｜A Family Kitchen in the Neighborhood

Standing at the alley entrance in Shigatse, the wind still carried a hint of plateau crispness. Known as the closest city to Nepal, I’d long been craving an authentic Nepali meal—following the location into a residential area, climbing creaky wooden stairs, and suddenly, a whiff of camphor wood drifted from behind the second-floor curtain, mixed with warm curry, as if someone was saying “you’re in the right place.” 🏡 A “Little Nepali Nest” in a Residential Building—Camphor Wood Decor Holds Thoughtfulness I was amazed the moment I pushed the door open: the entire restaurant felt wrapped in camphor wood, with tables and chairs made of textured old camphor, and Nepali hand-woven tapestries on the walls, embroidered with snow-capped mountain patterns at the edges. The kitchen door was slightly ajar, revealing a hostess in a floral apron stir-frying at the stove, while the host squatted in the corner wiping camphor bowls. Two pigtailed kids 趴在 the table doing homework, looking up with a smile when they saw me, showing a gap where a tooth was missing. “This house is our own; the camphor wood was brought from Zhangmu Port,” the host wiped his hands and came over, his accent tinged with Nepali, “Our family has been cooking here for eight years—just like at home in Nepal, sit anywhere.” Sunlight slanted through wooden window grilles onto the tablecloth, the faint scent of camphor mixing with rich curry. Suddenly, I felt warmed by this “homely vibe” even before taking a bite. 🍲 Dish Reviews: Every Bite Feels Like It’s from Pokhara Curried Chicken 🍛｜4 Stars The copper plate was still warm when served, with curry sauce thick enough to cling to the spoon, a deep yellow with a tinge of red—not the harsh spiciness of Southeast Asian curries, but a herbal aroma mixed with cardamom and cinnamon, gently drifting to the nose. The chicken pieces were cut square, stewed tender but not dry; biting down, the juice mixed with curry spread in the mouth, even the bone crevices were soaked in flavor. Scooping it with white rice, I unknowingly emptied half the plate, while the host laughed nearby: “Our curry simmers for three hours, with herbs brought from Nepal.” Curried Beef 🥩｜5 Stars (Top Pick) This plate of beef made me immediately give a thumbs-up! Thick beef slices with beautiful marbling, cooked tender but not mushy, easily torn with a light bite. The meaty aroma was wrapped in rich curry without being overpowering. Spooning a ladle of curry sauce over the rice, the sauce seeped into the grain gaps, each rice grain soaking up the flavor, then spearing a piece of beef dipped in sauce—it was so fragrant I smacked my lips. No wonder the host said, “This is our signature; even Nepalis always order it.” Masala Hollow Rolls 🌯｜5 Stars (Must-Try) I thought it was just ordinary fried food when it arrived, but a bite brought a “crunch” that surprised me: the outer shell was as crispy as a cookie, with crumbs I hated to waste even when they fell on the table. Inside was creamy mashed potatoes mixed with carrot bits and masala powder, soft as a cloud. Dipping it in the green sauce beside—tangy-spicy with a hint of mint coolness—it instantly cleared the greasiness. The two kids leaned over and said, “You have to roll it to eat it right,” vying to fold the roll for me, their eyes shining with pride. Potato Jalebi 🥔｜3 Stars (Not Bad) It’s potato strips coated in batter and fried, with a slightly crispy outer layer and soft inside, drizzled with sweet-sour-spicy sauce—like an “upgraded sweet and sour potatoes.” But compared to the other dishes, it was slightly ordinary. Maybe I prefer richer flavors, but my companion ate it happily: “This lightness is perfect for cutting grease.” Hot Drinks ☕｜3 Stars (Warming) All their drinks are hot, and the sweet tea is highly recommended—brewed with brick tea and fresh milk, with a thin layer of cream on top. It’s sweet but not cloying, with a tea flavor lingering in the aftertaste, like blending plateau sunshine with Nepali milk fragrance. Holding the cup to warm my hands, watching pigeons pace on the roof outside, I suddenly felt this sip of sweetness was more comforting than any milk tea. 💡 Sweet Little Details—Like Eating at a Friend’s House Halfway through the meal, the hostess came over with a copper pot: “Need more rice? Soup? Extra sides?” Her voice was soft, like a mom calling from the kitchen. A heads-up: the rice is cooked Nepali-style, with firm, chewy grains. Those who prefer soft rice might need to adjust, but it actually pairs better with curry, clinging to more sauce～ #ShigatseFood #NepaliCuisine #TibetTravel #FamilyKitchen