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Nepali food is most similar to Indian food which is probably why it appeals to us much more than other cuisines. Though often criticized as being spicier and oilier than the regular Nepali meals, Indian food still manages to crave a place for itself in our hearts because of its delectable flavors and aromas. The Covid-19 lockdown might have taught us a thing or two about making some Indian meals like butter chicken and biryani but with work from home no longer being the norm, do we really have the luxury to make a dish from scratch? However, there are some really good Indian restaurants in Kathmandu that can come to our rescue when we want to indulge in a good, masala-laden meal. Here are our top five recommendations in no particular order.

Third Eye Restaurant, Thamel

Located in JP Road in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu, Third Eye Restaurant is a crowd favorite especially among tourists as the food isn’t spicy but is really flavorsome. It’s slightly on the pricier side compared to the rest of the places on this list but it’s worth the money. The tandoori chicken is just right, succulent and marinated with the right amount of spices. You won’t find better tandoori chicken anywhere in Kathmandu. The curries also hit the right notes and paired with rice or their fluffy naans, we guarantee you are in for a treat. They also have an array of really good beverages for you to wash down your meal.

Mirch, Jhamsikhel

This is a relatively new place in town that’s located at Jhamsikhel near the famous Ghangri Cafe. Though the menu is limited, the service is top notch and everything on the menu is crafted to perfection. The chef has managed to get the flavors and the texture of the dishes exactly right without anything feeling overpowering. The staff, the tableware, the service, and the food, everything is commendable. They really have paid attention to the details. The wait time for your order isn’t also long and the polite staff makes it a point to let you know beforehand if something is going to take a few minutes extra. A special mention to the interesting mocktails that are refreshing and unique. Our top recommendations are the Goan Fish Curry, Prawn Curry, Butter Chicken, and their signature biryani.

Haadi Bistro and Cafe, Boudha

Located in Boudha, a few meters before you reach the entrance gate of Boudhanath and on the opposite side of it, you are sure to miss this little place if you don’t look for it properly. It’s located on the first floor and though the front of the cafe is visible from the road you have to take the stairs tucked a few feet inside an alley. This is perhaps the most reasonable place, price-wise, on this list. But the food will have you going back for more. The biryani is mouthwatering and the portion is quite big, even for one person. The good thing about it is you can order different sides of salads according to your preference at nominal cost. The eatery also serves other snacks like tandoori chicken and chicken wings that you can have alongside the main meal. We recommend you go to Haadi Bistro and Cafe when you are really hungry as the food is so good that you won’t want to stop eating.

MTR, Kamaladi

If you love South Indian food and often go to places like Tip Top, Angan, or Gulab, then this is a must try. You won’t settle for elsewhere once you have been here as the food is as authentic as it gets. From great South Indian filter coffee and masala butter milk to curd rice and all kinds of dosas, MTR is a delight. The meals are wholesome, filling, and delicious. There’s also a variety of rice available like Pudina Rice, Lemon Rice etc if you are in need of something hearty. If you can’t decide what to have then the mini combos or mini thali sets are just right as they come with a little bit of everything. So, if you are around the Kamaladi area, make sure you visit MTR and try their range of drinks and food. Trust us, you will go around recommending it to everyone once you have been there.

Mughal Empire, Lazimpat

You will be spoilt for choice at Mughal Empire as there are lots of food items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, available at this popular restaurant that also has outlets in Jhamsikhel and Thamel. The food is slightly on the spicier side than other places on this list so make sure to tell the staff about just how spicy you would like your food to be when you order. The biryanis and kebabs are fantastic. Their paneer items are almost as good as their chicken items and we say almost because it’s an unpopular opinion and not because they can’t easily replace the chicken dishes on the menu. The dum aloo also deserves a special mention with the spices really seeping into the potatoes. We recommend this place if you want to treat yourself to a delightful assortment of tandoori items.

Unseen, unheard and unrecognized within the walls of the house, domestic workers are the most vulnerable to exploitation and oppression. ILO Convention No 189 defines domestic work as “any work performed in or for a household or households” and domestic worker as “any person engaged in domestic work within an employment relationship”. Domestic work may incorporate the services such as cleaning, cooking, and washing, taking care of the children or other members of the family, guarding the house, gardening, and other forms of household services. ILO has recognized domestic workers as the workers in the care economy who work in or for private households on an occupational basis recognizing that such workers provide services and goods that are socially necessary for the maintenance of household and well-being of the members of the families.

