Nepali vs Indian food (in America)

[Jens Schuetz]

Visited my second Nepali restaurant so far. Because the first one was so so we hesitated but then were glad we went with our two kids and three friends.

"Little Nepal" in San Francisco.
The restaurant seems small from the outside but expands a bit once you enter. "Little Nepal" seems completely run by Nepali guys who had a pleasantly relaxed and friendly attitude. This nice atmosphere was complemented by some ethereal music which was balanced enough to stay in the background but still show some effect if you wanted it too.

We started with Himalayan Momos as appetizers. They were delicious! Like Chinese potstickers but much better. Less sticky and not tasting like the glue on the back of envelops. The Momos where filled with a variety of tasty herbs instead of bland boiled pork or beef. They came with a light but creamy hot sauce which complemented the taste without overpowering it. In short, you have to try these if you get a chance.

Because the food in the first Nepali restaurant had tasted completely like the heavy US version of North Indian food I asked the waiter in this restaurant if they have dishes which are typical only for Nepal and don't taste like Indian food. I think I saw a smile and all he said was "No Sir"

So we ordered the "Indian" dishes which had slightly different Nepali names but you could still tell.
Spinach with Cheese, Butter Chicken, Lentils, Tandoori Chicken, Mushrooms and a few others.

Wow. They were different from the Indian food you normally get in America and tasted much more like the real home cooked food which I like in Northern India. The food looked great and they took care even with how the rice and the flat bread was presented on the plate.
The lentils weren't all mushy but you could actually taste them separately from the gravy.
The tandoori chicken was juicy buy not too liquid and showed a light red color from spices. In a typical Indian restaurant over here in America it would have been cooked until dry and bathed in food paint.
The mushrooms clearly didn't cone from a tin and tasted great as did all the other dishes.
All our main dishes looked like real Indian food in India and as far as I can telll used the same spices but in a different enough ratio to provide a slightly new experience for my taste buds.

In summary it's much better than normal Indian restaurant food, close to home cooked Indian food and still different enough to register. Is it typical Nepali food? I believe so, but can't be sure without going to Nepal.

If I get a chance to come to San Francisco again, one of the restaurants I'll visit again will be Little Nepal and did I mention they had a little Kukri (12" oal) hanging from the ceiling?

 

[cul4u01]

Visited my second Nepali restaurant so far. Because the first one was so so we hesitated but then were glad we went with our two kids and three friends.

"Little Nepal" in San Francisco.
The restaurant seems small from the outside but expands a bit once you enter. "Little Nepal" seems completely run by Nepali guys who had a pleasantly relaxed and friendly attitude. This nice atmosphere was complemented by some ethereal music which was balanced enough to stay in the background but still show some effect if you wanted it too.

We started with Himalayan Momos as appetizers. They were delicious! Like Chinese potstickers but much better. Less sticky and not tasting like the glue on the back of envelops. The Momos where filled with a variety of tasty herbs instead of bland boiled pork or beef. They came with a light but creamy hot sauce which complemented the taste without overpowering it. In short, you have to try these if you get a chance.

Because the food in the first Nepali restaurant had tasted completely like the heavy US version of North Indian food I asked the waiter in this restaurant if they have dishes which are typical only for Nepal and don't taste like Indian food. I think I saw a smile and all he said was "No Sir"

So we ordered the "Indian" dishes which had slightly different Nepali names but you could still tell.
Spinach with Cheese, Butter Chicken, Lentils, Tandoori Chicken, Mushrooms and a few others.

Wow. They were different from the Indian food you normally get in America and tasted much more like the real home cooked food which I like in Northern India. The food looked great and they took care even with how the rice and the flat bread was presented on the plate.
The lentils weren't all mushy but you could actually taste them separately from the gravy.
The tandoori chicken was juicy buy not too liquid and showed a light red color from spices. In a typical Indian restaurant over here in America it would have been cooked until dry and bathed in food paint.
The mushrooms clearly didn't cone from a tin and tasted great as did all the other dishes.
All our main dishes looked like real Indian food in India and as far as I can telll used the same spices but in a different enough ratio to provide a slightly new experience for my taste buds.

