From the Lapen Inns pubs
Nepalese food: momo, dal bhat and timur
A guide to the names, the menu choices and how Nepalese food relates to Indian food. Start with the food, then find your pub.
Our pubs bring Nepalese kitchens into the British pub tradition. These are examples from the group menu collection; each pub's own website has its current offer.
Find a Lapen Inns pubA starting point for Nepalese food
Nepalese food varies by region, with Indian and Tibetan influences. The Nepal Tourism Board describes momo and dal bhat among its food traditions.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
01 · Dumplings
What are momo?
The Nepal Tourism Board describes momo as steamed or fried dumplings. The menu examples below name their own variants.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
Menu example
Veg Momo (Steam / Chilli)
The menu names Steam / Chilli variants and describes a seasonal vegetable filling.
Menu example
Chicken Momo (Steam / Chilli)
The menu names Steam / Chilli variants and describes chicken mince and herbs.
The examples here come from the Prince of Wales menu collection. Variant names and fillings describe these entries; ask your chosen pub about its current preparation and ingredients.
02 · Cultural context
Dal bhat: rice, lentils and accompaniments
The Nepal Tourism Board describes dal bhat through lentil soup, boiled rice and curried vegetables, often with pickle. This explains the food tradition.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
03 · Read the ingredients
Timur in the menu
Chicken Rum Rum
The menu describes chicken cooked with Himalayan herbs and Nepalese black peppers (timur). This ingredient description belongs to this dish, rather than every Nepalese curry.
An ingredient named in one description is a useful way to explore a menu. It does not tell you the ingredients or preparation of another dish.
04 · Explore the menu
How does Nepalese food differ from Indian food?
The Nepal Tourism Board describes regional traditions and shared Indian and Tibetan influences. Compare individual dishes rather than assuming one recipe or spice level for either cuisine.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
Used to Indian food? Try the Nepalese side
Two starting points to compare on a menu. These suggestions do not imply matching ingredients, heat or dietary suitability.
| If you know this name | Explore this name too |
|---|---|
| Samosas (Veg / Meat) | Veg Momo (Steam / Chilli) |
| Tikka Masala (Veg / Chicken / Lamb / Prawn) | Kathmandu Tikka Masala |
05 · More to explore
Indian favourites too
Nepalese dishes sit alongside Indian favourites in the menu collection. These exact names offer another way into the choices.
- Tikka Masala (Veg / Chicken / Lamb / Prawn)
- Veggie Biryani
- Chicken Biryani
Use your chosen pub's website for today's choices and ordering information. Discuss ingredients and dietary requirements with that pub before ordering.
Useful to know
Nepalese food questions
What is Nepalese food?
Nepalese food varies by region, with Indian and Tibetan influences, as the Nepal Tourism Board explains.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
What are momo?
Momo are dumplings that may be steamed or fried, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Menu variants have their own descriptions.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
What is dal bhat? Is it on these menus?
Dal bhat centres on lentil soup and rice with vegetable accompaniments (Nepal Tourism Board). It is cultural context here, not a named Lapen Inns menu offer.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
Is Nepalese food like Indian food?
The Nepal Tourism Board describes Indian influences alongside Nepal’s regional food traditions. Compare individual menu descriptions.
Cultural source: Nepal Tourism Board: Culture of Nepal — Food.
Do the menus include Indian dishes too?
The menu examples in this guide include Indian favourites: Tikka Masala (Veg / Chicken / Lamb / Prawn); Veggie Biryani; Chicken Biryani. Check the selected pub's own website for its current choices.
Where can I try the food or check the current menu?
Use the Lapen Inns pub directory to choose a pub, then visit its official website for current menus, service and ordering information. The White Horse Inn in Swavesey is open for drinks, with food coming soon.
Your next stop
From the guide to your pub
Find all ten official pub websites in our directory, then check the pub's current menu and service before visiting. The White Horse Inn in Swavesey is open for drinks, with food coming soon.
Choose your pub