

Crunchy fried momos from Nepal
Yes momos come in a delicious fried version too! You might remember I wrote previously wrote about the tourist version of momos. The momos above are exactly the same except after they’ve been steamed they’ve been finished off with a quick fry. Is there a difference? Which is better? Let’s find out!
What’s a momo recap
Momos are one of Nepal’s national dishes. They are basically little dumplings but quite different to the ones you’ll find in India, Tibet, China and the rest of the world. The Nepalese momo is unique in many regards.

Momos in Nepal are made from a very light pastry and then filled with a savory mixture. The filling defines the momo along with its cooking method. Common momo fillings include chicken, buff, vegetable and cheese. They are served with a little bowl of masala curry dip that you can see in the center.
I’ll be covering the main types of momo throughout this series of food in Nepal. from Tourist momo’s to local momo’s and more.
Which is better: steamed momo or fried momo?
That’s hard depending on what you like. I personally try to stay away from fried foods as much as possible and have liking to steamed things anyway. So my vote goes to the traditional steamed momo.
However I’ve met many tourists who adore fried momos! They are crunchy and the perfect bite sized portions make for a great meal or snack.
Certainly if you are visiting Nepal give both versions a try!
This is an additional article featuring Nepalese food
Find out the best places to eat in Kathmandu:
- Best coffee shops in Kathmandu
- Cheap restaurants in Kathmandu
- Breakfast restaurants in Kathmandu
- Lunch restaurants in Kathmandu
- Dinner restaurants in Kathmandu
Looking for restaurants and places to eat great food in the rest of Nepal? Check out my guidebook below!
Get my Guidebook to Nepal & discover more than anyone else!
Looking for more insider tips and information like this? Get the most up-to-date, popular and dedicated guidebook to Nepal in the world. Over 617 pages & 984+ photographs of every temple listed, daily guides on all the treks listed and so much more.
Take a look below and you’ll find out why this beats all other guidebooks!
Looks delicious and that dip looks very tempting, will definitely put this on my list when I go to Nepal
They are well worth it Aggy, very addictive though!
Yeeeea more momos!! Love them, thank you. Can we get mail order from Nepal ;)
I could try, but I’m afraid they mightn’t look or taste quite the same by the time they get to you!
look exzactly the same as chinese dumpling except the curry ..
There origins seem to come from Han China. But the taste has been adapted to a Nepali masala version.
I bet they are super crunchy!
Yep, but nice and tasty in the middle
Looks great! Now I’m hungry!
Hey Bob!
Good to hear from you. Hope all’s well with you in The Philippines?
Wish we had some now!
Apparently they are really hard to make!
Momo! Sounds like a nice name to give to a pet dog or cat, LOL!! I bet you just can’t get momos anywhere else except in Nepal, right? Even in Malaysia we can find many Nepalese but none of them sell it. Well, they are here mostly to become security guards :)
The Chinese and Tibetans say they have momos too. Truth is they don’t tastes as good :) There are even momo type dumplings in The Philippines call Siomai.
Momo’s are really hard to make, so maybe that’s why it’s hard to get them in Malaysia. Lot’s of mixing, dough making and then steaming or frying or both :)
Oh man! I have to say, I’m partial to the steamed momos. I lived in Nepal for a year during college and I think fondly about those days. Now, back in the USA, I have struggled to find a Nepalese or Tibetan restaurant that serves them! :(
They are hard to make apparently. If you find a place selling Masala you’ll be getting closer ;)
I thought fried momos exist only in North India but its interesting to see in Nepal as well. Fried momos tastes lot like spring rolls but I would say steamed momos are much better.