First Time Trying Nepali Food? Here’s What to Order in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the best cities in Australia to start your Nepalese food adventure if you’ve never tried it before. With its thriving multicultural food scene, the city has plenty of authentic Nepali restaurants and street-food-style eateries, offering everything from fragrant curries to melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Nepali cuisine may not be as widely known as Indian or Thai food, but it’s packed with vibrant spices, robust flavours, and unique combinations that will excite your taste buds.

Here’s a guide to some must-try Nepali dishes in Melbourne for first-timers.

What Nepalese Food to Order in Melbourne

1. Momo – The Famous Nepali Dumplings

When it comes to Nepali food, momo is the ultimate introduction. These soft, steamed or fried dumplings are stuffed with spiced meat or vegetables, creating a perfect balance of textures. Chicken, pork, or buffalo momo are common, while vegetarian options like paneer and cabbage offer a lighter, refreshing flavour.

The secret lies in the dipping sauce – a fiery, tangy tomato and chilli mix that bursts with umami and leaves a lingering warmth on your palate. Steamed momo has a delicate chew, while fried momo adds a crunchy, golden layer that makes every bite irresistible. In Melbourne, momo platters are perfect for sharing, giving you a mix of textures and a symphony of spiced flavours.

2. Pani Puri – Tangy, Spicy, and Refreshing

Though originally Indian, pani puri has a beloved place in Nepali street food. These hollow, crispy spheres are filled with spiced potato, chickpeas, and zesty tamarind water. One bite and your mouth is hit with an exciting combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours.

The chilli-spiked water tingles on the tongue while the crunchy puri bursts with soft filling, creating a playful explosion of textures. It’s fun, messy, and utterly addictive. Some Melbourne eateries even serve creative versions with extra spices, giving food lovers a fiery kick alongside the tangy zing.

3. Goat Curry – Rich, Aromatic, and Comforting

For a hearty, soul-warming dish, Nepali goat curry is a must. Slow-cooked with aromatic spices, ginger, garlic, and fresh chilli, it delivers a deep, rich flavour that is both bold and comforting. The tender meat almost melts in your mouth, absorbing the fragrant spice blend while keeping its juicy essence intact.

When paired with steamed rice or traditional beaten rice (chiura), the curry’s complex notes of cumin, coriander, and fenugreek shine through, leaving a lingering warmth that makes you crave each mouthful. A side of gundruk (fermented leafy greens) adds an earthy tang that perfectly balances the curry’s spice.

4. Thukpa – Warming Himalayan Noodle Soup

Thukpa is the Nepali answer to comfort food. This steaming noodle soup combines silky noodles with a fragrant broth spiced with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and chilli. Chicken, beef, or vegetables add heartiness, while fresh herbs like coriander and spring onion bring a bright, aromatic freshness.

Melbourne’s cooler months make thukpa even more inviting – the broth’s warmth and subtle spiced notes feel like a hug in a bowl. The gentle heat awakens your senses without overwhelming, making it ideal for first-timers who want flavourful but approachable Nepali cuisine.

5. Sel Roti – Sweet, Crispy, and Delightfully Spiced

Sel roti is a traditional Nepali doughnut-like bread, slightly sweet with a hint of cardamom and clove, offering a subtle aromatic punch. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it pairs beautifully with chai or milk. Every bite is a balance of delicate sweetness and warming spices, giving a unique dessert experience far from the usual chocolate or cream-based options in Melbourne.

6. Gundruk and Saag – Earthy, Tangy, and Balanced

Nepali meals often include wholesome sides like gundruk (fermented leafy greens) and saag (sautéed greens). Gundruk has a tangy, smoky flavour that complements spicy dishes, while saag is lightly spiced with garlic and mustard seeds, offering a refreshing, slightly bitter counterpoint to rich curries. These sides highlight the earthy, home-style essence of Nepali cuisine, proving that simple ingredients can pack an impressive punch of flavour.

7. Chatamari – Nepali “Pizza” with Bold Flavours

Chatamari, often called Nepali pizza, is a thin rice flour crepe topped with spiced minced meat, egg, or vegetables. Crispy around the edges and soft in the centre, it’s loaded with aromatic spices, garlic, and hints of ginger. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and a flavour profile that’s hearty, spicy, and deeply satisfying.

8. Choyla – Spicy, Fragrant Meat Salad

Choyla is a traditional Nepali dish of grilled or boiled meat tossed with mustard oil, fresh chilli, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The result is fiery, smoky, and packed with bold, piquant flavours. It’s a side dish that punches above its weight, leaving a tantalising tingle on the tongue and adding a vibrant kick to any meal. Pair it with mild rice or a cooling drink to balance the spice.

Where to Find Nepali Food in Melbourne

Melbourne boasts a vibrant Nepali food scene, particularly in suburbs like Brunswick, Footscray, Nunawading and the CBD. From casual takeaway to sit-down restaurants, there’s a place for every budget and craving. Many restaurants also offer street-food platters, letting you try a mix of spicy, tangy, and aromatic dishes in one go.

Final Thoughts

Nepali cuisine is a hidden gem in Melbourne’s multicultural landscape. The fragrant spices, bold flavours, and comforting textures make it perfect for adventurous eaters and first-timers alike. From the crispy, spicy momo and fiery choyla to the rich, aromatic goat curry and tangy pani puri, every dish is an invitation to explore a new world of taste.

So next time you’re searching for something exciting and flavour-packed, dive into Nepali food in Melbourne. Your taste buds will be delighted, and you’ll discover why these bold, spiced dishes are cherished by food lovers worldwide.