Overview
Kathmandu's street food scene is one of Asia's most underrated — a rich tapestry of Newari snacks, Tibetan staples, Indian-influenced sweets, and wholly unique Nepali inventions that spill out of tiny stalls, courtyard kitchens, and market corners across the old city. This 3-hour guided walk takes you off the Thamel tourist strip and into the living food culture of Asan, Indra Chowk, and Makhan Tole — the ancient market heart of Kathmandu.
Your food guide — a local with deep roots in the neighbourhood — introduces you to the families behind the stalls, explains the festivals and occasions that each food is associated with, and ensures you taste only from vendors who meet our quality and hygiene standards. Expect to be full and happy by the end.
What You'll Taste
- Momos — Nepal's beloved steamed dumplings with chilli tomato achar
- Sel roti — crispy Nepali rice doughnuts fried fresh at the stall
- Chatamari — the Newari "pizza": a thin rice crepe with egg and minced meat
- Aloo chop — spiced potato croquettes, a Kathmandu street staple
- Jeri (jalebi) — spiral fried sweets soaked in sugar syrup
- Butter tea or chiya — Tibetan butter tea or classic Nepali spiced milk tea
Itinerary
Meet at Thamel — Kathmandu Durbar Square Gateway (10:00 AM)
Meet your food guide at the edge of the old city; brief introduction to Kathmandu's food history and the neighbourhoods you'll explore.
Asan Bazaar — The Spice & Grain Heart of Kathmandu
Walk through the ancient Asan market — pyramids of spices, dried lentils, and seasonal produce. First taste: freshly fried sel roti from a family stall that has been here for three generations.
Indra Chowk — Momo Stop
The best momos in old Kathmandu — steamed pork or vegetable dumplings served with fiery tomato achar, eaten standing at a tiny folding table in a narrow lane.
Makhan Tole — Chatamari & Aloo Chop
Newari chatamari fresh off the griddle, followed by golden aloo chop with green chutney — both eaten in the shadow of medieval temples.
Sweet Lane — Jeri & Mithai
Watch the jeri (jalebi) being spun and fried live, then sample a selection of Nepali and Indian-influenced sweets from the mithai shops of Kilagal.
Tea & Wrap-Up (1:00 PM)
End with a glass of Nepali chiya (spiced milk tea) at a traditional teahouse; your guide shares recommendations for where to eat dinner in Kathmandu.
Includes & Excludes
✓ Included
- Expert local food guide (3 hours)
- All food tastings (6+ items)
- Chiya or butter tea at the end
- All vendor costs
✕ Excluded
- Additional food or drinks beyond the tour
- Tips for guide
- Personal purchases
- Transport to/from meeting point
Food Tour Photos
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Period | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more | 90% refunded |
| 45 – 59 days | 75% refunded |
| 30 – 44 days | 50% refunded |
| 15 – 29 days | 25% refunded |
| 14 days or fewer | No refund |
| No show | No refund |