010, and ‘Bishwa Nari Nepali Sahitya Padak’ in 2014 among others. In an interview with Babita Shrestha from ApEx, the author spoke about her literary journey and the books she has written.

Can you tell us about your writing journey?

My journey as a writer began with a deep love for reading. I read  Mahabharata and Ramayana which later helped me express myself through writing, initially in Nepal Bhasa. Despite being a full-time homemaker after marriage, I later found solace in writing. I used to publish them in newspapers. 

Growing up, I saw a lot of gender bias, polygamy, and women being suppressed. Even the educational opportunities were different for boys and girls. It got to me and every time I spoke up about it, I was told to keep quiet. There were moments when I wished I was born a boy just so I didn’t have to face those challenges. Then, my children needed their father’s permit for something in Darjeeling. But my husband was out of the country. My authorization letter was rejected. An uncle had to step in. That hit hard because I was restricted from doing a simple motherly duty. Later, that frustration found its way into my debut book, ‘Lava Ka Baff Haru. It has 21 stories and was published in 2001. 

Since then, I’ve been on this writing journey, putting together story collections, children’s books, and novels. My writing is all about sharing my experiences and shedding light on social issues, especially those related to gender and family dynamics.

What compelled you to tell the kind of stories you do?

I ended up writing the kind of stories I do because back in the day, the idea of women leading independent lives in our conventional society was a far-fetched dream. Polygamy was the norm, and divorces weren’t as common as they are now. But for widowed women, life was a whole different struggle. And let’s not even get started on the unfair consequences women had to face even when they were victims of violence.

 The whole gender bias and the patriarchal setup used to drive me crazy, and I needed an outlet. So, I started pouring all those emotions and my take on these issues into my stories. It’s like a reflection of the three generations I’ve seen—me, my daughter, and now my granddaughters. The fight against gender discrimination is still on and I feel this strong urge to bring those harsh realities to light, which is what I’m currently working on. There’s also the joy of writing about nature and creating children’s stories. It’s my way of exploring different aspects of life and bringing some diversity into my writing.

 How do you write a story? Where do you find the inspiration from?

When I’m working on characters that people can connect with, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. Women in Nepal are driven by a patriarchal mindset and that’s something I often delve into in my stories. Take ‘Phool Phoolaune Gamala Haru’ for instance. It’s about discrimination and nature. I have compared our life to the life of plants. Writing is about finding relatable angles.

 In ‘Niyati Chakra’ I’ve dug into the wild side of women, exploring freedom and shining a light on the harsh realities we face. I’m all about empowering women through my writing. When I’m sketching out characters and weaving the plot, it’s a mix of digging into my memories and throwing in a splash of imagination to make sure the storyline does justice to reality.

 What are the challenges of being a writer and how do you overcome them?

There were many hurdles. But the support I got kept me going. When I decided to dive into more explicit themes in ‘Lava Ka Baff Haru’ with all those complex love affairs and relationships, my sister and friends were genuinely worried for me. They thought I might be stirring up too much trouble. But my husband was my rock through it all and he had my back.

 Despite the raised eyebrows and concerns, I still published the book. I was on a mission to shake up that patriarchal and male chauvinist mindset. I wasn’t going to back down. Surprisingly, I got a lot of praise for how I delved into the inner workings of a woman’s heart. I consider it to be my first step in making people have an open mind about sexuality and gender equality.

 Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

You must approach writing with dedication and a sense of responsibility. Don’t allow others’ opinions to hinder your imagination. Writing should feel unrestricted and effortless, like a conversation. So don’t hesitate to express your creativity freely. Don’t be scared of people judging you and enjoy sharing your stories.

As we stepped into Omakase by Hokkaido Ramen House, the staff, elegantly clad in kimonos, welcomed us with the traditional greeting, ‘Irasshaimase’. The restaurant had modern decor coupled with traditional wall art. The warm ceiling lights and the lush furnishings added to the overall elegance, providing a relaxing space for a delightful dining experience.

After several years as a Teppanyaki chef in different countries, chef Sandesh Poudel collaborated with Arjun Adhikari, founder of Hokkaido Ramen House, to establish Omakase at Bagaicha. The restaurant aims to pull in the crowd with a sizzling Teppanyaki menu and Japanese-inspired cocktails. It will also feature new and special offerings with enchanting flavors. They are also striving for exceptional service and refined food presentations.

