Nepali cuisine is rich in flavors, and knowing basic food vocabulary in Nepali can make your experience more enjoyable. Whether you’re a tourist visiting Nepal or a language learner, this guide will help you understand common Nepali food words.
Basic Food Words in Nepali
| English | Nepali | Pronunciation |
| Food | खाना Khana | Kha-na |
| Water | पानी Pani | Pa-ni |
| Rice | भात Bhat | Bhaa-t |
| Lentil soup | दाल Dal | Daal |
| Bread | रोटी Roti | Ro-ti |
| Vegetables | तरकारी Tarkari | Tar-ka-ri |
| Meat | मासु Masu | Ma-su |
| Chicken | कुखुराको मासु Kukhurako masu | Ku-khu-ra-ko ma-su |
| Fish | माछा Machha | Ma-chha |
| Egg | अन्डा Anda | An-da |
| Milk | दूध Dudh | Du-dh |
| Cheese | चीज Cheese | Cheese |
| Butter | मक्खन Makkhan | Ma-kkhan |
| Yogurt | दही Dahi | Da-hi |
| Sugar | चिनी Chini | Chi-ni |
| Salt | नुन Nun | Nun |
| Spicy | पिरो Piro | Pi-ro |
| Sweet | गुलियो Guliyo | Gu-li-yo |
| Sour | अमिलो Amilo | Aa-mi-lo |
| Bitter | तितो Tito | Ti-to |
Common Nepali Dishes and Their Names
| English | Nepali | Pronunciation |
| Rice and lentils | दाल भात Dal Bhat | Daal Bhat |
| Potato curry | आलु तरकारी Aalu Tarkari | Aa-lu Tar-ka-ri |
| Bamboo shoot curry | तामा तरकारी Tama Tarkari | Ta-ma Tar-ka-ri |
| Pickle | अचार Achar | Ah-char |
| Meat | मासु Masu | Ma-su |
Drinks and Beverages in Nepali
| English | Nepali | Pronunciation |
| Tea | चिया Chiyaa | Chi-yaa |
| Black tea | कालो चिया Kalo Chiyaa | Ka-lo Chi-yaa |
| Milk tea | दूध चिया Dudh Chiyaa | Du-dh Chi-yaa |
| Coffee | कफी Coffee | Coffee |
| Juice | जुस Juice | Juice |
| Alcohol | रक्सि Rakshi | Rak-shi |
| Beer | बियर Beer | Beer |
Fruits and Vegetables in Nepali
Fruits (फलफूल – Phalphool)
| English | Nepali | Pronunciation |
| Apple | स्याउ Syaau | Syaau |
| Banana | केरा Kera | Ke-ra |
| Mango | आँप Aap | Aap |
| Orange | सुन्तला Suntala | Sun-ta-la |
| Pineapple | भुइँ कटहर Bhui Katahar | Bhui Ka-ta-har |
| Grapes | अंगूर Angur | An-gur |
| Papaya | मेवा Mewa | Me-wa |
Vegetables (तरकारी – Tarkari)
| English | Nepali | Pronunciation |
| Tomato | गोलभेंडा Golbheda | Gol-bhe-da |
| Onion | प्याज Pyaaj | Pyaaj |
| Garlic | लसुन Lasun | La-sun |
| Potato | आलु Aalu | Aa-lu |
| Carrot | गाजर Gajar | Ga-jar |
| Cabbage | बन्दा Banda | Ban-da |
| Cauliflower | काउली Kauli | Kau-li |
Conclusion:
Learning food vocabulary in Nepali will help you navigate restaurants, interact with locals, and enjoy Nepal’s delicious cuisine. Whether you are a tourist visiting Nepal or a Nepali language learner, these words and phrases will enhance your experience.
Start practicing these words today and enjoy the flavors of Nepal!