In summary it's much better than normal Indian restaurant food, close to home cooked Indian food and still different enough to register. Is it typical Nepali food? I believe so, but can't be sure without going to Nepal.

If I get a chance to come to San Francisco again, one of the restaurants I'll visit again will be Little Nepal and did I mention they had a little Kukri (12" oal) hanging from the ceiling?

Little Nepal is good, but there is a an authentic Nepali restaurant in San Mateo which a lot of Nepalese transplants go to for their parties and when they need some food "from home". I forgot the name, but I can easily ask one of my friends. My buddy had his wedding banquet there after we returned from his wedding in Nepal.

Next time you swing by SF, holler at me, and I'll take you out to some "out of the way" places, that only locals know.

 

[blue lander]

Biggest difference I noticed was the Nepalese food was less spicy and featured more cilantro. I found the flavor much more nuanced than your usual Indian food. But I'm sure saying "Indian food" is like saying European food, there's a ton of variety.

 

[gurkha berserka]

One thing I cant stand is cilantro YUCK!!! Tastes like friggin soap YUCK!!!

I do life some Indian food but I haven't had the chance to dine Nepalese style yet. I will have to look for a restaurant here in New England

 

[blue lander]

Isn't there some sort of genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap to some people? Doesn't taste like soap at all to me.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

Thank you cul, that's very kind of you. San Mateo. Gotta check yelp. There can't be too many Nepalese restaurants?
The day before yesterday we had some food in Milbrae which is right next to San Mateo. I wish I'd have known.
We are still in town for 2 more days but are already booked out for all meals meeting old friends. Tonight Nanking
Next time I'll drop you a message when in SF
Now off to Fairyland and then the USS Hornet.

Little Nepal is good, but there is a an authentic Nepali restaurant in San Mateo which a lot of Nepalese transplants go to for their parties and when they need some food "from home". I forgot the name, but I can easily ask one of my friends. My buddy had his wedding banquet there after we returned from his wedding in Nepal.

Next time you swing by SF, holler at me, and I'll take you out to some "out of the way" places, that only locals know.

 

[cul4u01]

Thank you cul, that's very kind of you. San Mateo. Gotta check yelp. There can't be too many Nepalese restaurants?
The day before yesterday we had some food in Milbrae which is right next to San Mateo. I wish I'd have known.
We are still in town for 2 more days but are already booked out for all meals meeting old friends. Tonight Nanking
Next time I'll drop you a message when in SF
Now off to Fairyland and then the USS Hornet.

Have fun in Fairyland. Great Korean Restaurant across the street. Jong Ga House. Tix are on sale on Groupon for Fairyland. Set of tix for $16.00.

 

[choombak]

Biggest difference I noticed was the Nepalese food was less spicy and featured more cilantro. I found the flavor much more nuanced than your usual Indian food. But I'm sure saying "Indian food" is like saying European food, there's a ton of variety.

And the "Indian food" in US-based Indian restaurants is typically a bad-variation on the authentic North-Indian cuisine (typically from the parts of Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh). South-Indian is 180 degrees apart, and so is West- or East-Indian food. You also have Rajasthani, Gujarathi, Maharashtrian, Andhra, Bengali, well, pretty much a distinct cuisine per state in India.

Never tasted Nepali, but I'll try the San Mateo, and San Francisco restaurants -- thanks for the info.

 

[cul4u01]

And the "Indian food" in US-based Indian restaurants is typically a bad-variation on the authentic North-Indian cuisine (typically from the parts of Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh). South-Indian is 180 degrees apart, and so is West- or East-Indian food. You also have Rajasthani, Gujarathi, Maharashtrian, Andhra, Bengali, well, pretty much a distinct cuisine per state in India.

Never tasted Nepali, but I'll try the San Mateo, and San Francisco restaurants -- thanks for the info.

Amma's in San Bruno is excellent. Actually in an Indian Grocery Store, a few tables, but mainly takeout, menu changes everyday, friends have told me it is very authentic, and very distinct food from a particular region (forgot which though).

 

[Scara]

Isn't there some sort of genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap to some people? Doesn't taste like soap at all to me.

You are correct. It's something to do with lacking or having a reduced capacity for tasting bitter things.

