If you’re looking for something that combines spice, comfort, and flavour, here are five essential Nepali dishes plus bonus warming options to enjoy in Melbourne this winter.
Melbourne winters can get chilly, and nothing hits the spot better than a bowl of hearty, spicy Nepali food. Known for bold flavours, warming spices, and comforting ingredients, Nepali cuisine is perfect for those cold days when you need something to lift your spirits.
From thick, spicy soups to rich curries, Nepali dishes are made to satisfy and warm you from the inside out.
5 Spicy Nepali Dishes to Warm You Up This Winter in Melbourne
1. Thukpa – Nepali Noodle Soup
Thukpa is a spicy noodle soup that’s a staple in Nepali households, especially during winter. The dish typically includes hand-pulled or wheat noodles, vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and beans, and sometimes meat or tofu, all simmered in a rich, aromatic broth. Garlic, ginger, chillies, and Nepali spices give the broth its warming heat.
Thukpa is ideal for Melbourne winters – the steaming broth warms you from the inside out, while the spice hits just enough to keep you cosy. Vegetarian versions are widely available, making it a great option for a vegetarian-friendly, warming dish.
Eating Thukpa is a sensory experience – the steam warms your face, the spice tingles your taste buds, and the hearty noodles fill you up. It’s perfect for a quiet night in or a casual lunch with mates during the colder months.
2. Jhol Momo – Dumplings in Spicy Soup
Jhol momo is one of Melbourne’s most loved Nepali winter dishes. These are steamed or fried dumplings served in a tangy, spicy broth. The broth – called “jhol” – is made with chillies, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and traditional Nepali spices.
Each momo soaks up the soup, giving a perfect balance of savoury, spicy, and tangy flavours. The dumplings are soft, juicy, and comforting, making them ideal for winter. Jhol momo is often eaten with rice or as a standalone dish, and it’s a favourite for those who love street-food-style comfort without leaving the warmth of a cosy restaurant.
3. Chili Momo – Spicy Dumplings
Chili momo is a fiery cousin of the classic momo. Instead of being served in a soup, these dumplings are tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made from garlic, chillies, soy, and Nepali spices. Sometimes garnished with fresh coriander, spring onions, or sesame seeds, they pack a serious punch.
Chili momo is perfect for warming up on a cold winter night. The spicy sauce hits first, followed by the juicy, soft dumpling filling. Whether you opt for vegetable, chicken, or paneer filling, it’s a dish that combines comfort and heat in every bite. Perfect with a side of rice or even as a stand-alone snack, chili momo is quickly becoming a Melbourne winter favourite.
4. Aloo Tama – Potato and Bamboo Shoot Curry
Aloo Tama is a classic Nepali curry that combines potatoes (aloo), bamboo shoots (tama), and sometimes black-eyed peas or chickpeas in a tangy, spicy sauce. The bamboo shoots give a unique crunch and slightly sour taste, while the potatoes make it hearty and filling.
Aloo Tama is often served with steamed rice or flatbread. Every spoonful is comforting, with a mix of spicy, sour, and earthy flavours. It’s a traditional Nepali dish that’s perfect for Melbourne winters because it’s both warming and nourishing.
This dish is a favourite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, making it versatile for groups of friends or family meals. The tanginess of the bamboo shoots cuts through the richness, keeping the curry balanced and flavourful.
5. Kwati – Spicy Mixed Bean Soup
Kwati is a traditional Nepali soup made from a mix of sprouted beans. It’s often prepared during festivals but is gaining popularity as a warming winter dish in Melbourne. The beans are simmered with garlic, ginger, chillies, and Nepali spices, producing a hearty and protein-packed soup.
Kwati is perfect for vegetarians but satisfying enough for anyone craving a warming meal. The combination of spices and earthy beans creates a deep, robust flavour, and the soup’s warmth is instantly comforting on cold days. Pair it with rice or eat it on its own – either way, it’s a true winter classic.
Bonus Warming Nepali Dishes
Gundruk ko Jhol – Fermented Leafy Greens in Spicy Broth
Gundruk is a fermented leafy green, often mustard or spinach leaves, cooked in a spiced broth. The soup has a tangy, earthy flavour and is surprisingly hearty. Gundruk ko jhol is perfect with rice and is traditionally eaten during winter in Nepal. It’s warming, flavourful, and offers a slightly sour twist that balances the spices.
Thakali-Style Vegetable Curry
Thakali-style curry is a spicy, hearty vegetable curry that’s perfect for Melbourne’s cold evenings. Made with seasonal vegetables simmered in a tomato and garlic base, the curry is full of warmth and flavour. It’s typically served with rice or flatbread and is a favourite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Spicy Lentil Soup (Thakali Dal)
Nepali lentil soups are rich, spicy, and warming. Thakali-style dal uses red lentils simmered with garlic, ginger, chillies, and sometimes tomatoes. The result is a comforting, hearty soup that pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread. This dish is simple but deeply satisfying, ideal for a chilly winter lunch or dinner.
Chicken or Vegetable Sekuwa
Sekuwa is a Nepali-style grilled skewer, marinated in a mixture of garlic, ginger, chillies, cumin, coriander, and mustard oil. Vegetable and chicken versions are perfect for winter because they’re smoky, spicy, and hearty. Paired with rice or a spicy sauce, sekuwa is a filling and warming dish that’s perfect for Melbourne winters.
Why Nepali Food is Perfect for Winter
Nepali cuisine in Melbourne is ideal for winter, offering the perfect balance of warmth, heartiness, and comfort. Here is why:
- Spices provide heat: Garlic, ginger, and chillies are common in almost every dish, keeping you warm from the inside out.
- Hearty ingredients: Noodles, dumplings, potatoes, bamboo shoots, lentils, and beans make meals filling and nourishing.
- Comfort factor: Soups, curries, and brothy dishes are warm and satisfying, perfect for cold Melbourne nights.
- Variety for everyone: From vegetarian Thukpa and Gundruk ko Jhol to chili momo, Aloo Tama, and Kwati, there’s a warming dish for every palate.
Final Bite
If you’re craving something warm and spicy this winter, Nepali cuisine has plenty to offer. From Thukpa’s hearty noodles to brothy jhol momo, fiery chili momo, comforting Aloo Tama, protein-packed Kwati, and traditional warming dishes like Gundruk ko Jhol, Thakali-style curry, and spiced lentil soups, Melbourne’s Nepali food scene has it all.
Invite some mates, grab a bowl, and enjoy the heat, spice, and comfort that Nepali dishes bring. Nothing beats a steaming, spicy Nepali meal on a chilly Melbourne night – it’s the ultimate winter comfort.
