Immerse yourself in the flavors of Nepal with our Kathmandu: Nepali Cooking Class with Momo Making & Pickup - 3 hours. Begin your culinary adventure with a warm welcome and a comforting cup of traditional Nepali Masala Tea, a blend of spices that awakens the senses. Guided by our experienced chef, you'll explore the rich heritage of Nepali cuisine, delving into its distinctive spices, ingredients, and cultural roots. Enjoy a short visit to a local market where you'll select fresh ingredients essential to Nepali cooking. In the kitchen, learn to prepare three iconic dishes, including the beloved Nepali momos, along with a main course and dessert of your choice. This hands-on experience, perfect for culinary enthusiasts of all skill levels, concludes with a tasting session, allowing you to savor your creations and take home a recipe booklet to recreate these flavors at home.
Cost: USD 25 Per Person
Hotel Pickup (if option selected) If you've selected the hotel pickup option, our friendly staff will arrive at your designated location, ensuring a convenient and comfortable start to your culinary adventure. We’ll escort you to the Kathmandu Cooking Academy, where your journey into Nepali cuisine begins.
Welcome & Introduction (15 minutes)
- Masala Tea: Begin with a warm cup of traditional Nepali Masala Tea, infused with local spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. This aromatic tea sets a comforting tone for the day, awakening your senses to the flavors of Nepal.
- Introduction to Nepali Cuisine: Our expert chef will introduce you to the rich tapestry of Nepali cuisine. You’ll learn about the unique ingredients, influences from neighboring cultures, and the cultural significance of traditional dishes in Nepal, providing context for the recipes you’ll create.
Market Visit (15 minutes)
- Ingredient Selection: Accompanied by your instructor, stroll through a local market or nearby shop to select the freshest ingredients. Discover the essentials of Nepali cooking, from aromatic spices to fresh herbs and organic produce.
- Cultural Insights: Gain insight into the role of each ingredient in Nepali cuisine, with tips on choosing quality items and an understanding of how locals source their produce. This brief but insightful trip adds depth to the cooking experience.
Menu for Cooking Session (2 hours)
Entree
Choose one of the following traditional starters to prepare and savor:
- Bara: Fried lentil patties, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made with black lentils and a blend of spices.
- Chatamari: Nepali rice pancake, often called “Nepali pizza,” topped with savory ingredients for a deliciously unique appetizer.
- Aloo Chop: Deep-fried potato patties, seasoned with Nepali herbs, for a flavorful and satisfying bite.
Main Course
Craft one main dish of your choice from these beloved Nepali specialties:
- Dal Bhat with Chicken or Vegetarian Curry: Experience the quintessential Nepali meal with spiced lentils (dal), steamed rice (bhat), and a rich curry, either chicken or vegetarian, accompanied by traditional pickles and greens.
- Momo (Chicken or Veg Dumplings) with Achar (Pickle): Master the art of making Nepal’s famous momos, filled with your choice of chicken or vegetables, perfectly folded and steamed, and served with spicy pickle for added zest.
- Thukpa: A comforting Tibetan-style noodle soup with vegetables or meat, enriched with Nepali spices for a warming and hearty dish.
Dessert
Finish on a sweet note with one of these traditional treats:
- Yomari: Sweet dumplings filled with a delightful mixture of jaggery and sesame, steamed to achieve a soft, chewy texture.
- Kheer: A creamy rice pudding made with milk and fragrant cardamom, topped with nuts and dried fruits.
- Carrot Halwa: Nepali carrot pudding, rich with spices and cooked with ghee, creating a warm and festive dessert.
- Mushroom Choila: For a savory dessert option, try this Newari dish of spicy marinated mushrooms, served with rice or roti, offering a bold taste of Nepali flavors.
Tasting Session
After the cooking session, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Gather around to sample each dish you’ve prepared, relishing the rich and authentic flavors of Nepali cuisine. Our chef will guide you through the tasting experience, highlighting the unique spices and textures that make each dish special. This is a perfect moment to celebrate your culinary creations and savor the taste of Nepal.
Grateful Conclusion
- Recipe Booklet: Take home a beautifully crafted recipe booklet that includes each dish you’ve prepared, ensuring you can recreate the flavors and experience of Nepali cuisine in your own kitchen.
- Fond Farewell: Conclude your culinary journey with a heartfelt thank you from our chef and team. Leave not only with new cooking skills but also with cherished memories, a deeper connection to Nepal’s culture, and a taste of its warm hospitality.
Inclusions:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Hands-on cooking class focusing on traditional Nepali dishes, including momo, dal bhat, and an additional dish of your choice
- Step-by-step guidance from an experienced Nepali chef
- Market or shop tour for ingredient selection, providing insights into local spices and produce
- All necessary cooking equipment and utensils
- Use of fresh, organic ingredients for an authentic Nepali flavor
- Complimentary Nepali Masala Tea during the class
- Tasting session to enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared
Exclusions:
- Specialty drinks or alcoholic beverages
- Professional photography or videography services (available at an additional cost)
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional ingredients purchased at the market
- Tips for the chef and instructor
- Recipe booklet to recreate the dishes at home
Conclude your Kathmandu: Nepali Cooking Class with Momo Making & Pickup - 3 hours with a heartwarming farewell. After enjoying a tasting session of your own creations, leave with a keepsake recipe booklet to recreate these cherished Nepali flavors at home. Depart with new culinary skills, cherished memories, and a deeper connection to the culture and hospitality of Nepal.
