Everyones had Nepalese food before right??? This Gurkha inspired restaurant in the heart of York is certainly a first for me and one not to be missed. Wasnt sure what to expect but because Nepal borders both India and China then it would be safe to assume influences from both regions would be apparent.
Restaurant was busy due to the eat out to help out initiative in place but managed to bag a table for 2 at 9.15pm on a Monday night. Staff were friendly and quick to show us to our table. Beer brewed in Nepal?? Why not…Gurkha beer has a clean refreshing crisp taste…660ml bottle that is vegan friendly also.
So the menu offered plenty of choice from several starters, curries, noodles, stir frys , dal, the list was endless to be honest but opted for the almost obligatory popadoms and chutney to set the taste buds tingling. Im a big gyoza/dumpling fan so was intrigued by the Nepalese version called mo mo.
A steamed bun with a pork filling in a chilli and slightly spicy sauce. What I expected but delicious nontheless.
Opted for the Gurkhali pork as a main, slow cooked pieces of pork cooked in a rich mouth watering tomato based sauce. The Mrs opted for Annapurna chicken which consisted of large chunks of slow cooked chicken in a Nepali Masala sauce with onions, ginger, garlic, chilli and coriander. Had the Bhuteko Bhat traditional Nepalese rice as a side dish…fried rice in ghee with cumin, garlic and mixed vegetables.
The meat was cooked to perfection in both dishes and the sauce in each dish was tantalising tasty and mouthwatering. Spicy but only mildly.
My first experience of Nepalese food certainly wont be my last. Best described as somewhere bewtween Indian and chinese cuisine, not creamy, mildly spicy, no overpowering sweetness….a match made in heaven…well the mountains of Nepal at least.
One Hungry Northerner 