Domestic works are mainly done behind closed doors that make it uncertain and unknown to the outside world. So the domestic workers, in addition to being underpaid and overworked- are more susceptible to remain socially and legally unprotected. These workers are more vulnerable to physical, sexual and mental abuse along with long working hours and deprivation. Since, the domestic work is more of the informal nature, even in the countries with sufficient legal protection, the legal protection becomes difficult. Around 81 percent are in informal employment—that’s twice the share of informal employment among other employees.

Historically, labor law emphasizes industrial work and the protection of labor working in the industrial conditions. Domestic work is often not recognized as a work. The employment in the household is often regarded as an informal and private matter.  In such a context, it is difficult to abide by both the employer and employee by some rules and regulations. Despite their crucial role, domestic workers are often excluded from labor protections provided to other types of workers. Domestic workers typically work alone, hidden behind the closed doors of a private home. Such isolation, along with socio-economic vulnerability and pervasive discrimination, perpetuate deep-rooted barriers to fair working conditions.

The work of the domestic worker is based on personal subordination rather than pre-established rules in the factories or offices. This situation puts the domestic worker within the dependency of the employer in determining the limit of work, time and remuneration. Also, domestic workers work in isolated conditions that deprives them of the right of collective bargaining, and joining the trade union is impossible and far cry. Therefore, resistance to inadequate working conditions is very difficult, putting them to even more suppression and in the darkness of silence. 

The domestic workers do the most precious work bringing the order and management to the household but remain undervalued, unnoticed and unrecognized. Many of the domestic workers carry out their activities without vocational qualifications, and their position remains weak, easily replaceable based on the will of the employer. Exploitation and discrimination are high and sexual exploitation is also common when most of the domestic workers are women. Moreover, this informal nature of work resembles unpaid family work.

Achieving a better level of recognition and protection to the domestic workers would require significant legal reform. Though the Nepali Labor Act has recognized the domestic worker, it is not going to be enough. The special attention to the implementation of the rights of the domestic labor must be given as domestic work remains informal within the isolated environment. 

The real problems remain with the control of implementation. The inspection of the domestic working conditions and the learning of the status of the domestic worker from time to time is going to be inevitable. Since, the labor work comes under the private sphere; the intervention in the working condition can take place only in highly specific instances which are explicitly enumerated by law. Therefore, in order to improve the situation of domestic workers will require comprehensive laws for enforcement of the rights of the domestic workers compared to other workers.

Workers themselves must be in a position to enforce these laws and to bring blatant violations to the attention of the government authorities. Efforts on two fronts will be required: education of undocumented domestic workers concerning their basic rights and elimination of barriers to domestic workers’ enforcement of their rights. 

Another requirement of the proper enforcement of labor law rights depends on the ability of the worker to register a complaint to certain authority which can provide them with the legal recourse. Because of their precarious place within the private household where they have to spend most of the time, are not in the position to complain despite of the physical or sexual abuse, exploitation, or the deprivation of the rights guaranteed to any workers. Therefore, the laws must be reformed that allows domestic workers to come out of the shadows from the limitation within the walls of the house to challenge their wages, working conditions and threats from any kind of violence.

Every year, we celebrate women’s day on March 8 and take a moment to reflect on the meaningful changes in favor of women. In Nepal, women have made remarkable strides in education, employment, and leadership, yet challenges like gender inequality, societal expectations, and work-life balance persist. As we mark this day, ApEx spoke to three people regarding the role of society, families, and future generations in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world for women. 

Lasata Shakya, 17

For generations, deep-rooted psychological and cultural beliefs have contributed to the discrimination of women in our society. Many still think that women are incapable of performing tasks traditionally assigned to men, unfit for leadership, or lack the ability to provide guidance in professional settings. The key to breaking these barriers lies in support, encouragement, and education. 

