Momos are a type of dumpling that can be found in the cuisines of Tibet, Nepal, and the Indian states of Ladakh and Sikkim. The dish has evolved and expanded to numerous countries, each of which has adapted and modified it to suit their needs. It is a steamed dumpling that has a non-vegetarian or a vegetarian filling. The Himalayan momo is believed to have spread to Nepal with the arrival of the Tibetan diaspora. Since this meal was first popular among Nepal's Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley, one widely held notion is that travelling Nepali Newar merchants brought the momo recipe back to Nepal from Tibet, where Nepali Newar merchants used to trade. The meal was traditionally filled with meat, such as yak, and occasionally potatoes and cheese in Tibet. However, after spreading to the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the contemporary age, the momo was made vegetarian to feed the vast population of vegetarian Hindus.
Traditional momos are steamed, however, they can also be deep-fried or pan-fried and cooked in soup. In Tibet, momo is typically eaten with a chilli garlic sauce and pickled daikon. Tomato-based chutneys and sesame, peanut, or soybean-based sauces known as jhol achar are popular dipping sauces in Nepal. Sauces are typically created using tomato or peanut, sesame, and soybean as the base ingredient and can be thick or thin in consistency depending on the cuisine. In the Kathmandu valley, 10 ping-pong ball-sized round momos are drowned in a sauce called jhol achar, which is laced with Timur pepper. In north India, tandoori momos are famous for having a Punjabi touch of spices and are eaten with mayonnaise or green mint chutney.
Hill stations in North India are mostly influenced by Tibetan culture and cuisine. Kasol is one such destination that is rich in Tibetan and Israeli cuisine. It is surrounded by the Parvati river and is a part of the Parvati valley. The momos served here are bigger in size and are juicy yet firm.
What feels better than having hot, juicy momos in the middle of a mountainous valley? The feeling of the warm momos melting in your mouth while you are enjoying the mountains and roaming around the river banks is heavenly.
Here is a list of cafes in Kasol that serve the best authentic momos:
Shambhu Momo Corner
When talking about momos, one definitely cannot miss this food joint. Shambhu Momo Corner is every tourist's favourite spot. They serve both veg and non-veg momos at a very pocket-friendly price. The momos are juicy and have a melt-in-the-mouth texture. They are served with peanut chutney and red garlic chutney that is hard to resist.
₹200
Buddha Place
Buddha Place is a charming little cafe by the Parvati River known for its stunning mountain views and delectable cuisine. The atmosphere is enhanced by artwork showing Bob Marley and Che Guevara on the walls, relaxing music playing in the background, and colourful lighting. Momos, Maggi, soup, Nutella banana crêpes, milkshakes, coffee, and other meals are among their most popular.
Price for two: ₹600
Tibetan Kitchen Rooftop
This is a nice, cosy restaurant with an amazing view. The food is just as good as homemade meals. The prices won't break your bank. It is a must-visit restaurant in Kasol.
Price for two: ₹500
The Cafe Sunshine
If relaxing is your idea of a vacation, you should pay a visit to the place, which is likely the only Kasol café that offers professional massage sessions to help you prepare for long treks and hikes. Sitting on the café turf and watching the river Parvati flow peacefully along the side is a great way to pass time. The panoramic grandeur of the sun-drenched Kasol valley is indeed a feast for the eyes, as the name says. Having warm juicy momos after a relaxing massage session is a dream come true which is why this cafe is worth visiting.
Price for two: ₹500