Kathmandu:

That delicious date is almost upon us and we are all waiting with bated breath for November 3, the day of The Himalayan Times International Food Fest. To be held at the Birendra International Convention Centre, THT Food Fest has cuisines from 16 different countries from all over the world.

And Maki Newa Bhutu is bringing to us the familiar tastes and aromas that we have grown up with — yes the Nepali cuisine. With a delightful array of tasty and popular Newari dishes, the Maki Newa Bhutu spread will appeal to all those who have a Nepali palate.

From the momos to the lip-smacking spicy alu sandheko to the typical gundruk sandheko, the food on offer will leave you craving for more. Why not satisfy that hunger of yours with the Samay Baji set which includes a chhoyla (meat), bhatmas (beans), achar (pickles) and many other items.

This dish is prepared only once a year in most households but at THT Food Fest you get to bite into the deliciousness of this typical Newari sweetdish that is called yomari, is rice flour dumplings filled with chaku.

A Newari meal is not complete without aela (liquor). So wash down your food with a swig of aela.

Jyotsna Shrestha, MD of Maki Newa Bhutu says, “We have been participating since the first THT Food Fest. Previously we used to host the Japanese stall. This year we’ve tried our hand at Nepali food. The items we will be preparing will be just perfect for everyone — not very hot or too spicy.”

Food fest menu

• Chicken momo

• Veg momo

• Samay baji set

• Haku chhoyla

• Alu sandheko

• Gundruk sandheko

• Yomari

• Aela

(Price range Rs 35 to Rs 150)

Arty food from Japan

This is the only stall that will see collaboration of four restaurants to serve you the best of Japanese cuisine. The restaurants Danran, Tamura, Kotetsu and Cafeu, whi-ch all lie under the Nepal Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, will form the Japanese team.

Japanese food items are usually quite mild, not too hot or spicy. Traditional Japanese dishes like sushi, which is prepared with raw fish and is also a healthy food, deep fried prawn known as tempura and Japanese styled BBQ popularly known as Yaki tori will be served at THT Food Fest.

Besides these dishes, Japanese kasutera or Japanese cake with special ingredients like chocolate and green tea will also be served.

Food fest menu

• Sushi

• Tempura

• Yaki tori

• Japanese kasutera

(Price range Rs100 to Rs 250)