At Omakase, we started our meal with a tasty bowl of Miso soup filled with broth, tofu, and seaweed. Our very first order, the Tempura Roll, surprised us.  It was served over a  big bowl of ice to keep the sushi fresh. The presentation was perfect—a 10 on 10. The vibrant colors of the food, complemented by tropical decorations like orange, lemon, lettuce, translucent grated radish, and thin slices of reddish ginger, added to the overall appeal. The sushi roll with a crispy white exterior and tender tempura shrimp inside was a delight. Omakase is the go-to for awesome sushi. 

Following that, we decided on Salmon Nigiri. “We import premium quality salmon to ensure there is no compromise on the taste,” says the chef. The salmon looked incredibly fresh and was presented attractively atop sushi rice. If you’re not particularly fond of seafood, this dish could offer a new taste experience. But for seafood lovers, it will be the most perfect thing they have ever had. 

We set our sights on the Robatayaki Toriniku, a Japanese term for grilled chicken. The teriyaki sauce that glazed the grilled chicken made it look delicious. This dish wasn’t just about the chicken. It was accompanied by a side of crisp salad, artfully presented in a charming flower-shaped ceramic bowl. The extras, like pickles and dipping sauces arranged on a chic long plate, contributed to the overall culinary display. 

The weather is perfect for Spicy Ramen. Despite its name, it’s not very spicy but boasts a flavorful broth that makes it easy to enjoy. The noodles are tender and perfectly cooked, with toppings like boiled egg, bok choy, herbs, and minced chicken. They also provide additional spices and lemon on the side, allowing you to spice it up to your liking.

The Japanese cocktails caught our attention. We tried the Yuzu Frizz. It was a refreshing mix of Roku Gin, Samurai gin, Yuzu, and syrup. It’s perfect for those who love a bold flavor kick. The Sochu Sour with Kunmari Sake had a zesty lime twist. But our favorite was the Umeshu Lime in Coconut, a fantastic combo of vodka, coconut, and lime. If you’re up for a drink night, the Omakase bar is a must for some amazing Japanese drinks.

For a fascinating fine dining experience, we highly recommend Omakase. Their menu and service are top-notch. They are also opening a new outlet in Sanepa, Lalitpur soon. 

Their specials

Salmon Nigiri

Robatayaki Toriniku

Tempura Roll

Spicy Ramen

Umeshu Lime in Coconut

Location: Thirbam Sadak, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 5000

Opening hours: 10:30 am–11:00 pm

Call: 01-4442128

Online Payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

Anjana Malla, 28, is the founder of Deego Nepal which was registered in 2021. Malla was working for an INGO and had what people consider a ‘good job’. But she was constantly overwhelmed by the desire to do something to protect the environment. So, she quit her job and started her own company that offers eco-friendly alternatives for many everyday items. Today, Deego Nepal is an award-winning women-led sustainable brand.

Malla says working in places at different I/NGOs armed her with the knowledge and confidence to do something of her own. By the time she launched Deego Nepal, she knew she could run a successful business while staying true to her core principles. So, in 2020, she co-founded the company with two of her colleagues. 

“We knew we wanted to replace as many plastic products as possible, with sustainable alternatives like bamboo, straw, and wood,” she says. The Covid-19 lockdowns were spent doing research. Malla says they wanted to have a clear idea about the concept and line of products Deego Nepal would promote. 

Through Deego-Nepal, they have been supporting women, local artisans, farmers, and marginalized communities by creating wage-based job opportunities. Currently, about 75 women from different parts of Nepal, including Bardia, Dhading, Chitwan, Dang, and Kathmandu, work on sustainable products for Deego-Nepal.

Malla was born and brought up in Bardiya, in the Lumbini Province in midwestern Nepal. She saw Tharu locals weave bamboo products like ‘nanglo’, ‘doko’ and ‘dalo’. She found it fascinating to watch. She realized it had left a lasting impression on her young mind when years later she found herself sharing similar ideas with her colleagues. Crafting daily-use items through generational practices is now the mantra of Deego Nepal.  

Malla, as the CEO of Deego Nepal, is meticulous about ensuring everything is in order. She makes sure there aren’t any unnecessary issues with the company’s employees and customers. Focused on sustainability, Malla designs and promotes goods that are modern adaptations of indigenous practices. Deego Nepal’s products like tote bags, storage boxes, laundry baskets, wooden combs, loofahs, soaps, and scrubbers are easy to compost and biodegradable. 

