What are Nepali and Tibetan Cuisines ?
Nepal
Nepal, sandwiched between the two giant countries of China and India, is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Over 90 languages are spoken and over
100 ethnic groups live in the small country of Nepal! Therefore, Nepali cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the diversity of the Nepali people and their foods.
At Café Annapurna we specialize in the more typical and popular dishes that you will find in most homes in Nepal. Our recipes use traditional and typical ingredients, and
focus on good nutrition as well as tempting tastes!
One misconception is that Nepali food is TOO SPICY. This is not the case! Actually, Nepali food relies more on a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings for its unique flavors,
rather than on "heat". Nepali foods use many spices, but in moderation and tastefully done. Nepali food will not burn your mouth! Instead your "mouth will water" as you relish
the complex tastes of our special ingredients.
People generally compare Nepali food to Indian food. While there are some similarities (for example, dishes from both cuisines use curry) Nepali dishes do not rely on creams
or butter for flavor. Therefore, Nepali foods are not as fatty or heavy as some Indian dishes. The leanest meats and freshest vegetables are used for their flavor. The food is
simply but tastefully prepared, with varieties of subtle curries, spices, and other ingredients (some of which are only available in Nepal).
Our dinner menu now includes some new unique and exciting items from Nepal. Please check them out in detail on the menu link. We hope you will come and savor some of the
famous dishes of Nepal!
Also, Nepali food is inherently extremely VEGETARIAN and VEGAN FRIENDLY!!! We use no ghee, but only natural vegetable oils. Many of our dishes are fully vegan.
Some members of the Annapurna staff are staunch vegetarians who know how hard it can be to find good vegetarian fare out there J !!!
***Please note that Nepali food is inherently extremely VEGETARIAN and VEGAN FRIENDLY!!!
We use no ghee, but only natural oils. Not to mention that you will find that some of the staffs are staunch vegetarians and we know how it is out there !!!
Tibet
Tibet is located north of Nepal on a plateau adjacent to the Himalayan Mountains. While its current governmental status is disputed, the importance of its people and their
ways of life are not! Many Tibetans now live in exile in Nepal, so some Tibetan dishes have become quite popular there. Because the land in Tibet includes some of the highest
locations on earth, it can be quite cold, especially in winter.
Therefore the most popular Tibetan foods are "comfort foods" that make you feel nice and warm inside.
At Café Annapurnal, our Tibetan-influenced dishes are momo's (steamed dumplings) and noodles. In Nepal these foods often serve as afternoon and early evening snacks for young and old alike.
Momo's are the tastiest, juiciest dumplings, with a hearty natural flavor. We serve both meat and "veggie" momos, made from special "secret ingredients". This is a rare treat to have in Florida!
Also, try our Lhasa Noodle, a unique noodle stir-fry with plenty of savory vegetables. We serve Lhasa Noodle with your choice of chicken or tofu.
As always, feel free to ask us any questions you have about the food, pronunciations, and translation.