Good news for plant-based travellers: Nepal is one of the easiest countries in Asia for vegetarians, and with a little care, vegans can eat very well too.
Quick answer: many Nepali meals are naturally vegetarian, including dal bhat, vegetable curries and veg momos. Vegans should watch for ghee (clarified butter), curd, paneer, milk tea and butter tea. On treks, many trekkers choose vegetarian food anyway, as meat at high lodges is often carried up for days.
Vegetarian dishes to try
- Dal bhat: rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, greens and pickle. See our dal bhat guide.
- Veg momos: dumplings filled with vegetables or paneer. See what are momos?
- Aloo tama: potatoes with bamboo shoots.
- Chatamari: a Newari rice-flour "pizza", with vegetable or egg toppings.
- Thukpa: noodle soup, available with vegetables.
Tips for vegans
- Ask for food "without ghee, butter or curd".
- Black tea and lemon tea are vegan; milk tea is not.
- Many restaurants in Thamel and Lakeside label vegan dishes.
- Learn a few phrases; see our Nepali phrases.
On treks
Teahouse menus offer dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, pasta and soups, all easy to order vegetarian. Bring nuts, seeds and energy bars for extra protein.
See our Nepali food guide.