Are you wondering what Nepalese food is like?  What you can expect to eat while trekking in Nepal?

Good News: the answer is lots of yummy and healthy food!

Nepalese food is some of the most comforting food in the world. From mouthwatering Mo Mo’s (yumm) to piping hot plates of endless Dal Bhat and Tarkari, Nepal is home to some incredible flavors. This 3 part meal became our staple diet as we trekked through the Himalayas for 16 days along the Annapurna Circuit.

Trekking In Nepal

When you are in Nepal you will quickly discover that the most common meal, Dal Bhat, is a plate of lentils (Dal), rice (Bhat), and curried vegetables (Tarkari) usually accompanied with a side of papadum.

While we were trekking we needed a ton of calories to fuel our 10-mile hikes through the mountains each day. Along the way you can stay in tea houses (or camp) where they will cook your meals. Most of the time we opted for Dal Bhat because it’s all you can eat! You’ll get your original platter and the cooks will walk around filling up your plate with more and more food until you’re stuffed to the brim. Plus, it’s a great way to pack in the carbs you’ll need the following day.

Ultimately we climbed to 17,769 feet and covered over 100 miles on the Annapurna Circuit. We like to say that Dal Bhat (दालभात) was what got us to the top 🤣

Dal Bhat – The Power Fuel For Trekking In Nepal

Ok, so like we mentioned, Dal Bhat is the main food Nepalese people eat (typically twice per day) and is what you will eat if you go trek in Nepal. The dish is served on a metal platter with different wells in it filled with:

• Steamed white rice
• Delightfully spiced lentils
• Vegetable curry
• Greens (such as spinach)
• A mixture of spicy pickled vegetables

Sometimes local chefs have their own special recipe and mix it up a bit, but the traditional version is vegetarian and is topped with papadam (a crispy chip) to scoop with, sprinkle on top, or to snack on separately. Crunching the papadam between your fingers, after a long day of crunching rocks under your boots on the trail, is immensely satisfying.

Plus who doesn’t love that most restaurants and tea houses will keep serving you until you say no more.

Heading on a trip through Asia? Check out The Best Foods To Eat In SE Asia.

Nepal and our journey along the Annapurna Circuit will forever hold a special place in our hearts… Find out why in our featured post! Hint: it had something to do with a ring 😉

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