Best Thakali Restaurants in Pokhara

December 5, 2023
Thakali Khana Set

The Thakali Khana set is a mix of flavors that showcases the diverse essence of Thakali cuisine – a treat for your taste buds! The main part is a good amount of steamed rice, forming the base of the meal. Try a simple lentil soup with herbs. Enjoy a chicken or mutton curry with fragrant spices. Add some tang with a spicy pickle, and relish a leafy green veggie dish, often spinach or mustard greens. 

Experience the unique taste of fermented leafy greens known as Gundruk, and enjoy Dhido made from buckwheat or cornflour, papad, yogurt, and seasonal veggies.

In this blog, we will discover the Best Thakali restaurants in Pokhara:

1. Thakali Bhanchha

Located in the heart of Chipledhunga, Pokhara, this restaurant has become well-known for its authentic Thakali dishes. It takes pride in serving a variety of traditional Thakali meals, emphasizing quality, taste, and freshness. What sets this eatery apart is its commitment to delivering on the promise of these three elements.

From the popular Jhawai Kattye to the inviting Egg Thali, the spicy Chicken Chilly, the substantial Mutton set, the flavorful Chicken set, and the nutritious Veg set – the choices cater to different tastes, promising a satisfying dining experience.

A notable item on their menu is the Dhedo set, which includes Vegetarian, Egg, Mutton, and Chicken options. Each dish showcases the kitchen’s dedication to crafting meals that embody tradition, passion, and authenticity.

The restaurant provides a balanced combination of affordability and quality. The commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience at a reasonable price is evident not only in the menu but also in the high praise received through top-rated reviews.

In essence, this restaurant in Chipledhunga, Pokhara, is a tribute to the skill of Thakali cuisine, inviting customers to enjoy a culinary journey where every dish honors flavors, heritage, and a dedication to quality.

2. Mantra Thakali Kitchen

Located on Pragati Marg in the charming city of Pokhara, Mantra Thakali stands out for its excellent Thakali cuisine. The restaurant is particularly famous for its outstanding mutton curry, a dish that has received praise from its patrons. Adding to the charm of Mantra Thakali is the exceptional service and warm hospitality provided by its dedicated staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

This culinary haven offers more than just delicious dishes; it provides a calm and peaceful setting, allowing guests to enjoy a delightful dining experience. However, this peaceful spot becomes busy between 11 am and 2 pm, showcasing its popularity during lunch hours.

The extensive menu at Mantra Thakali is a culinary journey in itself, featuring a wide variety of tempting options. From the inviting Thakali Khana Chicken set to the flavorful Pork chop, the tasty Mutton sukuti, and the hearty Chicken Thali and Veg thali, the choices are sure to please even the most discerning palate. 

Each dish reflects the restaurant’s commitment to delivering an exceptional dining adventure, making Mantra Thakali a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking a harmonious blend of taste, service, and ambiance in the heart of Pokhara.

3. Pokhara Thakali Kitchen

Pokhara Thakali Kitchen is a well-known restaurant in Pokhara, Nepal, known for its excellent Thakali cuisine. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including Thakali sets with fried chicken, fried fish, chips chilly, fried rice, and different side dishes like niguro, alu, karela fry, and various pickles.

Customers appreciate the restaurant for its tasty food, good service, and ample seating both outdoors and indoors. The atmosphere is described as pleasant, suitable for relaxed meals with family and friends. Positive reviews also note reasonable prices, free refills, and a noteworthy Thali experience featuring a flavorful dal, impressive spice mixes, and light and fluffy kanchema with aromatic spices.

People highly recommend Pokhara Thakali Kitchen for its memorable food and comfortable dining setting. It seems to be a popular choice for locals and tourists, with praise for the management team, friendly staff, and skilled cooks.

4. Mustang Thakali Kitchen Pokhara

Located in the heart of Mahendrapool, Pokhara, this longstanding restaurant “Mustang Thakali Kitchen” is well-known for its delicious Nepali/Thakali Thali. Recognized as one of the oldest places serving Thakali food, it takes pride in providing an authentic taste of the Thak Khola Valley.

