Where to find Nepalese food in Canberra
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Nepalese food is having a moment in Canberra – here’s where to find it.
Focusing on robust flavours, fragrant herbs and wholesome staples, the fusion of Indian and Tibetan influences in Nepalese food makes for many wholesome dishes – and there’s nothing else like it.
Spanning multiple cuisines – including Khas, Himalayan and Thakali – due to the many ethnic groups that make up the country, it’s known and loved for its comforting, home-style cooking; perfect for warming up on a winter’s day.
Here are 10+ places to find a taste of incredible Nepalese food in Canberra.
Editor’s note: This is not an extensive list of where to find Nepalese food in Canberra – just some of the local gems that the team knows about. If you have a suggestion, feel free to email us at editor@hercanberra.com.au and we’ll pop it in!
Tusa (Barton)
Tusa is all about progressive Nepalese cuisine, recently opening in the space left by Korean restaurant Muk Bar. It’s the first venture outside Nepal from the team behind the renowned restaurant of the same name in Bhaktapur that has been featured in the New York Times and Conde Nast.
The menu here tells stories of both heritage and sustainability – celebrating the diversity of Nepal’s culinary landscape. From deep fried buckwheat with wild Sichuan pepper to grilled marinated pork belly served with pickled cabbage and goat ribs glazed in organic palm sugar and citrus molasses, each dish is a testament to the country’s beauty and bounty.
48 Macquarie Street, Barton | tusanepal.com
The Kathmandu Momo House (City)
Best known for their momo platter, The Kathmandu Momo House serves classic Nepalese curries, noodle dishes, snacks and breads. They use family recipes handed down for generations; there’s even a page dedicated just to momos (Nepalese dumplings)! You can choose from eight different styles: served in hot or cold johl soup, pan-fried, deep-fried, crumbed, tossed in a chilli sauce, or mixed with onion and herb. Simply choose your filling (vegetable, chicken or buffalo) and your dipping sauce and dig in.
65 Northbourne Avenue, City | facebook.com/thekathmandumomohouse
Early Bird Nepalese Restaurant (City)
Starting as a food truck before opening a store on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Early Bird offers an authentic taste of Nepal, serving everything from goat Khana to Chatpatey, Pani Puri and Buffalo Chow Mein. The momo menu is also very extensive, with fried, chilli, Kothey, steamed and Jhol options available.
All available to dine in or takeaway, this hidden gem is worth uncovering.
Mode3, 139/24 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | facebook.com/p/Early-Bird-Nepalese-Restaurant
Chomolungma Nepalese Cuisine (Griffith)
Serving delicious authentic Nepalese food since 2008, Chomolungma is an inner south favourite. Influenced by Tibetan cuisine to the North and Indian to the south, the menu spans Thali, Pakora, Thukpa, curries and more.
All cooked by Chef Raju Tamang (who was born and grew up in a small village in Nuwakot), don’t skip the Gulab Jamun for dessert.
38 Palmerston Lane, Griffith | chomolungmacuisine.com.au
Lakeside Gurkhas (Kingston)
Located on the Kingston Foreshore, Lakeside Gurkhas is known for its beautiful outlook and delicious food. As well as classic Nepalese dishes, here you’ll find keto, low-carb, and vegetarian options, offering something for everyone.
The highlights? You can’t go past their breakfast for something a little bit different – think steamed rice cakes served with coconut chutney and sambar, a lentil protein pancake served with egg or chicken mince on top and a classic Nepali omelette.
Dockside/33 Eastlake Parade, Kingston | lakesidegurkhas.com.au
The Dumpling Diplomat (Kingston)
Looking for the perfect winter warmer? Nepalese momos from The Dumpling Diplomat at the Old Bus Depot Markets might be just what you need.
On the menu, you’ll find juicy pork, chicken, beef and vegetable momos, each hand-folded and seasoned with generous amounts of aromatics and a signature spice blend that they keep under lock and key. With limited quantities available, make sure to go early so you don’t miss out.
21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | @thedumplingdiplomat
Friends and Momos (Phillip)
This food truck is well worth trying. Located on Launceston Street, the menu is simple with a few classic dishes to choose from. Chowmein and momos are the highlights while chicken sausage, Syabhale chicken and Thicheko Aloo make for filling sides.
Open from 12 pm until 6 pm, make sure to pre-order your meal so you don’t have to wait in line.
25 Launceston Street, Phillip | friendsandmomoswoden.com.au
Nepalese Momo House at Gemini Cafe (Woden)
We recently spotted a sign pointing us to Nepalese fare at the well-known Gemini Café on Furzer Street. The menu is simple and traditional, built around steamed, fried, and chilli-tossed momos. If you are chasing a true winter warmer, order the jhol momos –served submerged in a deeply aromatic, spiced tomato and sesame broth that carries just the right amount of kick.
35 Furzer Street, Woden | Google
Mul Chowk Kitchen (Mawson)
With locations in both Sydney and Canberra, Mul Chowk Kitchen is all about serving authentic Himalayan cuisine made with high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Featuring traditional dishes that tell the story of Nepal’s rich culinary heritage, the Canberra menu is extensive with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available. Make sure to try their signature cocktails – each is a unique tribute to Nepal that will leave you wanting more.
4/118 Mawson PIace, Mawson | mulchowkkitchen.com.au
The Mustang Nepalese Restaurant (Farrer)
Established in 2017 and tucked away in Farrer, The Mustang prides itself on its traditional style cooking and warm Nepalese hospitality. Offering various dishes that cater to all dietary needs (including gluten free), you’ll find classics like Vindaloo curry, momos and Wai-wai sadeko.
Out of the Himalayan-inspired desserts, the Kheer is a must try. It’s a creamy rice pudding topped with cashews and sultanas and dusted with cinnamon.
4 Farrer Place, Farrer | themustangcanberra.com.au
Canberra Momo House (Gungahlin)
Authentic momos, Khana sets, and traditional dishes – that’s what you’ll find at Canberra Momo House. With the option to customise your spice level, home-style cooking, free rice top-ups and generous portions, there are plenty it reasons to make a booking here.
Not sure what to order? Ask the staff for their suggestions or when in doubt, go for one of the sets.
106/89 Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin | canberra-momo-house.brila.ai
The Hungry Buddha (Belconnen)
Serving a range of Nepal’s most famous dishes, The Hungry Buddha has everything from traditional Nepalese snack platters to stir-fried noodles mixed with spices, veggies, chickpeas and sauce. You’ll also find buffalo jerky, mango chicken and a warm sweet carrot pudding.
Unit 8/8 Luxton Street, Belconnen | thehungrybuddha.com.au
