Discover the flavors of Nepal during a half-day small-group cooking class in Boudha, one of Kathmandu’s most vibrant neighborhoods and home to the famous Boudhanath Stupa. This hands-on experience introduces you to authentic Nepali food and everyday cooking traditions in a relaxed, welcoming kitchen.
Your experience begins with a short walk to the nearby local market. Together with your Nepali host, explore small shops and vegetable stalls while selecting the fresh ingredients needed for the class. Along the way, learn about common spices, seasonal vegetables, and the ingredients that shape Nepali home cooking. This market visit offers a glimpse into daily life in the neighborhood and sets the stage for the cooking session.
Back in the kitchen, the hands-on class begins. You will learn to cook one classic Nepali dish, choosing either momo or dal bhat, depending on your interest.
If you choose momo, you’ll learn how to prepare Nepal’s beloved dumplings—one of the country’s most popular snacks and street foods. Momos are soft dumplings made from flour dough and filled with vegetables or meat, then steamed and served with a spicy dipping sauce. Your host will guide you step-by-step through making the dough, preparing the filling, and folding the dumplings using traditional techniques before steaming them to perfection.
Alternatively, you can learn how to cook dal bhat, the classic everyday meal of Nepal. Dal bhat combines steamed rice with a nourishing lentil soup and seasonal vegetables, creating a balanced dish that many Nepalis eat daily. During the class, you will learn how to cook the lentils, season them with aromatic spices, prepare vegetable sides, and plate the dish the traditional way.
Throughout the class, you’ll be actively involved—washing and chopping vegetables, mixing spices, stirring pots, and shaping dumplings. Your host will explain the cooking methods used in Nepali homes and share stories about food culture and everyday life in the Himalayas.
Finally, sit down with your fellow participants and enjoy the meal you prepared together. Sharing fresh momo or a comforting dal bhat is the perfect way to end the experience—and a memorable introduction to the flavors of Nepal.