Family members play a crucial role in shaping a woman’s confidence, both at home and in her professional life. Instead of criticism, they should offer guidance and opportunities to learn from mistakes. Education, above all, is the most powerful tool for transforming societal mindsets. When families understand that education is not just a necessity for men but equally important for women, they pave the way for a more balanced and progressive future. Psychological and social awareness initiatives can help dismantle gender biases. Creating platforms that encourage equal participation across all fields, along with maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for women, is essential for true empowerment. 

Sagar Mainali, 29

Women continue to face many problems related to equality, some of which are deeply rooted in societal norms. For instance, the demand for separate seats in public transport may unintentionally reinforce the idea that women are weak and need special provisions. While safety is a concern, true equality comes from creating an environment where women feel secure everywhere, not just in designated spaces.

In our conservative society, daughters are often seen as temporary members of their birth families because they are expected to move to their husband’s home after marriage. As a result, many parents hesitate to invest in their daughters’ education, believing that only sons can provide financial returns. However, we must shift this mindset. Education should not be seen as an investment with expected returns but as a fundamental right and a tool for personal growth. Rather than expecting financial benefits from children, parents should focus on equipping them—both sons and daughters—with the knowledge and skills to shape their own futures. Women, in particular, play a crucial role in national development, and empowering them through education will bring significant positive change.

Jamuna Shakya, 64

I don’t have any idea on women’s day as we have never celebrated the day and never heard of it too. There was a time when women weren’t allowed to work and they had no career aspirations but things have changed today. Women go out to work and have flourishing careers. That makes me happy. I think there is nothing women can’t do if they are given the right opportunities. I hope no girl is denied education and that it becomes compulsory to send girls to school. Our society treats men and women differently and that will only change when both of them are equally educated and aware and I hope I live to see that day. 

Nepal is home to three otter species—the Eurasian otter, the smooth-coated otter, and the Asian small-clawed otter—but these charismatic creatures are facing an uphill battle for survival. Habitat destruction, illegal fishing, pollution, and human encroachment are pushing these species to the brink. However, a new initiative led by WWF Nepal, funded by the UK government’s Darwin Initiative, is working to address these challenges by integrating otter conservation with community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. While the project has shown promise, it also highlights the complex interplay between conservation efforts and the needs of local communities.

The Eurasian otter, locally known as the black otter, is increasingly threatened by habitat loss and degradation. The smooth-coated otter, listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List, is distinguished by its sleek fur and social behavior, while the Asian small-clawed otter, the smallest of the three, lives in large social groups and is particularly vulnerable to human disturbances. All three species depend on healthy freshwater ecosystems—clean, flowing rivers, sandy banks, and dense riparian forests—but these habitats are under severe pressure from illegal fishing, sand mining, deforestation, and pollution.

In response, WWF Nepal launched the Strengthening Communities’ Livelihood and Stewardship to Conserve Otters in Karnali project. The initiative aims to protect otter habitats while supporting the livelihoods of marginalized communities, such as the Sonaha and Tharu, who rely on the Karnali River for their survival. “The idea is to reduce pressure on river resources by providing communities with sustainable alternatives,” explains Aashish Kapali, Freshwater Program Associate at WWF Nepal. “If we can empower these communities to make sustainable decisions, it will benefit both people and wildlife.”

Otters depend on healthy freshwater ecosystems, including deep river channels, clean flowing water, sandy riverbanks, and dense riparian forests. However, these habitats are being degraded by illegal fishing, sand mining, deforestation, and pollution. Interestingly, Kapali, who has been working in the otter area for two years, has not seen a live otter. “It is a shy animal and is not seen frequently, so it faces more indirect threats than direct ones,” he says.

Six key otter habitat hotspots have been identified in Lumbini’s Bardiya (Tikuligadh, Rajipur, Tihuni, and Chhedia) and Sudurpaschim’s Kailali (Phanta and Nuklipur). The project focuses on four key areas: community-based river management, livelihood diversification, strengthening governance and law enforcement, and developing a national otter conservation plan.

Along the Karnali River, 15 Community River Stretch Management Groups (CRSMGs) have been established, comprising 375 members—68 percent of whom are women. These groups monitor river health, promote sustainable fishing practices, and collaborate with government agencies to enforce regulations. However, challenges remain.

