Nepal is a beautiful country with rich culture and amazing food. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the streets of Kathmandu or a Nepali language learner eager to communicate more effectively, knowing how to order food in Nepali will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will help you navigate common food-related phrases and expressions in Nepali.
Common Food Ordering Phrases in Nepali
Hello, I would like to order food.
Romanized: Namaste, ma khana order garna chahanchu.
Pronunciation: Na-mas-te, ma kha-na order gar-na cha-han-chu.
Nepali: नमस्ते, म खाना अर्डर गर्न चाहन्छु।
Can I see the menu, please?
Malai menu dekhauna saknuhunchha?
Ma-lai menu de-khau-na sak-nu-hun-chha?
मलाई मेनु देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?
What do you recommend?
Tapai ke sujhab dinuhuncha?
Ta-pai ke su-jhab di-nu-hun-cha?
तपाईं के सुझाव दिनुहुन्छ?
I would like to have (Dish Name).
Ma (Dish name) khana chahanchu.
Ma (Dish name) kha-na cha-han-chu.
म (डिश नाम) खान चाहन्छु।
How much is this?
Yasko kati parcha?
Yas-ko ka-ti par-cha?
यसको कति पर्छ?
Do you have vegetarian food?
Ke tapaikoma shaakahari khana chha?
Ke ta-pai-ko-ma shaa-ka-ha-ri kha-na chha?
के तपाईंकोमा शाकाहारी खाना छ ?
Please give me (Dish Name).
Kripaya malai (Dish name) dinuhos.
Kri-pa-ya ma-lai (Dish name) di-nu-hos.
कृपया मलाई (डिश नाम) दिनुहोस्।
I am full, thank you.
Ma aghayaeko chu, dhanyabaad.
Ma ah-gha-yae-ko chu, dhan-ya-baad.
म अघाएको छु, धन्यवाद।
Common Nepali Dishes You Might Order
- Momo (Nepali Dumplings)
- Dal Bhat (Rice and Lentil Soup)
- Thukpa (Noodle Soup)
- Chatamari (Nepali Pancake)
- Aloo Tama (Potato and Bamboo Shoot Curry)
- Sel Roti (Nepali Rice Doughnut)
- Samosa (Fried Pastry with Filling)
Tips for Ordering Food in Nepal
Be Polite: Politeness is highly valued in Nepali culture, so always use “kripaya” (please) and “dhanyabad” (thank you).
Know What You Want: If you are unsure of the food, always ask for recommendations.
Vegetarian Options: Nepal has a large vegetarian population, so there are plenty of vegetarian options available. If you’re a vegetarian, you can simply ask for vegetarian food (“Shaakahari khana”).
Cash is Common: While many places accept cards, cash is still preferred in many local restaurants. Always keep some Nepali rupees handy.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a tourist trying to savor the local flavors or a Nepali language learner aiming to master food-related expressions, this guide to ordering food in Nepali is a great starting point. Use these phrases to enhance your experience in Nepal, make ordering food easier, and immerse yourself in the culture.