Eat Drink KL: Nepal Himalayan Cuisine @ Plaza Damas, Hartamas

Monday, July 1, 2013

Nepal Himalayan Cuisine @ Plaza Damas, Hartamas

Spicing up Sri Hartamas & shaking up this suburb's staid safeness, Nepal Himalayan Cuisine surfaced recently in Plaza Damas, serving food from a South Asian nation that's hitherto only been available in KL's relatively less upscale settings.

Nepal's menu might not be comprehensive, but it nails many mainstays, including chataamari (RM12) rice batter crepes topped with egg, minced chicken, tomatoes & spring onions. Moreish, like a sinful cross between Spanish omelets, pizza & paratha.

Naturally, there's momo here (RM12), steamed meat dumplings that evince both Chinese & Indian influences, looking a lot like xiaolongbao, stuffed with richly seasoned cilantro chicken.

Bhuteko bhatmas (RM9), crispy-fried soybeans that taste like bar-snack peanuts, not befitting the calories except maybe when munched mindlessly with beer.

Carb-lovers might revel in the aloo silam (RM12), boiled potatoes, peas & onions marinated with perilla seeds; a little of this probably goes a long way.

Thukpa (RM9), Tibetan-style noodles in soup soaked with chili powder & masalas. Suitable for cold nights; much, much more fiery than this might look.

The centerpiece of Restaurant Nepal's menu is likely its traditional Thakali Thali sets, rice surrounded by lamb curry, black bean dal, veggies & chutneys on brass plates. At RM17, it's this outlet's priciest food item, underscoring how a meal here won't wound the wallet.

Hot lemon tea & masala milk, perhaps best paired with desserts of one-word names like kheer, sewai & sudip. Plus point for this place: Parking's a breeze here at Hartamas Shopping Center.

Nepal serves its own take on the sangria (RM40 per jug), made fizzier with orange juice.

Wine is offered too at RM20 by the glass & RM98 a bottle. All prices before taxes.

Restaurant Nepal Himalayan Cuisine,
F-0-6, Plaza Damas, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.
Opposite TGI Friday's, on top of Hartamas Shopping Center.
Open daily starting lunchtime; last orders at 930pm