Monsoon in Kathmandu usually means clear mornings, heavy afternoon showers and streets that turn to small rivers for an hour. It is also the season when the city's appetite shifts towards hot, soupy and comforting food.
Why warm food wins in the rain
The air is damp and the temperature drops quickly once the clouds arrive. Hot liquid, spice and fat feel right. Nepali home cooking already leans this way, so restaurants simply see more orders for the soupy, steaming dishes.
Dishes locals reach for
A Thakali set with extra dal
Warm dal poured over rice is the most basic comfort food in Nepal. In a Thakali set it comes with ghee, pickles and greens, and the dal is refilled. On a wet day, many people ask for a second bowl before they have touched the curry.
Jhol momo
Jhol momo are dumplings served in a spiced, slightly sour soup. They are the monsoon favourite for a reason: you get the comfort of momo and the warmth of a broth in one bowl. At Thulo Thakali you can order jhol momo with veg, chicken or mutton filling. See the full momo price list.
Thukpa
This Tibetan-style noodle soup is filling, mild and easy on the stomach, which is useful if the weather has you feeling a little run down.
Mutton or chicken curry
A rich curry with plenty of gravy is the reason many people choose a meat set during the rains. Local chicken has more flavour and a firmer texture than broiler chicken and stands up well to slow cooking.
Ingredients that make sense in the wet season
Mountain cooking relies on preserved ingredients like gundruk, dried meat and dried vegetables. They were developed for long winters, but they are just as useful in monsoon when fresh greens can be scarce or expensive. A Thakali kitchen always has these in the pantry.
A dry place to eat
If you are caught in a downpour in Thamel, our dining rooms on Chaksibari Marg are a calm place to wait it out. The glass-roofed atrium upstairs is especially nice when you can hear the rain overhead.
Planning ahead for a group? Book a table and we will keep it ready for you.
