Different Types of Momos in Kathmandu – A Simple Guide to Nepal’s Favorite Food

Introduction

Momo is one of the most loved foods in Nepal. Just hearing the word “momo” can make anyone feel hungry! It is Nepal’s version of dumplings and is popular in cities like Kathmandu. You can find momos in small street shops, cafes, and big restaurants.

This blog is for tourists, food lovers, and anyone who wants to explore Nepali food culture. In Kathmandu, momos are not just a snack anymore—they are becoming a daily meal for many people.

Traditionally, momos were simple steamed dumplings with meat or vegetable filling. But now, there are many exciting types with different shapes, flavors, and styles. Let’s explore the different types of momos you can find in Kathmandu.

Different Types of Momos in Kathmandu

#1 Steamed Momo

📍 Location: Available everywhere in Kathmandu
⭐ Why it’s special: Classic and most popular type
💰 Price range: NPR 100 – 250
👍 Best for: First-time momo eaters

📝 Steamed momo is the original version. It is soft, juicy, and filled with chicken, buff (buffalo), or vegetables. It is served with spicy tomato achar.

#2 Kothey Momo

📍 Location: Local restaurants and cafes
⭐ Why it’s special: Half fried, half steamed
💰 Price range: NPR 150 – 300
👍 Best for: Crispy and juicy taste lovers

📝 Kothey momo is slightly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. It is cooked by frying and steaming together.

#3 Chilli Momo (C. Momo)

📍 Location: Popular in street food spots
⭐ Why it’s special: Spicy and saucy flavor
💰 Price range: NPR 180 – 350
👍 Best for: Spicy food lovers

📝 These momos are mixed in a hot and spicy sauce with onions and capsicum. It is very tasty but can be very spicy!

#4 Fried Momo

📍 Location: Street vendors and cafes
⭐ Why it’s special: Crunchy texture
💰 Price range: NPR 150 – 300
👍 Best for: Snack lovers

📝 Fried momo is deep-fried or pan-fried after steaming. It is crispy and oily but very delicious.

#5 Jhol Momo

📍 Location: Popular in Kathmandu Valley
⭐ Why it’s special: Served in soup-like sauce
💰 Price range: NPR 150 – 300
👍 Best for: Cold weather and comfort food

📝 Jhol momo comes with a thin, spicy, and tangy soup (achar). It is very flavorful and filling.

#6 Open Momo

📍 Location: Modern restaurants
⭐ Why it’s special: Unique open shape
💰 Price range: NPR 250 – 500
👍 Best for: Trying something new

📝 Open momo looks like a flower and has space to add different sauces inside. It is fun and tasty to eat.

#7 Tandoori Momo

📍 Location: Trendy cafes
⭐ Why it’s special: Smoky and grilled flavor
💰 Price range: NPR 250 – 450
👍 Best for: BBQ lovers

📝 These momos are grilled in a tandoor oven and coated with spicy sauce. It has a rich and smoky taste.

#8 Green (Spinach) Momo

📍 Location: Selected restaurants
⭐ Why it’s special: Healthy and colorful
💰 Price range: NPR 200 – 350
👍 Best for: Health-conscious people

📝 The outer layer is made with spinach, giving it a green color. It is both healthy and tasty.

#9 Buckwheat (Phapar) Momo

📍 Location: Health-focused cafes
⭐ Why it’s special: High in protein
💰 Price range: NPR 250 – 400
👍 Best for: Healthy eating

📝 Made from buckwheat flour, these momos are light and nutritious. Best eaten hot for better taste.

#10 Paneer / Cheese Momo

📍 Location: Widely available
⭐ Why it’s special: Vegetarian option
💰 Price range: NPR 150 – 300
👍 Best for: Vegetarians

📝 Filled with paneer or cheese, these momos are soft and creamy inside. Perfect for non-meat eaters.

#11 Fish Momo

📍 Location: Selected restaurants
⭐ Why it’s special: Light and unique taste
💰 Price range: NPR 250 – 400
👍 Best for: Seafood lovers

📝 Fish momo has a soft texture and different flavor compared to meat momos. A must-try for something new.

#12 Dhapu (Giant) Momo

📍 Location: Tibetan-style restaurants
⭐ Why it’s special: Very large size
💰 Price range: NPR 200 – 400
👍 Best for: Big appetite

📝 These momos are much bigger than normal ones. One momo can be as big as your fist!

#13 Chocolate Momo (Dessert)

📍 Location: Modern cafes
⭐ Why it’s special: Sweet momo
💰 Price range: NPR 200 – 400
👍 Best for: Dessert lovers

📝 Filled with melted chocolate, these momos are sweet and perfect after a meal.

#14 Khuwa Momo (Dessert)

📍 Location: Special dessert cafes
⭐ Why it’s special: Traditional sweet filling
💰 Price range: NPR 150 – 300
👍 Best for: Trying traditional dessert

📝 Made with milk solids (khuwa), this momo has a soft and slightly sweet taste.

💡 Tips Section (Helpful Advice)

Best time to eat momos: Evening snacks or lunch time
Local tip: Always try momo with achar—it adds amazing flavor
Spicy warning: Nepali achar can be very hot, so try slowly
Explore more: Try different types, not just steamed momo

❓ FAQ Section

1. What is the most popular momo in Kathmandu?
Steamed momo is the most popular and widely available.

2. Are momos expensive in Kathmandu?
No, momos are affordable and available for all budgets.

3. Can tourists easily find different types of momos?
Yes, especially in areas like Thamel, Boudha, and Lalitpur.

Conclusion

Momos in Kathmandu are more than just food—they are part of the culture. From simple steamed momos to modern chocolate momos, there is something for everyone.

If you are in Kathmandu, don’t miss the chance to try different types of momos. Which one do you want to try first? Let us know and share your favorite momo experience! 🍽️

Reference

घिरौंला (Ghironla) , Ghiyatorai (घिया तोरई) Luffa cylindrica (Linn.) M. Roemer Benefits and using method

Saano Dugdhi (सानो दुग्धी) , Laghu Dugdhika (लघु दुग्धिका ) Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. Benefits, uses and using Method

Dudhe jhar (दुधे झार) , Dugdhika ( दुग्धिका) Euphorbia hirta Linn. Benefits and Uses

Branari (व्रणारी), Tridax procumbens Linn. Benefits and using Method

Ajmbari (अजम्बरी ), Parnabeej ( पर्णबीज) Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken Benefits and using methods

Punarnva (पुनर्नवा) Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Benefits and uses

Phaledo (फलेदो), Paribhadra (पारिभद्र) Erythrina variegata Linn. Using method, uses and Benefits

Poi Saag(पोइसाग), Potaki( पोतकी) Basella alba Linn. Benefits, uses and using method

Kokin, कोकिन, Erythroxylum coca

Kokum, कोकम, अमसुल, Kokam Butter Tree, Garcinia indica

Sano Kodo, सानो कोदो, श्यामक, Little Millet, Panicum sumatrense