Momo

At its heart, a momo is a type of dumpling. It's made from a simple dough of flour and water, rolled out into thin wrappers, and then filled with a delicious mixture. The fillings can vary, but the most popular ones include minced meat (chicken, buffalo, or pork) mixed with finely chopped vegetables, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices. For vegetarians, there are equally tasty options filled with a mix of cabbage, carrots, spinach, and sometimes tofu.

Making momo is a bit of an art. The dough is rolled out into small circles, and then a spoonful of filling is placed in the center. The real skill comes in shaping the momo, which involves pinching and folding the edges to seal in the filling. This creates the beautiful, intricate shapes that momo are known for. Once shaped, the momo are either steamed in a bamboo or metal steamer until they're cooked through and slightly translucent, or they're deep-fried to a crispy golden brown.

Momo are typically served hot, with a side of achar, a spicy dipping sauce made from tomatoes, sesame seeds, and a blend of spices. The combination of the soft, juicy momo and the tangy, spicy sauce is simply irresistible. Some variations you might encounter include: Steamed Momo: The classic version, where the dumplings are soft and juicy. Fried Momo: For a bit of crunch, these momo are deep-fried to a golden brown. Jhol Momo: Momo served in a hot, spicy, and soupy sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.