Member Review by Kate Dal Forno

Nepalese food. Separately I know what the words mean but I couldn't immediately recall a dish that would signify Nepalese cuisine.

Once seated inside this cosy establishment, and again treated to a pre-dinner complimentary appetiser while perusing the menu, the starters of momo (meat dumplings) and bara or wo (black lentil patties) which I had tried at other Nepalese cafes all came back to me(that one in smith st collingwood makes good momo).

Generally Nepalese cuisine is a mix of many different ethnic influences particularly Indian, some chinese, occasionally Tibetan, and especially the local Newari.

The food here is simply presented and tasty while the service pleasant though a little light on in the description and upselling stakes (i think they talked us out of one dish and reduced our rice and bread to one to share). The chicken with chillies is sweet and has a smokey depth to it and is reminiscent of more northen chinese dishes. The dhal seems lighter than the indian version and there are lots of daily specials to divert your attention. The big crowd pleaser is the goat curry which you may or may not be able to come at depending on your childhood pets...different and delicious. Beef is on offer in a few dishes even though killing cows is prohibited in Nepal.

Banquets are also on offer here (most including the goat curry). Take away also available for when you are staying in with rare Nepalese documentaries or films e.g Muna Madan or Caravan.

So park far enough away to walk it off and add chatamari, momo, masu and takari to your food vocabulary.