# Nepali Breakfast: Sel Roti, Chiya, Puri and Jeri-Swari

_Published 1 June 2026_

Many visitors are surprised to learn that a traditional Nepali family eats its first full meal, dal bhat, mid-morning. Before that comes tea and a light snack.

**Quick answer:** The day starts with **chiya** (sweet milky tea), often with **biscuits**, **sel roti** (a ring-shaped rice doughnut) or **beaten rice**. Popular breakfasts in towns are **puri tarkari** (fried bread with potato curry) and **jeri-swari** (jalebi with a soft fried bread). The main meal, **dal bhat**, is often eaten at 9–10 a.m.

## What to try

- **Chiya:** tea boiled with milk, sugar and sometimes spices. See [Nepali tea](/blog/nepali-tea-guide).
- **Sel roti:** slightly sweet, crispy rice-flour rings, made especially at [Tihar](/blog/tihar-festival-guide).
- **Puri tarkari:** puffed fried bread with potato or chickpea curry.
- **Jeri-swari:** syrup-soaked jalebi with a soft fried bread.
- **Chiura (beaten rice)** with yoghurt or curry.
- **Anda (egg) dishes:** omelette with chilli and onion.

## Where to have a local breakfast

Small tea shops and sweet shops open at dawn in Kathmandu, Patan and Pokhara. Look for a busy one with fresh batches. In Asan or the old streets of [Patan](/blog/patan-travel-guide), breakfast comes with a view of the city waking up.

## On treks

Teahouses serve porridge, eggs and Tibetan bread, but ask for chiya and a local snack too.

See [Kathmandu street food](/blog/kathmandu-street-food-guide).

## Frequently asked questions
### What do Nepalis eat for breakfast?
Tea with a snack, then dal bhat mid-morning.

### What is sel roti?
A slightly sweet, ring-shaped rice-flour doughnut.

### What is jeri-swari?
Jalebi with a soft fried bread.

### When do Nepalis eat dal bhat?
Usually mid-morning and in the evening.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/nepali-breakfast-guide