Those treasure spots I keep coming back to in Pokhara
After staying in Pokhara for a while, there are always a few shops that make my mouth water at the thought—some hide by the lake with the scent of bread, some have terraces with mountain views, some have a bowl of fried noodles that lures me back daily… A messy list of my regulars, all personal faves～ 1. wheat to sweet 🍞｜The “carb happiness factory” by the lake—3 RMB for pure joy Every time I pass this alley by the lake, I’m drawn in by the bakery’s aroma! The glass case is filled with freshly baked bread, buttery scent mixing with roasted apple sweetness, like a whisper to my stomach “come on in”～ Their apple strudle is a must! 3 RMB for a palm-sized pastry with flaky, crumbly layers that “ when you bite into it. The filling is real apple chunks, no weird additives, just the right sweet-tartness. Pair it with a glass of local milk 🥛, and it’s the most comforting breakfast. Locals line up in the morning, aunties chatting in Nepali, handing over bread still warm from the oven—cozy and reassuring～ 2. 360sky & fresh elements 🥂｜“No-mistake” high-end Western spots—perfect for dates or hangs These two are the “refined picks” of Pokhara’s Western food scene, with unbeatable vibes: 360sky’s terrace has a slanted view of Machhapuchhre; when the lights come on at dusk, the snow-capped mountains make the perfect backdrop, romantic enough to linger over drinks. Fresh Elements hides among greenery, a glass house flooded with sunlight—ideal for slow brunches. You can’t go wrong with any menu item! 360sky’s bacon-wrapped shrimp is a must: shrimp butterflied and wrapped in bacon, grilled to crispy, oily perfection. Bite in, and the shrimp bounces on your tongue, soaked in bacon’s saltiness 🦐🥓. Their Thai noodles have just the rightkick, lemongrass fragrance mixing with coconut milk—slurp one bite and you’ll feel refreshed all over 🍜. When you want to “splurge” a little, these spots deliver～ 3. juicy 店 🥤｜A “fresh-pressed energy station” that wakes you right up After wandering the lakeside, I love popping into this small shop for juice. The owner chops fruit fresh every morning—mangoes, pineapples, guavas piled like little mountains. Say “less ice,” and he’ll grin and add an extra lemon slice. The mixed fruit-veg juice is top: carrot + apple + turmeric, sweet-spicy and (reportedly) a local hangover cure. Pure mango juice is also amazing, thick enough to coat the glass, like biting into a just-picked mango 🥭. You’ll even find pulp at the bottom to lick up～ 4. cafe joy 🍜｜A bowl of fried noodles that lures me back daily—nothing beats homely smoke and spice Hidden in an old alley with a fading sign, this spot became my “lunch canteen” thanks to one bowl of fried noodles. The owner’s wok skills are impressive—high heat “sizzles,” and the scent of soy sauce mixed with egg drifts half a street away Their noodles are local thin ones, stir-fried to separate strands, tossed with bean sprouts, carrot shreds, and local chili peppers, finished with a handful of cilantro. Simple, but packed with flavor. Sometimes add a fried egg on top, yolk oozing into the noodles—carb joy maxed out! Pair with iced tea, and 10 RMB never tasted better～ 5.🍚｜Portions so huge they’ll surprise you—braised pork rice tastes like nostalgia When craving “Chinese carbs,” this is my go-to! The Taiwanese auntie owner always (smiles and) warns “our portions are big!”—and sure enough, a bowl of braised pork rice arrives with a mountain of fatty-tender pork, sauce thick enough to stick to chopsticks, skin melting in your mouth, even the rice soaked in savory goodness. But remember the hours (closes around 2-3 PM); I’ve dashed over too many times, only to sigh at the closed door ⏰. But every bite makes it worth waiting for next time～ #Pokhara #Nepal #AuthenticFoodOnTheRoad
