Kathmandu: Food & Drink Walking Tour in Thamel & Asan

Summary

Wander Thamel’s alleys taste momos and spices with locals

You’ll wander Kathmandu’s lively streets with a local guide, tasting street snacks in Thamel and Asan Market, sipping hot chiya while chatting with vendors, and sharing laughter over spicy momos and sweets. Expect moments that surprise you—like the warmth of strangers or an unexpected flavor—and leave you feeling connected long after you’ve finished eating.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the first meeting spot in Thamel because I got distracted by a guy selling roasted peanuts out of a battered tin cart. The smell was smoky and sweet, and I just stood there for a second, watching him toss the nuts with his bare hands. Our guide, Sushila, found me looking lost (she grinned and said everyone gets sidetracked here). She handed me a tiny cup of chiya—milky tea, hot enough to sting my fingers—and we set off into the maze.

We ducked through narrow lanes strung with prayer flags. It was loud—scooters honking, someone arguing over the price of tomatoes, bells from a temple somewhere close. Sushila pointed out a Newari building with wood carvings so detailed I felt like I should whisper. At Asan Market, she introduced us to an old woman selling pickled radish; I tried to say thank you in Nepali but probably butchered it. The radish was crunchy and sharp, almost fizzy on my tongue. I kept thinking about how every corner had its own smell—fried dough one second, incense the next.

Lunch happened sitting on low stools in Jyatha—a plate of momos steamed just right (I burned my mouth on the first one because I was impatient). Some local guys at the next table laughed when I flinched. We talked about football for a minute before Sushila nudged us toward another stall for spicy chaat. There’s something honest about eating street food shoulder-to-shoulder with people who grew up here; no one’s trying to impress you. By Chhetrapati, I was full but still managed to nibble some syrupy sweets that stuck to my teeth. The sun started slipping behind tangled wires overhead and everything felt hazy and golden for a moment—I still think about that light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kathmandu's culinary neighborhoods

• Stroll through Thamel's vibrant streets
• Sample street food in Thamel
• Explore hidden alleyways in Thamel
• Visit Asan Bazaar market
• Engage with vendors at Asan
• Marvel at spices and produce
• Tour Jyatha's local food scene
• Sample momos and Nepali tea
• Wander Chhetrapati's historic streets
• Taste spicy chaat and sweets
• Discover hidden eateries in Chhetrapati

Top questions

Is breakfast included on this Kathmandu food tour?

Yes, breakfast is included along with lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee or tea, brunch, and bottled water.

Does the tour visit both Thamel and Asan Market?

Yes, the walking tour covers both Thamel and Asan Market as part of its route.

Are vegetarian options available during the food tour?

The reference doesn’t specify vegetarian options but Nepali cuisine typically offers them; check directly when booking.

Is this Kathmandu food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; transportation options also accommodate wheelchairs.

How long does the walking part of the tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but you’ll stroll through several neighborhoods including Thamel, Asan Market, Jyatha, and Chhetrapati.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will we have a local guide throughout the tour?

Yes—a knowledgeable local guide leads you through each neighborhood and food stop.

What kind of foods will we try on this Kathmandu walking tour?

You’ll sample momos (dumplings), spicy chaat, pickled vegetables like radish, street sweets, plus tea/chiya and other snacks.

What’s included

Your day includes all meals—breakfast through dinner—with plenty of snacks in between plus bottled water and endless cups of Nepali tea or coffee as you wander. A friendly local guide leads your group through Thamel’s alleys into Asan Market and beyond; all areas are wheelchair accessible and suitable for any fitness level. Transportation options nearby make it easy to join in or head back when you’re full (and maybe just a little tired).