Nepali Thali

Nepali cuisine is a fusion of flavors influenced by the region’s unique terrain, culture, and history. The motto, “Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour,” which has a somewhat poetry style, is popular among all the travelers to Nepal who visit throughout the year. Nepali Thali Dal Bhat is undoubtedly the staple dish that gives Nepalese people the energy they need daily. It is a simple yet extremely satisfying diet. 

Nepali Thali is the fuel that powers the nation, powering both the bustling city and the most isolated mountain regions. Traditional Nepali Thali is a classic cuisine composed of two main portions: bhat which means rice and dal which is lentil soup. 

The Nepali Thali is a perfect balance of deliciousness and essential nutrients. While the bhat fills you up with energy-boosting carbs, the dal provides you with a huge boost of protein. It is well accompanied by vegetarian and non-vegetarian side dishes like potato curry, chicken curry, soybean etc. 

Not only that, It is also complemented with the achar, or hot pickle, and a spicy tomato-based gravy on top of rice or a small bowl on the side. Typically, curd or yogurt is offered as a sweet dessert following a hearty Nepali Thali dinner.

What is Nepali Thali?

A typical breakfast and dinner in Nepalese families, Nepali Thali is a straightforward and satisfying dish that is simply cooked rice with lentil soup, along with various side dishes. The main side dish in Nepali set is Tarkari which is a vegetable curry made of spinach, potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, ladyfinger, and other staple veggies in Nepalese homes. 

Along with that, goes achar or chutney which is a pickle made of dried fruits or roasted tomatoes crushed with mint or peanuts. A tasty and nutritious dish, Nepali Thali Tarkari provides a nutritious diet of veggies, carbohydrates, and proteins. 

It is a popular dish that is usually served at least twice a day in all Nepalese households and is also easily found in diners throughout the country. In Nepal, cooking Nepali Thali from scratch and eating it together with friends and family is a heritage that encourages harmonious relationships and laughter among everyone on the table or floor.

Nutritional Benefits of Nepali Thali

Nepali Thali is an experience on a single plate. A traditional Nepalese cuisine Nepali food set is full of rich fibre, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.

Carbs: Rice is the source of carbs in Nepali set. It provides energy for the whole day to keep performing while trekking.

Proteins: The lentils provide you with the necessary plant proteins that help you with your muscle work and keep your body strong and well. 

Fiber: Nepali Thali has high nutritional value in natural fiber which helps you stay away from digestion problems, sugar, and cholesterol.

Vitamins: Different variations in lentils provide you with a source of Vitamin A and Vitamin B. Mostly black lentils provide you with necessary vitamins when your body doesn’t feel well.

Preparing Nepali Thali

Nepali Thali is one of the easiest meals to prepare in very little time. The step-by-step methods:

Bhat Preparation:

• First, take 1 cup of Basmati or Long-grain rice.
• Put the rice in the rice cooker or pressure cooker.
• Rinse it once or twice in clean tap water.
• Add 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker.
• The ratio of water to rice is normally 2:1.
• Put it on gas at medium flame and wait for around 20-25 mins.
• Your delicious Bhat is ready.

Dal Preparation:

• The process is quite similar, First take a small cup of black, yellow, or mixed lentils.
• Put it in the pressure cooker or a pan.
• Rinse it twice with clean tap water.
• Add 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker
• Add the right amount of turmeric powder, salt, and other necessary spices to the Dal.
• Let it simmer in medium flame for around 30 mins.
• On aside, Prepare Takda which requires a small-sized pan.
• Put it in the flame and wait till it is a little hotter.
• A small amount of oil, jeera, and chopped onions until brown to be cooked in Tadka.
• Add a small amount of turmeric and garam masala in Tadka.
• Then throw it ready to be-served Dal and mix it well.
• Be a little careful it can be a little scary to put Tadka in Dal. Be in a little safe distance.
• Your delicious Dal is prepared.

Nepali Thali’s Best Side Dishes

Nepali Thali is incomplete without its side dishes. The side dishes in Nepali Dal bhat set complement the taste and nutrition of the Nepali food set. Mainly, these side dishes served along Nepali Thali in Nepal:

Tarkari

A vegetable curry made out of spinach, potato, ladyfinger, cauliflower, and other veggies according to the season. The chicken curry is accompanied on the side for non-vegetarians.

Achar

A spice and hot sun-dried pickle normally made out of fruits and vegetables like mangoes, radish, cucumber, etc mixed in a blend of spices.  

