Newari Cuisine – Must Try Newari Foods

With around 125 different ethnic groups and 123 different languages, Nepal is a very diverse country. The Kathmandu Valley’s historical inhabitants are known as the Newar. Newars are a linguistic and cultural group made up mostly of Indo-Aryans and Tibeto-Burmans who practice Hinduism and Buddhism and speak Nepalbhasa as a common language. Newars have maintained their long-standing customs and rituals, and they take satisfaction in being the actual keepers of Nepal’s religion, culture, and civilisation. Newars have made a significant contribution to culture, art, and literature, along with trade, agriculture, and cuisine. Newari people are now Nepal’s sixth most populated ethnic group.

The Newars are known for their artistic abilities. They worked in architecture, sculpting, painting, wood carving, pottery manufacturing, and other fields when the caste system was in place. The architectural elements are truly fantastic and have gotten a lot of attention. Newars are known for the Malla Dynasty, which ruled for 600 years during the “Golden Age.” Newars are still noted for their ability to run businesses and work in government administration. Newars are also famous for the various jatras and their extremely unique set of cuisine.

Must Try Newari Foods- Top 5

The Newari foods, which evolved from Nepalese cuisine, has established itself as one of the most important and popular on the Nepalese menu. The Newars of Kathmandu have been developing Newari cuisine for generations. The importance of food in Newar culture cannot be understated. Various cuisines are made for various occasions, taking account of the weather and the body’s nutritional requirements. The Newars are known for their grand meals.

Also Read : Nepali Traditional Foods

5. Lakhamari

Lakhamari is a traditional Newari sweet made with flour, ghee, sugar, and other ingredients. It comes in a variety of shapes and is given different names based on the shape. It is given to guests at weddings and other significant family events. Prior to the wedding, the groom must present ‘lakhamari’ to the bride’s family, which will be sent along with the marriage invitation card. The lakhamaris, on the other hand, will only be sent to close family. Lakhamari is firm and crunchy on the outside, but it melts in your tongue like a heavenly delicacy. Lakhamari is typically served with tea and can be preserved for days.

4. Bara

Bara can be considered as spiced lentil pancakes in general. It is eaten as a snack and can be had at any time of day. The lentil, which is Bara’s major ingredient, makes this recipe gluten-free and vegan. Even though it appears as though you won’t be able to stop yourself from devouring one, this snack just takes time to prepare. The lentil beans are soaked overnight in water and is cleaned multiple times the next day till the bean peel comes off. Then it’s ground into a thick paste in a grinder, and spices, ginger, and salt are added as per taste. On top of the bara, you can put an egg, meat, or veggies of your choice. It’s made on a variety of events by the Newars.

3. Yomari

The Newar community’s divine delicacy is Yomari. It’s a dumpling with a rice flour covering and a sweet “chaku” filling. This delicacy is actually very unique both in its looks and its incredible taste and is particularly important in the Yomari Punhi festival. Yomari’s triangle shape is thought to symbolize Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and it is also believed that the day time starts getting longer as the newars pull the tail of the Yomari while preparing it. It also has a distinctive recipe unlike other Newari cuisines, it does not contain a variety of spices. Many individuals dress up in Newari costumes and sell yomari at Yomari Purne. A large fair is held where you can try out Yomari at its absolute best. Yomari restaurants are typically found on busy roads in the valley.

2.Chatamari

Chatamari is a pizza-like dish with a variety of toppings, comparable to rice crepes. It is a typical Newar specialty that is cooked on special occasions for the entire family to enjoy. Chatamari is currently widely consumed as a snack and can be spotted on many restaurant menus. Chatamari is a popular dish in a variety of cultures. On their Chatamari, people like to put eggs, meat, corn, mushrooms, onions, and other things accorging to their preference. Chatamari is also a healthy option, and many individuals include it in their diets. Many foodies are fascinated with this unique Newari meal, and we can see why.

1.Chhoyela

Chhoyela holding the first place on the list, it has definitely won many hearts and has given the best taste-experience to even more tongues. Chhoyela is a divine experience that will delight your tongue. It is, without a question, Newari cuisine’s most popular and beloved non-vegetarian dish. This meal is traditionally served with beaten rice and some chhyang on the side will make it even better. Chhoyela’s scent, aroma, and appearance alone would be enough to make your mouth water. The meat is slowly cooked over a fire made from burning straw, giving it a smokey flavor. The meat’s flawlessly soft texture comes with a well-balanced smokey flavor. The spices used in the Chhoyela are the most crucial factor in making the dish “extra-delicious.”

Newari Cuisine has been incomparable for centuries, it has a separate fanbase and is loved by Nepalese. Newari dishes can be enjoyed with friends and family at any time of the day. It is light for the belly and is your tastebuds’ best-friend. The local and pure ingredients make Newari dishes distinct and even special. Newari food is a must try if you’re not from Nepal because it most probably will blow your minds with the punch of flavors and uniqueness it offers. If you have any questions or comments, please post it below.