Smoking Yak’s Rooftop Bistro—After Trekking

It’s Time to Stuff Your Stomach with Burgers and Steak 🥩 A few days after descending from the ABC trail, my legs were still wobbly, but my stomach had only one thought: Need meat! Need big, juicy bites of meat! Wandering through a lakeside alley, I spotted Smoking Yak’s rooftop—“BBQ” signs hanging from wooden railings caught my eye, and the second I pushed open the door, the aroma of grilled meat mixed with fresh bread hit me. Yep, this was the spot. Today, I was determined to make up for all the calories burned trekking. 🌞 The Rooftop’s Laid-Back Vibe: Perfect for Noon Sun or Evening Breezes The bistro’s rooftop is tucked on the second floor. Climb a few wooden stairs, and the view opens up: white parasols shade rattan tables and chairs, with a peek of Phewa Lake in the distance, and nearby greenery sprawling almost to the table tops. We visited at noon—sunlight filtered through leaves like (golden confetti), glinting off steak knives. A group of European travelers at the next table said, “Even better in the evening—when the lights come on, lake breezes roll in, mixing with the smoke of grills. It’s chill enough to blow away all the trekking fatigue.” The decor leans rugged Western industrial: climbing ropes and a yak skull (decorative, of course) hang on walls, even the plates are heavy cast iron—slamming down on the table with a “thud,” exuding that “eat big, eat hearty” boldness. Staff in logo tees handed over menus, grinning: “Just came down from the mountains? Better order extra meat—our portions don’t mess around.” 🍔 A Carnivore’s 狂欢 (Carnival): Chicken Burger Steals the Show, Steak Holds Its Own Three of us didn’t hesitate—we went full carnivore: chicken burger, medium-rare steak, grilled chicken breast. No one was skimping on carbs today. The chicken burger arrived and shocked us—it was bigger than my face, bulging with fillings. The bun was fluffy, springing back when squeezed, with the warm aroma of fresh baking. One bite, and I got why it’s the favorite: the chicken patty was thick and substantial, juicy enough to drip when you bite, mixing with tangy tomato, crisp lettuce, and rich cheese. The bun soaked up the juices, melting softly in my mouth. Halfway through, I was already burping but couldn’t stop. The medium-rare sirloin steak came on a sizzling cast-iron plate, still hissing. Cut into, it revealed a pink, juicy center with a hint of red, edges charred to a crisp. A sprinkle of black pepper and sea salt, and the meaty aroma exploded—chewy but not tough. The side of roasted potatoes, crispy outside and fluffy inside, soaked up the meat juices—carbs and meat happiness, maxed out. The grilled chicken breast was more understated but impressively tender: the skin, brushed with honey mustard, had a slight char, while the meat inside was tender enough to melt. The accompanying veggie salad was crisp and refreshing, balancing the richness of the meat perfectly. When the three dishes hit the table, the stack of cast-iron plates looked like a small mountain of meat. We thought we’d have leftovers, but even the last potato chunk was snatched up—we probably overcompensated for the calories burned trekking, and then some. 📍 A Carnivore’s Refuel Station: No “eating light” here Name: Smoking Yak Location: In a lakeside alley, Pokhara (follow the “BBQ” signs and the smell of meat—you can’t miss it) Pro tip: Noon is great for soaking up sun and refueling; evening is perfect for lake breezes and a drink. The chicken burger is a must-order; for steak, medium-rare hits the sweet spot for tenderness. Leaving, I patted my stuffed stomach as I descended the stairs—my legs even felt stronger than when I arrived. Suddenly, I loved Pokhara for this: trekking up, you munch energy bars while staring at snow-capped peaks; coming down, you sit on a rooftop, and a juicy burger turns all that exhaustion into a satisfied sigh. Next time I descend, I’m coming back—this time, the goal is to add their ribs to the feast. After all, the joy of meat lovers is always simple and straightforward. #PokharaFood #PokharaNepal #WesternBistro #TrekkingRefuel #CarnivoreHeaven