Best places to have food in Thamel

From mouth watering street food stalls to high end cafes and restaurants, Thamel has it all. Before heading to the mountains or celebrating your return, Thamel, Kathmandu has food for every phase of your journey. Taste your way through Thamel!

Thamel is one of Kathmandu's energetic tourist locations with not just souvenirs and trekking gear but amazing food as well. From spicy roadside momo to Instagram worthy brunches, Thamel has something for every taste and budget. A hearty pre trek meal or a recovery dinner, the location is a culinary hub that reflects Kathmandu’s cultural richness and global influence. One bite at a time, try street food, enjoy a strong coffee, or treat yourself to gourmet pizza.

The local street foods include Momo, Samosa, Panipuri, Chatpate, etc. which many of us in Nepal choose for in our day to day life. Something not so expensive and easy to go to, our happy place is the hygienic street vendors. If you want to unwind in style, Himalayan Java never disappoints. Roadhouse Cafe or Kaiser Cafe may be pricer, but they offer you comfort, ambiance and top notch quality of foods.

Dive into the article for the best food stops in Thamel from street food stalls to cozy cafes!

Cheap, Local, and Flavor Packed Street Food Stalls in Nepal

Buff Momo Stall outside Chhaya Center

• Location: Opposite Chhaya Devi Mall
• Price: NPR 80 to 150
• Speciality: Juicy buff momo and fried momo with spicy pickle (achar)

Steaming dumplings are perfect for a quick energy boost. The buff momo (made with buffalo meat) is a juicy and flavorful fresh dumpling which is served with a tangy, homemade tomato achar (pickle). If you are feeling bold and crave crispy, you can try the deep fried version of momo. Crispy on the outside, and soft and meaty on the inside is a flavorful burst.
If you want an option for veg or chicken momo, you can try all the other available stalls around Thamel. If it is raining or cold, choose jhol momo because it is the best because of its tangy and warm soup with steaming dumplings.

Panipuri and Chatpate Cart near Mandala Street

• Location: Side street near Fire and Ice Pizza
• Price: NPR 40 to 80
• Speciality: Spicy pani puri and crunchy puffed rice chatpate

The vendor serves you pani puri which is a popular South Asian street snack made of hollow, crispy puris filled with spiced potato and flavored water. It is tangy and spicy, a whole packet of flavors, and incredibly satisfying. The chatpate is crunchy and an addictive spicy combination to panipuri. It is a mix of puffed rice, waiwai noodles, chilli, onions, and sauces, a perfect go to snack for adventurous eaters.

Samosa Stall on Tridevi Marg

• Location: Just before the entrance to Garden of Dreams
• Price: NPR 30 to 50
• Speciality: Freshly fried samosas and sweet jalebis

It is a popular evening lunch stall amongst locals on this corner. Samosas are hyped pastries with spicy potato fillings and topped with hot tamarind or minted chutney. Order a jalebi, a deep fried rope of batter dipped in sugar syrup to accompany samosa. It is sweet, a little bit sloppy, but heavenly, especially with a cup of local milk tea.

Mid Range Cafe in Thamel where Comfort meets Culture

OR2K

• Location: Mandala Street
• Price: NPR 600 to 1000
• Speciality: Falafel Platter with hummus, tahini, and warm pita bread

OR2K is an iconic vegetarian restaurant that mixes Middle Eastern flavors with a bohemian environment. A Falafel plate composed of hummus, tahini, and crispy falafel is a healthy, protein-rich, filling dish and exactly the one that will satisfy both the hungry stomach and health-conscious mind. The atmosphere of the cafe is built around low seating, a colorful interior, and communal tables that encourage healthy connections. It is also such a fantastic place to take a rest day, do some (journal) writing, or enjoy a healthy meal before getting out on those trails.

