A Culinary Journey Through Nepalese Cuisine in London
During my recent stay in London, I had the pleasure of dining at Aloo Tama, a Nepalese restaurant that truly captures the essence of Nepal's rich culinary heritage. Nestled in the heart of the city at 18th Greencoat Road, this eatery offers a unique experience for both the adventurous foodie and the comfort-seeking diner.
First Impressions Upon my first visit, the concept of 'bring your own drinks' added a personalized touch to the meal. The Mutton Choila, Momo Platter, and Pork Jheer were the highlights, each dish offering a burst of authentic flavors that transported me straight to the streets of Kathmandu.
A Second Helping My second visit allowed me to delve deeper into the menu. The Pharsi Mutton Masu, a delightful combination of mutton and pumpkin, was a revelation when paired with plain rice. The Chef's Special Wings and Chicken Wings were perfect as snacks, their succulent meat falling right off the bone.
The Momo Experience The Momo Platter was a standout, with a mix of chicken and pork momos. The accompanying achar (chutney) was the perfect condiment, enhancing the juicy filling. Between the two, the chicken momo won my heart with their tender and flavorful meat.
Authentic Flavors The Mutton Choila Set deserves a special mention for its authenticity. The in-house Furandana (beaten rice) complemented the choila beautifully, making it an excellent choice to enjoy with drinks.
Spice and Everything Nice For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Chicken Chilly Boneless was a spicy yet shareable dish that paired wonderfully with our beverages.
Signature Delights Lastly, the restaurant's namesake dish, the Aloo Tama, was a versatile treat. I savored it as a soup, but it's equally enjoyable with rice, offering a comforting warmth with every spoonful.
Cozy Ambiance The restaurant's intimate setting, with about 24 seats, creates a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for a casual dine-in experience. Walk-ins are welcome, and while there was no wait time during my first visit, a brief 10-minute wait on my second visit indicated the place's growing popularity.
Final Thoughts Aloo Tama is more than just a restaurant; it's a gateway to experiencing Nepalese culture through its cuisine. The attention service, cozy ambiance, and, most importantly, the delectable food make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Nepal in London. Whether you're there for a quick snack or a full meal, Aloo Tama promises an unforgettable...
Read moreAs a food enthusiast always on the lookout for authentic and exciting flavors, I recently paid a visit to a Nepalese restaurant located conveniently near London's Victoria Station. The establishment promises a taste of the Himalayas, and I was eager to sample some of their signature dishes: momos, chowmein, and chatpate. My culinary journey began with the momos and chowmein. While they were both perfectly edible and well-prepared, they didn't quite live up to the vibrant, robust flavors I associate with true Nepalese cuisine. The momos, though juicy, lacked the distinctive, aromatic spice blend that gives them their unique character. Similarly, the chowmein was a good, standard stir-fried noodle dish, but it seemed to lack the fiery kick and complex flavor profile that one might anticipate. I suspect the taste has been adapted to a more local palate, which might be a boon for those new to the cuisine but left my taste buds wanting more. The chatpate, a spicy street food salad, was where I felt a touch of disappointment. I had specifically requested it to be spicy with green chilies, hoping for a clean, sharp heat. Unfortunately, the spice I tasted seemed to come from red chilies, which, while still providing heat, didn't deliver the flavor I had asked for. It was a minor detail, but one that showed a gap between the order and the execution. In conclusion, while the meal didn't quite transport me back to the bustling streets of Nepal, it was by no means a bad experience. The food was generally good, and the dishes were satisfying in their own right. For anyone near Victoria Station who is new to Nepalese food or prefers a milder, less intense flavor, I would recommend giving this place a try. It's a solid, safe introduction to the cuisine, even if it doesn't meet the expectations...
Read moreI was looking for somewhere quiet, spicy or Asian cuisine but close to the House of Commons. (No I’m not having an affair with a Minister but I was hosting a visiting politician from SE Asia ) I found Aloo Tama!
It’s an authentic Nepalese restaurant that has grown from their food truck stationed in the Paddington Basin.
From the outside it looks like a cute romantic bistro with its one outside table and fairy lights. Inside the decor is simple but true to their roots.
The staff are super welcoming and made us feel like old friends. The dishes come from all the regions of Nepal and I was impressed by the variety. Luckily the manager and staff are experts at explaining the menu.
We started with the mixed platter and then went on to share some curries and kebab type dishes. I was pleased to find chilli chips on the menu and a Nepalese version of potato salad and some other dishes I’ve never tried.
It’s hardly surprising that we ate a lot as it’s rare in London to be able to sample a totally new cuisine.
The curries seem more similar to dishes I often eat but l would describe them as complex, spicy dishes rather than “hot” curries.
The only downside is they they don’t have a liquor licence and I didn’t realise it was BYOB. On the plus side the bill was remarkably reasonable.
I will be going back as soon as I can to try everything else...
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