Besides promoting sustainable alternatives, Malla also wants to spread awareness about the importance of an eco-friendly lifestyle. She has participated in numerous programs and workshops for the same. She is also constantly creating and posting videos and tips on the ways people can be kinder to the planet. She lives by the motto of Refuse, Reduce, and Recycle (3Rs) and wishes other people would practice it too. 

But it isn’t easy, she says. People have a warped idea of sustainability. Many think it’s just a trend and look down upon it. Some also think it’s expensive to live a sustainable lifestyle when it’s not. “You don’t have to throw away things and buy sustainable products, which is what most people believe. You can reuse and repurpose what you have,” says Malla. When you have to replace something, then you choose a sustainable alternative.

Malla says initially she struggled to make her parents understand what she was doing and why she was doing it. Though they now support her sustainable plant-based weaving business by helping her come up with ideas as well as source materials, they too had to be educated about the need to use fewer resources and live as eco-friendly lifestyles as possible. 

“People need to change their mindsets. It’s not about changing what you use. It’s about how you think and what you do with what you already have,” says Malla, adding using what you have for a long time is also a part of sustainable living. 

Deego Nepal, like any other homegrown business, has had its share of ups and downs but they have also received a fair share of accolades. People who have used their products have appreciated the craftsmanship and unique ideas. The company was the winner of the Greenovation segment in the Idea Studio Program Season 5. It also received the ‘Green Start-Up Award’ at CYINEF startup Fest 2022.

“At first, it was difficult to prove to people that eco-friendly products aren’t always pricier than plastic. One sustainable item might cost the same as three cheap plastic ones but it will last longer too,” says Malla. She expects people to make smart choices and adopt a sustainable mindset instead of just following trends. The good thing, she says, is that over time people have become more conscious about the need for sustainable living. 

Malla’s team aims to offer top-notch sustainable products and services as well as create a positive impact on society. Though the company doesn’t have a solid marketing strategy, it’s getting a good rap through its participation in farmer markets, programs, and product reviews. Social media has also been a boon, says Malla. “It has widened our reach.”

However, Malla doesn’t want to limit herself to Deego Nepal in her quest to promote sustainable living. She doesn’t like it when people litter on the streets, especially when they are hiking and going for other adventure sports. In a bid to raise awareness about its ill effects, she organizes hiking events where connection with nature is emphasized. 

Deego Nepal also collaborates with several organizations for awareness programs. Recently, they collaborated with Chakraviu Nepal, a non-profit organization that works to improve carefree quality education. They worked on a project to recycle old jeans into school bags for underprivileged students.

Malla strongly believes in helping local projects and resources and she wants to inspire the young generation to opt for eco-friendly practices. “Engaging young people in sustainable practices can help bring new ideas and perspectives. It will also build a strong foundation for entrepreneurship for a sustainable future as well,” she says. 

Pragya Ratna Shakya, 39, is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at NIC Asia Capital Limited. He has over 14 years of experience in realty, stock brokering, management consulting, and investment management. Before his current role, he spent seven years at Siddhartha Capital Limited, overseeing business development, marketing, and operations. He is an expert in mutual fund management, portfolio management, and corporate advisory. Shakya talked to Babita Shrestha from ApEx about how one can achieve financial freedom.

What is the key factor you should consider to maximize financial growth? 

Saving and investing are important. Saving money involves storing it securely for future needs, with a low risk of losing its value. On the other hand, investing comes with risks but also the potential for higher returns. Investments generally have long-term goals, such as for a child’s education, planning for one’s retirement, or future unforeseeable needs. So, if you’re aiming to maximize financial growth, you should prioritize financial education and learn about savings and investments.

Could you brief us about the available saving and investment options in Nepal?

In Nepal, the most common options for savings and investments often involve utilizing Banks and Financial Institutions (BFIs) through fixed deposits or savings accounts. Though they offer modest returns, these might not provide returns that effectively combat inflation. Besides that, investment in stocks and mutual funds can be another viable option. Yet, compared to developed nations, Nepal currently lacks innovative financial instruments. To curb purchasing power loss, you may consider alternative investment areas available such as public equities, private equity/venture capital, debt instruments, private real estate, mutual funds, endowment insurance, and bullions.