Papad

A thin and crispy pan-fried or roasted cracker with a salty taste to it.

Gundruk

An authentic mix of roots and leaves of radish with roasted soybeans fermented inside a jar blended in the hot spices of Nepal.

Chutney

A paste prepared from spices and fresh herbs normally crushed with roasted tomatoes.

Ghee

Hot clarified butter is poured upon the top of the Nepali Thali is a perfect added taste.

Yogurt

Sweet dish complements the taste and richness of Nepali Thali. Juju Dhau is an authentic yogurt flavor to Nepalese Thali.

Why Do Everyone Prefer Nepali Thali?

In Nepal, Nepali Thali is a typical meal that is equally inexpensive and healthy. As long as we serve one or two vegetables as a side dish, Nepali Thali is a rather filling dish. It is a feasible and affordable supper for anyone traveling to or living in Nepal. 

Its excellent nutritional value and affordability make it a go-to food for families, workers, and students alike, guaranteeing that everyone is entitled to a balanced and delicious meal. Furthermore, the harmonious blend of spices like fenugreek, cumin, coriander, and turmeric that adds to the dish’s rich aroma is another factor in its appeal. 

The steamed rice and side dishes combine to create a delicious combination of flavors. The staple dish not only provides nutrition but also creates the bonding experience of enjoying a satisfying meal with loved ones in Nepal.

Nepali Thali: The Perfect Meal for Trekkers

Nepali Thali is a perfect dish that brings the mountains to life for travelers to Nepal who come to trek. With prices between 250 to 500 rupees, Nepali Thali is always an affordable food choice in Nepal for trekkers. Nonetheless, in the high mountains, where ingredients are frequently delivered on a porter’s back, the cost could go slightly up.

Nepali Thali provides you with the right amount of energy to keep you moving for a full day of trekking. For travelers looking for a healthy and enjoyable choice for their journeys, Nepali Thali is the number one choice anywhere in Nepal. 

We get the best thakali thali set on different trekking. We can experience the food on the Jomsom Muktinath trek and Ghorepani poon hill trek. If you go to the Langtang trek or Manaslu trek then you will get a different taste of Nepali Thali. While doing the Everest base camp trek or any other Everest trek you will get a chance to experience the Nepali thalsi set.

Where to Find the Best Nepali Thali in Kathmandu

Nepali Thali is available from street-side restaurants, and hotels to the grandest of the grandest hotels and restaurants in the town of Kathmandu. Some of the popular among them are:

1. Bhojan Griha, Delhi Bazaar.
2. Jimbu Thakali, Jhamsikhel.
3. Daura Thakali, Pulchowk.
4. Krishnarpan Restaurant, Battisputali.
5. Achar Ghar, Kupandole.
6. Jetho Budo Thakali, Kathmandu.
7. Mantra Thakali, Lalitpur.
8. Bhanchha Ghar, Thamel.
9. Baithak Restaurant, Babar Mahal.
10. Sunder Bhojanlaya Nayabazar (kali didi ko local bhat pasal)

Exploring Nepal’s Other Culinary Delights

Besides Nepali Thali and Thakali, Nepalese prefer these Nepal’s authentic other culinary delights in their regular busy life:

• Momos

Steamed or fried Dumplings with fillings of minced meat mixed with chopped veggies is an all-time favorite lunch in Nepal.

• Chowmein

Thick-boiled noodles pan-fried with veggies, soy sauce, and a mix of spices are yet another popular choice amongst Nepalese for lunchtime.

• Thukpa

A steaming stew of noodles with different kinds of vegetables that is thukpa is a delightful choice for winters and in the mountains.

• Laphing and Keema Noodles.

Flour soaked for a night then steamed gives you laphing. It is served with fillings of tofu, wai wai, and potato crackers dipped in soy sauce. 

Thick steamed noodles served with fried minced meat on top with bak choy are popular amongst Nepalese youths as a go-to snack.

Final Say

Nepalese cuisine is filled with several authentic culinary delights for lots of travelers. Yet, Nepali Thali comes out as a staple go-to food for brunch and dinner in the heart of Nepalese and travelers in Nepal.

Nepalese Nepali Thali is not just a food, but a mix of emotions and feelings in every Nepalese home that brings out table talk and forms a bond with whoever is sitting around the table. Many variations and side dishes tried on Nepali Thali, but that authentic taste of the Dal and the Bhat is what kept it intact and authentic.