Ask almost anyone in Nepal what they ate today and the answer is probably dal bhat: rice, lentil soup and seasonal vegetables, usually with a pickle on the side. It is eaten in homes, trekking lodges and offices alike, which is why it is so often called Nepal's national dish, even though no government decision names it.
Is There an Official National Food?
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Source: Wikipedia, "Nepalese cuisine" and "Dal bhat" (which describe dal bhat as the standard meal of Nepal and dhindo as called the national dish); no government source found
Anatomy of a Dal Bhat Plate
A plate of dal bhat is a set of parts that work together. Exact items change with region, season and family.
Source: Wikipedia, "Dal bhat" and "Nepalese cuisine"
Dhindo and Gundruk: The Hill Classic
Before rice became common in the hills, many families relied on grains such as millet, maize and buckwheat. Dhindo is a thick porridge stirred from flour and hot water and traditionally eaten with gundruk, a fermented dried-greens pickle, or with a lentil or vegetable side. Dhindo is still a favourite comfort food, especially in colder places.
✦ Did you know?
- Dal bhat was not the main daily meal in Nepal's hilly and Himalayan regions historically; it spread with rice farming and trade.
- Dal bhat is traditionally eaten twice a day by the Khas people, and many households across Nepal follow the same rhythm.
- Trekkers repeat the saying "Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour" because a plate keeps them going on mountain trails.
One Nation, Many Plates
| Region / community | Typical foods |
|---|---|
| Himalayan | Millet or barley dough, potato curry, momo, thukpa, tongba |
| Thakali | Buckwheat, barley and millet dishes; less vegetarian than most hill cooking |
| Newar | Buffalo meat, many fermented dishes, elaborate festival food |
| Madhesh / Tharu | Basmati rice with ghee, pigeon-pea dal, fish and goat curry |
| Limbu | Kinema (fermented soybean), bamboo shoots, millet breads |
| Khas | Dal bhat tarkari, chamre (rice fried in ghee) |
Source: Wikipedia, "Nepalese cuisine"
Food, Festival and Hospitality
Food in Nepal is tied to the calendar and the family: feast days, rice-feeding ceremonies and weddings each have their own dishes. A guest is rarely sent away without a meal, and dal bhat is the dish that most often fills that role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national food of Nepal?
No official national food designation could be confirmed. Dal bhat (rice, lentil soup and vegetable curry) is the answer most often given because it is the standard meal across Nepal.
Is dal bhat the national dish of Nepal?
It is widely called the national dish, but we found no government declaration. Some sources also call dhindo a national dish.
What is dal bhat made of?
Bhat is steamed rice, dal is spiced lentil soup, and tarkari is a vegetable curry, usually with a pickle (achar) and sometimes saag, papad or meat.
What is dhindo?
A thick porridge stirred from millet, buckwheat or maize flour and hot water, traditionally eaten with gundruk or lentil and vegetable dishes.
What does Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour mean?
It is a popular phrase among trekkers, meaning a plate of dal bhat gives enough energy for a full day on the trail.
What is gundruk?
A fermented, dried leafy-greens pickle, often made from mustard greens, used in achar and soups.
Is momo the national food of Nepal?
Momo is hugely popular, but it is not officially designated. Dal bhat remains the everyday staple.