And choombak, I know at least one Indian restaurant in Houston, TX that is good stuff. One thing I've noted is that the clientele on any given day is about half Indian, and the staff is entirely Indian. Doesn't hurt that the food is really good too.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

And the "Indian food" in US-based Indian restaurants is typically a bad-variation on the authentic North-Indian cuisine (typically from the parts of Punjab, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh). South-Indian is 180 degrees apart, and so is West- or East-Indian food. You also have Rajasthani, Gujarathi, Maharashtrian, Andhra, Bengali, well, pretty much a distinct cuisine per state in India.

Never tasted Nepali, but I'll try the San Mateo, and San Francisco restaurants -- thanks for the info.

Exactly. That's why this good Nepali food was closer to home cooked north Indian food than any of the normal North Indian US restaurants are. After them you feel super full and could generate enough air flow to levitate if you catch my drift. Kind of like Taco Bell in that aspect.

South Indian is great but I had the real one only a few times so I can't tell which restaurant is authentic.
One thing I heard is that what they serve over here for lunch and dinner is what they eat in South India for breakfast. Maybe it's due to the time difference?
One thing I remember though is that in Chennai, India we had fish. Lots of fish while over here I've never seen it on a menu.
Anyways will get a better impression this summer when we spend a few weeks there. Might even get to check out the local martial art in Kerala.

Bengali mustard fish is my favorite btw. Mother in law tried to teach me a couple of times but I never quite get it right.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

Have fun in Fairyland. Great Korean Restaurant across the street. Jong Ga House. Tix are on sale on Groupon for Fairyland. Set of tix for $16.00.

Paid 24 for 3 tickets. Next time I'll plan better. Thanks for mentioning Groupon. Haven't used that for over a year.

 

[Shavru]

Jens, You are right, I really miss the Indian Seafood dishes from the Goa region. Mustard fish is tough to get right my biggest problem is "popping" the mustard seeds before you grind them. I seem to burn them about 75% of the time

 

[Moonw]

I've been told by colleagues in Chicago that if you want to taste REAL Chinese, you need to go with our beloved Chinese colleague at a restaurant of his choice; once there, ignore the menu, go with him to the back of the restaurant. He will greet the Chef, who will pull a big book - the menu for the connaiseurs - from a designated place. They will then chat something that you have no chance to understand. After a while, you will enjoy your meal.

I still don't understand where in this process am I supposed to find out what I am about to eat, and it seemed you aren't supposed to ask either .

 

[Moonw]

And btw, I was the only European in the office ever to eat the spiciest stuff they had (I insisted to know what I was eating, I am crazy for their cuisine but I am still somewhat of a comservative when it comes to food). I was dissapointed to learn that my half-bred, dilluted Hungarian genes were able to handle everything, while another blue-blood gorgeous female Hungarian colleague gave up halfway. My Chinese friend was prod of me, some manly tears might have been shed that day. (Must have been all that training during childhood when my soup was indistinguishable from under the thick black pepper blanket I used to bestow upon it, much to the concern of my dear mother. I might have damaged my taste buds beyond "repair".)

As for the Hungarian girl, I think she lost her Hungarian citizenship since.

(Sorry for derailing the thread.)

 

[cul4u01]

I've been told by colleagues in Chicago that if you want to taste REAL Chinese, you need to go with our beloved Chinese colleague at a restaurant of his choice; once there, ignore the menu, go with him to the back of the restaurant. He will greet the Chef, who will pull a big book - the menu for the connaiseurs - from a designated place. They will then chat something that you have no chance to understand. After a while, you will enjoy your meal.

I still don't understand where in this process am I supposed to find out what I am about to eat, and it seemed you aren't supposed to ask either .

Don't ask, don't ever ask. Sit back and enjoy. When we talking Chinese, we're just talking wondering whether you'll eat it or not, and would you, if you really knew what it was...lol. Not to worry, it would never be anything that isn't good for you.

 

[Moonw]

Don't ask, don't ever ask. Sit back and enjoy. When we talking Chinese, we're just talking wondering whether you'll eat it or not, and would you, if you really knew what it was...lol. Not to worry, it would never be anything that isn't good for you.

Thank you, buddy, that is refreshing to hear! As I was saying, I'm in love with Chinese food, so it helps.