1. What are some popular restaurants and cafes around Indra Jatra in Kathmandu?
Some popular restaurants and cafes around Indra Jatra in Kathmandu include:
1. Cafe Mitra – known for its great coffee and delicious Nepali food.
2. Thamel House Restaurant – popular for its rooftop dining and traditional Newari cuisine.
3. Everest Momo Cafe – famous for its momos, a popular dumpling dish in Nepal.
4. Roadhouse Café – known for its wood-fired pizzas and live music.
5. The Old House – offers a mix of international and Nepalese dishes in a rustic setting.
6. Nani’s Home Kitchen – highly-rated for its authentic homestyle Nepali dishes.
7. Himalayan Java Coffee – a favorite among locals and tourists for its freshly brewed coffee.
8. Bhojan Griha – serves traditional Nepali thalis with live cultural performances.
9. Fusion Himalaya Bakery & Cafe – popular for its homemade pastries, cakes, and sandwiches.
10. Yangling Tibetan Restaurant – offers an extensive menu of Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali dishes at affordable prices.
2. Are there any local food markets or street food stalls that offer unique and authentic Nepali dishes during Indra Jatra?
Yes, there are many local food markets and street food stalls that offer unique and authentic Nepali dishes during Indra Jatra. Some popular places to find these types of dishes include Ason Bazaar, Thamel Chowk, and Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu. You can also try local festivals and events during Indra Jatra, such as the Kathmandu Street Festival or Bhaktapur Food Festival, to discover a variety of traditional Nepali food options.
3. Can you recommend any restaurants that serve traditional Newari cuisine during the festival?
I am an AI and I can recommend two restaurants that serve traditional Newari cuisine during festivals: Bhojan Griha and Thaiba Bhailo.
4. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options available around Indra Jatra?
Yes, there are various vegetarian and vegan dining options available around Indra Jatra. Some popular restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan menus include Fizi Cafe, Little Italy, Newari Kitchen, and Alina’s Cafe. Additionally, many local street food vendors also offer vegetarian and vegan options such as momos (dumplings) filled with vegetables or potatoes.
5. Do any restaurants or cafes offer outdoor seating with a view of the festivities during Indra Jatra?
Yes, some restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu such as Thamel House Restaurant, Garden of Dreams, and Mulchowk Restaurant offer outdoor seating with a view of the Indra Jatra festivities.
6. Are there any food stalls or vendors selling traditional festival treats like yomari and sel roti?
Yes, there may be food stalls or vendors selling traditional festival treats like yomari and sel roti at some festivals. However, it ultimately depends on the specific festival and its location. It is best to research beforehand or ask locals for recommendations.
7. Which area in Kathmandu is known for its wide variety of dining options during Indra Jatra?
The area in Kathmandu known for its wide variety of dining options during Indra Jatra is the Thamel neighborhood.
8. Are there any rooftop restaurants or bars that offer a good vantage point for watching the Indra Jatra parade?
Yes, there are several rooftop restaurants and bars in Kathmandu that offer a good vantage point for watching the Indra Jatra parade. Some popular options include The Chimney Restaurant & Bar, Garden of Dreams Cafe & Restaurant, and Thamel House Restaurant. These places often have outdoor seating areas with views of the procession route and traditional dance performances during the festival. It is recommended to book in advance as these spots can get crowded during Indra Jatra.
9. Do any restaurants have special menus or discounts during the festival season?
Yes, many restaurants offer special menus and discounts during the festival season.
10. What are some must-try dishes from the Newari cuisine available in Kathmandu during Indra Jatra?
Some must-try dishes from the Newari cuisine available in Kathmandu during Indra Jatra are Samay Baji, Yomari, Chhoila and Chatamari. These traditional delicacies are often prepared and enjoyed during this festival in Nepal’s capital city.
