Thulo Thakali Restaurant | Authentic Nepali & Thakali Cuisine — Restaurant in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Why did I come here? For buckwheat thakali at 20:00. Photo is after I had removed on piece of pickled radish (daikon?)

First impressions... menu has food that looks good, tables in front heated section close to noisy motorcycle traffic, music too loud (someone turned it down later) marble tabletops don't work in winter.

To the food...

Excellent and unusual. Looked like a lot of whole foods (except the star, the buckwheat, which looked rather processed). Not sure I liked the glutenous texture - reminded ne of Kenyan ugali. Very starchy

The starter which I ordered as an afterthought never arrived. Just as well, because while not unlimited like a banana leaf cafeteria type place in Malaysia, I was offered seconds. The server did not hold back- and either did I: fermented spinach with soybeans, green leafy veg (not overcooked), pickled radish, fried potatoes, and especially the deep-fried karela. The only items I did not like were the chana with potatoes and a watery dal (?) Wait, the yoghurt was sweetened and the papadam thing did not impress me.

All the 'weird' stuff was wonderfully new to me and delicious. The thali's first serving of green veg was miniscule and he really did want me to take rice (cheap filler?) When he came round with more. Don't know why the fermented dish was not there to start with.

Would I come back: yes, but first I will try a cheaper place serving buckwheat dishes of Nepal.

NPR610 w/ taxes I took one star off service and total rating because I paid full menu price (see sign). And I never like obsequious service such as waiters offering to grind peppercorns on my meal or in this case, add a couple...

It has been years that I come at Thulo Thakali as I bring my customer to this place. For the last two times I went, I've been deeply disappointed by the dal bhat. They are proud to say "Thulo" (big) but when you take a veg thakali you don't even have two "tarkari", the one that you will get refill as much as you want and the one extra. For this price, it's the minimum to have two "tarkari" (curry of vegetables). When I came, the "karela" was completely burnt and when I ask to have others they just tell me "no they are all like this". I will be in a local small restaurant why not but to be in a place where all dal bhat are charge +500 and receive that is a joke. No side oignon, lemon or chilly. Spinach were tasteless as the dal. Maybe it's to suit the taste of foreigner that are not used to spicy food but there is a gap between no taste and tasteful without spicy. I write this comment because when I was paying, someone in charge asked me how was the food. I explain my feelings and my disappointment and the guy just didn't care at all. No sorry or at least asking more information for my point of view if it was surprising. No the guy just look at me badly without any answer. If you are foreigner and are looking for a true dal bhat/thakali khana, there is so many other places in Thamel or in town, where you will save your money and you will eat better food. So sad, I love this place before but seems that the team cares less...

Classy place in the middle of bustling shopping street, struck me with its modern interior design. Had a thali chicken set, wanting to explore Nepali delicacy but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as I realized the flavors are not for me. Though I think they made a really nice platter full with all the side dish and condiments. The juice isn't ice-blended which surprised me; maybe it's just the way it's always served here and I just didn't know. Not a bad thing. The (good-looking) waiters are attentive, and prices are ok. Definitely a recommended place.

One thing to improve is the menu book. No pictures of the dish so I had some difficulties imagining what my plate would be. Had to use Google to check...