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.