11. Are there any upscale dining options near Hanuman Dhoka, where the main celebrations take place during Indra Jatra?
Yes, there are several upscale dining options near Hanuman Dhoka, where the main celebrations take place during Indra Jatra. Some popular choices include Dwarika’s Hotel Restaurant, Kathmandu Durbar Square Fine Dine & Bar, and Casablanca Fine Dining & Grill. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines and an elegant atmosphere for those looking for a more upscale dining experience near the festival.
12. Do restaurants in Kathmandu cater to dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or dairy-free options?
Yes, many restaurants in Kathmandu cater to dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free and dairy-free options on their menu. They understand the importance of accommodating different dietary needs and have adapted their dishes to cater to these requirements. Additionally, there are also specialized restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu that specifically cater to those with dietary restrictions. It is important to inform the staff about any dietary restrictions when placing an order so they can prepare your food accordingly.
13. Is it safe to eat street food during Indra Jatra, considering the large crowds and noise?
It is generally not recommended to eat street food during Indra Jatra due to the large crowds and noise that can contribute to an unhygienic environment. It is important to prioritize personal health and safety while attending cultural festivals.
14. Are there any international restaurants serving cuisines other than Nepali around Indra Jatra?
Yes, there are many international restaurants serving a variety of cuisines such as Chinese, Indian, Thai, Italian, and Mexican around Indra Jatra.
15. How early should one make reservations at popular dining spots to secure a table for dinner during Indra Jatra?
Ideally, one should make reservations at least a few weeks in advance to secure a table for dinner during Indra Jatra. However, it is recommended to make reservations as early as possible if planning to dine at a particularly popular or highly sought-after dining spot.
16. Are there any famous sweets shops around Kathmandu that offer special treats during festivals like Indra Jatra?
Yes, there are several famous sweets shops in Kathmandu that are known for offering special treats during festivals like Indra Jatra. Some popular ones include Annapurna Sweets, Madan Bhandari Sweets, and Laxmi Misthan Bhandar. These shops offer a variety of traditional sweets and delicacies like Sel Roti, Yomari, Barfi, and more during festivals like Indra Jatra. They often have long queues of customers waiting to purchase these special treats.
17. Can you suggest some authentic Nepali thali restaurants near Naktapur Durbar Square, another important celebration site for Indra Jatra?
Yes, I can suggest some authentic Nepali thali restaurants near Naktapur Durbar Square. Some popular options include Krishnarpan Restaurant, Newari Kitchen, Kantipur Temple House Restaurant, Thamel House Restaurant, and Bhumi Spices and Kitchen. These restaurants offer food that is typical of Nepalese culture and cuisine, including traditional thalis with a variety of dishes served on a large plate. They are located in close proximity to Naktapur Durbar Square and are easily accessible from there. You can also ask for recommendations from locals or check online reviews for more options.
18. Do any restaurants offer live music or cultural performances during Indra Jatra for a unique dining experience?
Yes, some restaurants in Nepal do offer live music or cultural performances during Indra Jatra for a unique dining experience. It is a popular festival in Nepal and many restaurants may have special events or performances to celebrate it. I suggest checking with specific restaurants to see if they have any planned events during the festival.
19. How expensive are the average meals at restaurants around Indra Jatra, and do they accept credit cards or only cash?
The average cost of meals at restaurants around Indra Jatra can vary depending on the type of establishment and the specific dish or menu items. Generally, prices range from moderate to high, with some exceptions for more budget-friendly options. As for payment methods, it is common for restaurants in this area to accept both credit cards and cash. However, it is always best to confirm preferred payment options with individual restaurants before dining.
20. Are there any food tours available during Indra Jatra that offer a taste of both local and international dishes in Kathmandu?
Yes, there are food tours available during Indra Jatra that offer a taste of both local and international dishes in Kathmandu. These tours usually include visits to popular restaurants, street food vendors, and markets to sample a variety of dishes from different cuisines. Some also incorporate cultural and historical information about the festival and its traditional foods. It is recommended to book these tours in advance through reputable tour operators or through your accommodations.