What to Eat in Thamel: A Food Lover's Checklist
By the K-Too Team • Updated 2025 • 6 min read
Thamel is the most tourist-friendly neighborhood in Kathmandu, and that means it has the widest variety of food. From street-side momo stalls to proper steakhouses, rooftop cafes to Newari eateries, the question is not whether you will find good food — it is what to eat first. This what to eat in Thamel checklist walks you through the essential dishes and where to find them.
10 Foods You Must Try in Thamel
- Momo — Nepal's famous steamed dumplings. Try them with jhol (soup) at a local spot.
- Dal Bhat — The daily Nepali meal. Endless refills. Eat at Thamel House Restaurant.
- Steak — Yes, really. K-Too Beer & Steakhouse is Thamel's original steakhouse. View steak menu.
- Chicken Sekuwa — Char-grilled spiced chicken skewers. Available at K-Too.
- Buff Choila — Newari spiced grilled buff. Try it at Thamel House or K-Too.
- Wood-fired Pizza — ROADHOUSE Cafe is the top spot.
- Hummus and Falafel — OR2K is the go-to for Middle Eastern vegetarian food.
- Yomari — Sweet steamed dumpling with molasses and sesame. Winter only.
- Sel Roti — Ring-shaped rice flour bread. Festival time.
- Everest Beer — Nepal's premium lager. Cold, crisp, perfect with steak.
Eat Your Way Through Thamel
Start with a steak dinner at K-Too. Open 11 AM to 11 PM, every day.
Reserve a TableWhere to Eat Each Dish in Thamel
Steak: K-Too Beer & Steakhouse, Tourism Street. NPR 1,800–2,800.
Momo: Any busy local eatery. Look for places with high turnover.
Dal Bhat: Thamel House Restaurant, Nepali Chulo.
Pizza: ROADHOUSE Cafe.
Middle Eastern: OR2K.
Rooftop views: Northfield Cafe, Helena's Rooftop, Third Eye.
Budget Guide
- Street momos: NPR 100–200
- Local dal bhat: NPR 300–500
- Mid-range restaurant meal: NPR 600–1,500
- Steakhouse dinner at K-Too: NPR 1,800–3,000
- Everest Beer: NPR 350