Kathmandu: Nepali Cooking Class & Momo Making with Market Walk

Summary

Hands-on momo making, market strolls and Nepali flavors in Kathmandu

You’ll sip masala tea as you meet your local chef in Kathmandu, then head out together for fresh ingredients before learning how to cook traditional Nepali dishes — including those famously tricky momos. Expect warm stories, hands-on help with every step, and plenty of chances to taste what you’ve made. It’s not just food; it’s a window into daily life here.

What’s the experience like?

“You can try to fold it like this,” Chef Sita said, pinching the edge of a momo skin between her fingers — way faster than I could keep up. My first dumpling looked more like a crumpled coin purse than anything you’d eat, but she just grinned and showed me again. We’d already walked through the little neighborhood shop for ginger and coriander earlier (the smell still clung to my hands), and now we were elbow-deep in flour at the Kathmandu Cooking Academy. I didn’t expect to laugh so much over dough, honestly.

The kitchen was noisy in a good way — spatulas clinking, someone’s phone playing soft folk music in the corner, Sita telling stories about her grandmother’s dal bhat recipe while we mashed lentils. She let us taste the masala tea before we started cooking; it was sweet and spicy at the same time, kind of warming from the inside out. There was this moment when everyone went quiet, just focused on shaping dumplings or stirring curry — I liked that pause. It felt like being part of something local for a second.

I still think about that yomari dessert — sticky rice flour outside, gooey jaggery and sesame inside. Not sure I’ll ever get it right at home, but it tasted like winter festivals somehow. The tasting at the end wasn’t rushed; we sat around swapping stories about failed pancakes back home or favorite spices. If you want a day trip in Kathmandu that’s more than sightseeing, this Nepali cooking class is it — especially if you don’t mind getting your hands messy or laughing at your own lopsided momos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Nepali cooking and tasting

• Welcome with Nepali Masala Tea
• Visit market to buy fresh ingredients
• Learn to prepare three Nepali dishes
• Make momos with local chef guidance
• Use traditional utensils and techniques
• Enjoy tasting the prepared dishes

Top questions

What dishes do you learn to cook in this Kathmandu class?

You’ll make three traditional Nepali dishes — one starter, one main course (like dal bhat or thukpa), one dessert (such as yomari or kheer), plus momo dumplings.

Is there a market visit included in the Nepali cooking class?

Yes, there’s a short walk to a local shop or market with your chef to buy fresh ingredients before cooking begins.

Are vegetarian options available for the momo making?

Yes, you can choose between vegetarian or chicken fillings for momos during the class.

How long does the Kathmandu cooking class last?

The activity usually lasts several hours including ingredient shopping, cooking instruction, and tasting session.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip in Kathmandu?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option when booking.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?

No experience is needed; chefs guide you step by step through each dish.

What is included in the price of this Nepali cooking class?

The price covers all ingredients, equipment use, chef instruction, tasting session, masala tea on arrival, and optional hotel transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all cooking equipment and fresh ingredients from a local market stop with your chef. You’ll get hands-on lessons preparing classic Nepali meals like dal bhat and momos (vegetarian or chicken), plus dessert and masala tea during class. Afterward there’s time to relax over your homemade meal together before heading back — hotel pickup and drop-off are available if selected.