What are some financial challenges that youngsters face and how can they be addressed?

In Nepal, approximately two-thirds of the population are in school, or college, or are planning to enter the workforce, which means they might not have disposable income for investments. The fundamental challenge is financial literacy and awareness. Another significant challenge is finding and selecting beneficial investment areas due to limited investment avenues as well as a lack of idea of diversification. To address these challenges, it’s important to prioritize budgeting, establish an emergency fund for financial security, adopt a diverse investment approach, stay informed about financial trends, and seek professional advice for better financial decision-making.

In the context of Nepal, what are the accessible and beginner-friendly stock market investment options that youth can consider for their initial financial ventures?

If you want to start your investment journey, Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Mutual Funds investments could be the safest options. Both investments can be started at as low as Rs 1000. All you need are a bank account, a demat account, and a Meroshare account.

If you want long-term financial growth, you need to understand the significance of mutual funds. These funds represent a collective investment from numerous investors, guided by strict regulations from the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) and the fund’s specific mandate. Investing in mutual funds offers benefits like high liquidity, diversification, tax exemptions in mutual fund income, stable dividend income, risk management, professional management, transparent investments, and independent audits of each scheme.

Could you give us an example of one potential scheme youngsters can invest in?

Many banks provide different services. For instance, NIC Asia Capital has recently introduced fund management schemes like NIC Asia Growth Fund-2 (NICGF-2) with the theme of ‘Ahile Lagani Nagarey, Kahile Garnrey?’ where you can apply with amounts ranging from as low as Rs 1000. Your fund will be managed by best-in-class professionals with experiences in both national and international capital markets. It’s safe to say that young investors can just start their investment journey from such mutual fund investments.

Is there any financial advice you would like to give? 

For young individuals in Nepal, a balanced approach to investment and saving is crucial. Always have a proper budget and plan for your funds from an early age. If you don’t have a big sum of money to invest, you can always start small. But start early, invest regularly, and for the long term. Know your risks and return objectives while implementing a diversification strategy in your investment portfolio, and periodically review and rebalance it. Since fluctuations in the market are part of the investment journey, you need to maintain a long-term perspective.

Mak Mak Restaurant in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, is open every day except Monday. Krishna Karki, the operations head of Mak Mak Restaurant, says both their executive chef and sous chef are from Thailand. They want to ensure that the dining experience at the restaurant is as authentically Thai as possible. 

The restaurant has an à la carte menu and the staff are more than willing to assist you in choosing dishes as per your preferences. First, we opted for the restaurant’s best-selling dish, Kao Klok Kapi. This is their signature dish that has crispy brown rice with vegetables and other condiments. The food was plated elegantly and had prawns, bacon, red chili, green mango, dried cashews, shredded eggs, onions, and lemon. Apart from its visual appeal, the combined ingredients gave the dish just the right balance of texture and flavors.

The Gang Ped was a delight. The orange creamy soup tasted as good as it looked. The dish’s presentation, with pineapple, litchi, and tomatoes, made it look tantalizing. The flavor too struck the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It was indeed a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Tom Yum Kung at Mak Mak was a true culinary magic. It’s a spicy and sour shrimp soup that has shrimp, bamboo shoots, red chili, tomatoes, coriander, and mushrooms. The dish feels very comforting. According to Karki, the shrimp and other seafood items are imported from Thailand. This, he says, is to ensure their food meets Thai standards. 

If you love pork, then you must try the spicy pork belly. It’s packed with flavor and the fried garlic and spring onion toppings add a nice touch. The pork belly is juicy and tender. Despite being labeled spicy, it’s not too fiery. 

The food is beautifully complemented by the decor which is cozy with a sophisticated charm. The furnishing and lighting both are on point. The price, considering the portions, doesn’t feel excessive. 

We were impressed by how clean the live kitchen was. Since the restaurant has been open only for a short while, they are still working on the menu. They plan on introducing more dishes soon. 

“We don’t compromise on the ingredients,” says Karki. Perhaps that’s why the place is always packed. Karki suggests making a  reservation, especially if you want to visit the restaurant for dinner.  

Their Specials:

Kao Klok Kapi

Gang Ped

Tom Yum Kung 

Spicy pork belly 

Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 3500

Opening hours: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Reservation: 9802390312

Online payment: Accepted

Parking: Available