Best Thakali in Kathmandu: 3 Places to Eat Dal Bhat

If you’re new to Kathmandu, you may be wondering where to try the best dal bhat. The first thing you need to know is that most Nepalese will agree that Thakali’s make the best dal bhat in Nepal. Thakali is an ethnic group often found in the Annapurna region and Mustang district which is why the treks in that area are also known for their food. While only a small percentage of Nepalese are Thakali, their food has become an all-time favorite in Nepal. So, who has the best Thakali food in Kathmandu?

In Kathmandu you can find several Thakali restaurants all fighting it out to see who has the best dal bhat. Depending on who you ask, each local will have their own recommendation. After a lot of research, these are the places that many locals agree serve the best Thakali in Kathmandu. The difference between them comes down to personal preference.

Jimbu Thakali

Jimbu Thakali has several locations around the Kathmandu Valley, and it is known as a popular lunch and dinner spot for locals. In fact, if you arrive at peak times, it’s hard to get a table. Because Thakali is their main dish, they’ve perfected serving it to large crowds without ever compromising on taste. I sometimes go to Jimbu two times a week, and every time I go it’s the same dal bhat that I love. You always know what you’re going to get here and it’s always good.

I will say that Nepali people can seriously debate about why one place is better than another. What some people don’t like about Jimbu is that it is more commercial. What does that mean exactly? Some might say it’s not an “authentic Thakali” meal and the khana set is designed to fit more taste buds. Thakali is typically a little spicier and Jimbu’s Thakali is a little milder. That being said, it fits my tastebuds perfectly, and I’ve never seen the place empty. The restaurant business is difficult, so if a place is packed every day of the year, you have to admit they nailed it.

Mantra Thakali

Mantra Thakali has been a south side favorite for a while now. Originally, it was located in Lalitpur, but with so much success, they opened a branch in Maharagunj. This location is on the 11^th floor giving it beautiful views of the hills outside of Kathmandu. Mantra’s Thakali set is completely different from the others on this list. They serve a few different side dishes making it unique. I also feel that the vegetarian set at Mantra is the best on this list. Plus, a lot of my friends said, “This is the best dal I’ve ever had.” And my husband claims they have the best rice.

The food at Mantra did take a little while to serve, so it will require some patience. My only downside for Mantra was that the chicken curry wasn’t my favorite. The décor here is also a little more modern and simplistic compared to the more cultural feel of the other restaurants on this list.

Tukche

Tukche is located walking distance from Jimbu and people often compare the two. Everyone who has been to Tukche will say the chicken curry here is the best out of any Thakali restaurant in Kathmandu and I can’t argue that. They do have the best chicken curry. I also love the vibe of this restaurant which feels like you could be in the mountains in someone’s home. The dal bhat here is more authentic to the spices used in a traditional Thakali set.

So why doesn’t everyone like Tukche best? Most of the people I’ve spoken with have complained that the wait time here is too long. While restaurants like Jimbu serve you within 10 minutes, Tukche can take 20-30 minutes to serve your food, so you need to be patient. While I think the chicken curry is the best, I prefer the sides at Jimbu better. As someone who doesn’t eat a lot of meat, the sides are more important for me. Tukche is also spicier which may be a little too much for foreigners.

Is there another Thakali restaurant you prefer? Tell me in the comments, and I’ll check it out!

You might also like…

The best restaurants in kathmandu

45+ Places to visit in Kathmandu

The Best Coffee Shops in Kathmandu

Michelle Della Giovanna

Writer at Full Time Explorer

I’m just your average New Yorker who quit her job in the fashion industry to explore the world. Come find out what it’s like to trade in five-inch heels for squat toilets.