Buddhi Singh Tharu, a 59-year-old member of a river monitoring group, points to the dumping site on the banks of the Karnali River in Tikapur Municipality, Kailali, as a major source of pollution. “Garbage leaks into the river, affecting otter habitats,” he says. He also highlights the disturbance caused by motorboats operated by Rajapur Municipality in Bardiya, which are marketed as a tourist attraction but disrupt otters, dolphins, and other wildlife.

Livelihood diversification is a cornerstone of the project. By providing training and resources, the initiative is helping communities transition from river-dependent livelihoods to sustainable enterprises. On-farm initiatives include training in vegetable farming, betel leaf cultivation, pig farming, and fish farming, while off-farm programs offer alternatives such as hospitality training, handicraft production, tailoring courses, and driving instruction.

Sudha Chaudhary, a 45-year-old farmer from Bardiya, is one of the beneficiaries. She now grows tomatoes and chilies on her 500-square-meter farm and has seen a significant improvement in her income. “Last season, I made a profit of around Rs 50,000,” she says. “Farming has become our primary source of income, and we no longer rely on the river.” 

Program Associate Kapali states that the project team assessed the intensity of fishing activities and the dependence of families on the river before selecting beneficiaries.

Photos: WWF Nepal

The project also aims to strengthen governance and law enforcement by enhancing the capacity of government agencies to regulate illegal fishing and the over-extraction of river resources. Additionally, a national otter conservation plan is being developed to ensure long-term protection for otters and other aquatic species. “We’ve drafted a Smooth-Coated Otter Conservation Action Plan based on insights from 158 participants across 13 sites in Nepal,” says Kapali. “The goal is to create a framework that balances conservation with community needs.”

Despite these efforts, the project faces significant challenges. Pollution, illegal fishing, and habitat degradation remain persistent threats, and the success of the initiative depends on the active participation of local communities. To raise awareness, the project introduced Sakhi, an otter mascot whose name means ‘friend’ in the Tharu language, and selected 45 ‘Otter Champions’ to lead conservation campaigns.

Arun Sonaha, a 27-year-old Otter Champion from Rajapur-1, has been actively sharing his knowledge about otter conservation with other young people. “Communities have adapted their livelihoods to support otter conservation,” he says. Saraswati Sonaha, a 21-year-old tailoring trainee, hopes to open her own shop once her training is complete. “My family depended on the river, but I want to start my own business,” she says. “Otters should be protected for future generations.”

Kapali explains that the project has provided sewing machines to all 15 trainees and will offer additional support if they decide to start their own businesses after the training. “However, we don’t provide 100 percent funding. If they invest a share themselves, they will feel a greater sense of ownership,” he says.

The project’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. Three local cooperatives—Deuthan Krishi Cooperative, Sharad Saana Kishan Cooperative, and Shree Bindeshwori Cooperative—have been strengthened, offering loans, training, and support to over 180 community members. Bhagawati Shah, chairperson of the Sharad Saana Kishan Cooperative, explains that the cooperative provides loans of up to Rs 40,000 at a six percent interest rate without collateral to eligible beneficiaries who present a business plan. “Around 100 people qualify for these loans, and so far, 23 individuals have already benefited,” she says. The cooperative also offers training in pig, fish, goat, and vegetable farming, as well as tailoring. “Our goal is to help people transition from river-dependent livelihoods to business ventures,” she adds.

In Tighra, Rajapur-3, Maiti Tharuni, 60, is engaged in handicraft production. She was one of 18 women who participated in a 15-day training program on grass-based handicrafts, which included a buy-back guarantee. She explains that crafting a handicraft item takes anywhere from 30 minutes to four days, depending on its size and design. “There is strong demand, and we frequently export our products to Kathmandu, but we haven’t been able to meet the growing orders,” she says. “We used to make handicrafts before, but with this training, we now work in a more professional, modern, and efficient way, incorporating new and diverse designs,” she adds.

While the project has made strides in empowering communities and protecting otter habitats, its long-term success will depend on sustained efforts and collaboration between stakeholders. The challenges are significant, but the initiative offers a glimpse of what’s possible when conservation and community development go hand in hand. As Kapali puts it, “The goal is to create a future where both people and wildlife can thrive.” For now, the story of Nepal’s otters is one of resilience and hope, a reminder that even in the face of daunting challenges, positive change is possible.