Blueberry Kitchen and Coffee Shop

• Location: Keshar Mahal Marg
• Price: NPR 500 to 900
• Speciality: Creamy Alfredo Pasta and Grilled Chicken Burger

Blueberry Kitchen is known for its consistency, cleanliness, and friendliness. The Alfredo cream pasta is warm and comforting, and the grilled chicken burger is just right, with the perfect balance of both quality and quantity. It is one of the stops where trekkers and travelers can take a break after enjoying spicy food or a satisfying Western-style meal. The warm interior, comfortable atmosphere, and low prices make it a good place to eat lunch or dinner, particularly when you have become accustomed to city life after surviving without it for a few weeks out on the trail.

Forest and Plate

• Location: Mandala Street
• Price: NPR 700 to 1000
• Speciality: Avocado Quinoa Bowl and Grilled Vegetable Platter

Forest and Plate provides a breath of fresh air above the traffic of Thamel, offering clean and health-friendly food. Their quinoa bowl made with avocado is a popular dish consisting of fresh vegetables, a light sauce, and nutritious values, exactly what you need after meals of instant noodles. The rooftop garden atmosphere, vegetative environment, and relaxing music make it one of the nicest places to relax, whether it's after a hike or before.

High Budget Cafes and Restaurants in Thamel

Roadhouse Cafe

• Location: JP School Road
• Price: NPR 800 to 1500
• Speciality: Wood fired margherita pizza

Roadhouse Cafe is an excellent choice for a comfort food restaurant. Their Margherita pizza is cooked in the wood-fired oven, with a crunchy, thin crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Its trendy decor and cozy lamps make it ideal for people who have spent a rough day in the mountains but would like to have a fine dinner. Roadhouse is casual yet classy enough to serve as a great way to end a trek or a perfect date night out in Kathmandu.

Kaiser Cafe

• Location: Inside Garden of Dreams
• Price: NPR 1000 to 1600
• Speciality: Pasta Alfredo with Lemon Cheesecake for Dessert

Kaiser Cafe is a relaxing spot situated in the peaceful location of Garden of Dreams that offers a serene setting for a break. Pasta Alfredo is rich and comforting, while lemon cheesecake is light and refreshing. All the flowers, fountains, and colonial-style buildings,  this cafe is fantastic for having a decompression lunch after a trek or a lazy morning. It is an excellent place to calm your thoughts and picture-perfect meals in the middle of the city.

Himalayan Java Coffee

• Location: Thamel
• Price: NPR 400 to 800
• Speciality: Artistic coffee, cakes, and chill atmosphere

There is a reason why the Himalayan Java is the favorite coffeehouse chain in Nepal. Their coffees are all artisanal, and they especially have a perfect, soft, rich, and creamy coffee. Additionally, their cinnamon rolls are fluffy, warm, and sweet enough. They offer comfortable chairs, decent Wi-Fi, and a relaxed atmosphere. You can organize your next adventure, manage emails, or simply enjoy watching life pass by. If you are a digital nomad, early riser, or someone who needs high-quality coffee, you will find this place to yourliking.

Beyond the Buzz: Hidden Gems of Thamel

Thamel Doner Kebab

• Location: Near Bhagwan Bahal Road
• Price: NPR 300 to 500

This is a small but undervalued doner takeaway shop located on the street, offering the best of Turkish-style wraps that are both satisfying and reasonably priced. The chicken is moist, well-seasoned, and served in a warm, puffy flatbread filled with crunchy vegetables and a smooth garlic sauce. The small booth has limited seating capacity, but the flavors are strong. This place is not only fast and delicious but also devoid of fuss, an absolute secret to fill up both your stomach and heart.

Sarangi Vegetarian Restaurant

• Location: Close to Paknajol Marg
• Price: NPR 400 to 700

Sarangi is not a one-dimensional place to eat but a community space and sustainable dining area. The vegan plate consists of local rice, seasonal vegetables, spicy lentils, and tangy homemade pickles, offering a genuine experience of Nepali home cuisine. It is an ideal place for you in need of healthy, ethically sourced, and culturally authentic food. Having roof-toped seating and a mission to empower local youth, Sarangi gives you a feel-good experience combining food, people, and purpose.