With a history spanning many years, this eatery has become a symbol of culinary tradition, attracting diners who want to experience Thakali dishes in their truest form. The chefs here aim to capture the essence of the Thak Khola Valley through a menu that reflects the cultural richness and authenticity of the region.

In addition to its food, the restaurant has received praise for the friendly service provided by its staff. The welcoming and attentive team enhances the dining experience, making it more than just a place to eat but a journey of cultural exploration.

The popularity of this restaurant has grown beyond Pokhara, becoming well-known nationwide. Food enthusiasts from all over the country visit to enjoy the unique Thakali Thali served here. Essentially, this restaurant is not just a place to eat but a living testament to the enduring appeal of Thakali cuisine and its impact on Nepal’s culinary scene.

5. Cheli Thakali

Cheli Thakali, located in Lakeside, Pokhara, is a well-known family restaurant appreciated for its excellent Thakali dishes. Situated in a neat and organized setting, the place has friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment. The restaurant has a cozy feel, offering a broad menu with dishes like Thakali Mutton Thali, Chicken Thali set, Thakali Veg Thali, Thakali Pork Thali, Mutton Dhedo set, Fish Dhedo set, Veg Dhedo set, and popular items like nuggets and fries.

A notable item is the special Cheli Jwai Thali, a detailed food experience with a full Thakali Khana set. This special plate includes steamed rice, Dal, tasty mutton/chicken curry, juicy chicken fry, delicious fish fry, Bhutuwa with two veg varieties, Saag, Tomato Chaatne, Mula Aachar, Timur Alu, Karela Fry, Salad, Paapad, and the sweet treat of Gulab Jamun Dahi. The varied and flavorful offerings at Cheli Thakali cater to both discerning tastes and those looking for a fulfilling food experience in the heart of Pokhara.

6. Jetho Budho Bhansa Ghar

Situated in the central part of Lakeside, Pokhara, Jetho Budo Bhansa Ghar is widely known for its tasty Thakali cuisine. The place is well-regarded for its cooking and not only offers a variety of dishes but also provides good service. The restaurant’s atmosphere is pleasant, with authentic and nicely decorated surroundings that enhance the overall dining experience.

One noteworthy aspect of Jetho Budo Bhansa Ghar is it’s limited but thoughtfully chosen menu, which focuses on providing genuine Nepali and Thakali flavors. The inclusion of traditional dishes like dhido and sekuwa demonstrates a dedication to preserving and showcasing Nepal’s rich culinary heritage. Despite the limited menu, the restaurant manages to cater to various preferences.

The appeal of Jetho Budo Bhansa Ghar goes beyond just the food. The place takes pride in reflecting Nepali culture in its atmosphere, creating an immersive environment for visitors. The authenticity is evident not only in the food flavors but also in the overall atmosphere, making it a preferred destination for those seeking a true Nepali dining experience.

Additionally, what distinguishes Jetho Budo Bhansa Ghar is its reasonable pricing. Customers can enjoy a variety of tasty offerings, such as Chicken Thali set, Chicken Sekuwa, Mutton Thali, Mutton sukuti, Thakali Mutton Thaal, and Kodo Dhido Set, all at prices that fit within budget-friendly options. This affordability enhances the restaurant’s appeal, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.

In summary, Jetho Budo Bhansa Ghar stands out as a culinary spot in Pokhara, where genuine flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and reasonable pricing come together to provide a comprehensive dining experience that aligns with the cultural richness of Nepal.

7. Airport Thakali 

This place is close to Pokhara Airport and is mainly focused on providing customers with tasty meals and attentive service. The venue, though small, gives high importance to cleanliness for a clean dining environment. The food served is known for its good taste and freshness, ensuring a positive dining experience.

The place attracts a lot of customers, showing that it’s popular. The menu has different meal options like Nepali Khana set, Chicken Thakali set, Mutton Thakali set, and Veg Thakali set. The mutton thali set is especially liked by customers.