French Bakery Thamel

• Location: Amrit Marg
• Price: NPR 200 to 500

Nested in the quiet corner of Thamel, this undiscovered treasure will bring you to Europe in a snap in the form of freshly baked pastries and buttery croissants, and decadent chocolate eclairs. The tranquility in the garden courtyard makes a lovely escape which is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, journal writing, or a relaxing wind-down after a trek. The coffee is excellent, and the pastry is delicious, served in a casual atmosphere. Whether you're homesick for Western goodies or looking for a quiet spot with good food and Wi-Fi, French Bakery is a sweet oasis that takes everyone by surprise.

Mitho Restaurant and Cafe

• Location: Back alley near Z street
• Price: NPR 300 to 600

Mitho Restaurant and Cafe is a great dinner spot to visit if you're craving a homely, authentic Nepali meal. And their dal bhat is served with all the comfort ingredients: soft rice, spicy lentils, lightly curried vegetables, and a side of fermented greens called gundruk. The tastes are pure, harmonious and utterly satisfying. The cafe is situated in a quiet side street and resembles a cozy household eatery. It is the ideal place to visit when the need to eat something delicious and local arises, but the restaurant's chic atmosphere is not a priority, and its price is not desirable. It is the type of establishment where you linger after the meal, thanks to the hospitality.

Electric Pagoda Bar and Cafe

• Location: Saat Ghumti Marg
• Price: NPR 500 to 900

Electric Pagoda is an artistic courtyard bar that combines bohemian and refined elements, serving rich and tasty food. Their hot, spicy chicken curry cannot be beaten as the delicious, heart-warming, and just the right portion meal fills up your stomach and your beautiful heart. With beanbags, murals, hanging plants, and mood lights, this cafe has a beautiful ambience. It's an excellent hangout spot to enjoy a drink of herbal tea or a local cocktail after a long hike. Planning to meetup with a fellow traveler, read a book without being disturbed, or scribble your trek diary, Electric Pagoda is the most underestimated paradise in Thamel.

Utse Restaurant

• Location: Jyatha Street
• Price: NPR 500 to 1000

Fondly referred to as a heritage gem situated in the premises of one of the oldest heritage hotels in Kathmandu, Utse is a place that offers authentic Tibetan food. Their shyaphale, a fried Tibetan breads, filled with minced meat, are crunchy, chewy, and simply pleasing. The atmosphere carries the old Kathmandu touch, with wood-carved interiors and serene corners. It is the first choice for those seeking an experience of Tibetan cuisine and a calm atmosphere in a traditional setting. This is an excellent introduction to the culture of the Mustang or Annapurna region through food, without the altitude, in case you are trekking in the region.

Basil Cafe and Bar

• Location: North end of Thamel near Lainchaur
• Price: NPR 600 to 1000

Basil is a fashionable yet easy-going cafe that is a little outside of the tourist spot. They offer a signature yak steak that is tender and fatty, perfectly complemented by locally sourced spices, mashed potatoes, and fresh vegetables. Its inside-outside layout is open and classy, with large tables, low tunes, and liberal greenery. It is an excellent choice, especially for couples, small parties, or even single travelers who prefer something special yet not too fancy. Somewhere to have a good dinner after the hike or a serious talk with the wine that does not put one in the picture, Basil is an elegant establishment that is not snobbish.

Conclusion: Eat, Explore, and Elevate your Thamel Experience

Thamel is a tasteful destination of its own. From jam-packed momo stalls to serene rooftop cafes, this place offers a diverse range of food to satisfy the soul and stomach. Thamel is a slice of Nepal, a mix of messy and peaceful, local and international, all in a tasty morsel by morsel.

Relax, book a seat, come to a stop, and enjoy Thamel. You will realize that each plate has its own story, each cafe has its own atmosphere, and each non-obvious corner awaits you to explore further.

And in case you are here to begin your mountain experience, let the professionals guide you through your adventure. Yeti Hikes is a locally grown trekking firm in Nepal, based in Thamel, offering treks with a heart that are deeply woven into culture, coupled with high safety standards and soulful journeys. No matter where you are going, whether it is the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Tilicho Lake, or the Manaslu area, we will ensure you walk in preparation, with a purpose, and with people who care.

In Nepal, as trekkers/traveller, every good plan starts with a perfect heartwarming dinner in Thamel!