It’s important to mention that the popularity of the mutton thali set indicates that customers really like it. This could be because of the specific flavors, preparation, or quality associated with this dish. Overall, the place aims to create a friendly atmosphere where customers can enjoy tasty and freshly made meals, even in its small space.

8. Royal Marpha Thakali Kitchen

Royal Marpha Thakali Kitchen provides takeout and dine-in services, allowing customers to choose how they want to enjoy their meals. They offer a variety of items, including alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits, as well as coffee and small plates. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, giving customers flexibility in their dining times.

The restaurant has an on-site bar and restroom facilities, contributing to a better dining experience. The atmosphere is casual, making it suitable for groups. They also take reservations, making it convenient for those who prefer to plan ahead.

The Thakali thali is a standout item, appreciated for its excellent authentic taste. Although the ambiance is described as average, the main focus is on providing really good food. The restaurant is known for its affordable prices, quality service, and a friendly atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to try the local and authentic flavors offered at Royal Marpha Thakali Kitchen, making it a recommended choice for both family outings and get-togethers with friends.

9. Nanglo Thakali Bhanchha Ghar

Nanglo Thakali Bhancha Ghar provides a delightful dining experience with its unlimited food concept featuring small plates, making it perfect for casual gatherings and families. The restaurant offers excellent service and maintains good cleanliness, creating a pleasant atmosphere for both lunch and dinner.

Their Thali Set stands out as a must-try, featuring a delicious variety of vegetarian Thakali dishes that highlight the unique flavors of Nepali cuisine. The staff is known for their friendliness and quick service, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Notably, the Thali includes different vegetable curries and pickles, each with its own distinct taste. Despite the richness of the curries, the original flavors of the vegetables stand out. The restaurant even serves rare seasonal vegetables from the Himalayas, providing a unique and authentic touch to the dining experience.

One highlighted dish, the sukuti Sandeko, adds an extra layer of flavor with its smoked dried meat tossed and garnished with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and more. This dish, along with the Thali Set, showcases the culinary richness of Nanglo Thakali Bhancha Ghar.

In addition to its food offerings, the restaurant provides service options such as delivery, takeaway, and dine-in. The relaxed atmosphere is complemented by a bar on-site, offering a selection of beers and spirits. This makes it an ideal spot for groups, including families with children, looking for a fantastic food experience at reasonable prices.

Based on the outstanding food, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere, Nanglo Thakali Bhancha Ghar receives a perfect 5/5 rating for food, service, and atmosphere, making it a highly recommended dining destination.

10. Fewa Thakali Bhanchha 

Situated in the central area of Lakeside, Pokhara, Fewa Thakali is known for its clean environment and efficient management. The restaurant’s staff is both skilled and friendly, enhancing the overall dining experience. The main appeal of Fewa Thakali lies in its commitment to serving authentic Thakali cuisine, appealing to those who appreciate Nepalese gastronomy.

Customers entering the restaurant encounter a well-maintained space and friendly staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Despite slightly higher prices compared to other local eateries, patrons appreciate the excellent combination of service, ambiance, and taste.

Fewa Thakali’s menu showcases their dedication to preserving the authentic flavors of Thakali cuisine. From the enticing Chicken Thakali Set to the distinctive Kunchhemba (Buckwheat Fries) and the flavorful Dameko Aloo, the menu offers a journey through the diverse tastes of the Thakali tradition. Other notable items include Pollo Tandori, Kichumba, Pollo Con Guarnicion, and a variety of other delicious options.

Essentially, Fewa Thakali is not just a dining spot but a place where customers can experience the heart of Thakali culinary excellence. The combination of good service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a varied menu defines the essence of Fewa Thakali, making it a respected choice for those seeking a satisfying dining experience in the lively area of Lakeside, Pokhara.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pokhara offers the best choice of Thakali restaurants, each offering a taste of the Thak Khola Valley. From the affordable Thakali Bhanchha in Chipledhunga to the calm Mantra Thakali with its tasty mutton curry, and the historically rich Mustang Thakali Kitchen in Mahendrapool – the restaurants show the diversity of Thakali cuisine.

Cheli Thakali in Lakeside is family-friendly with a diverse menu, while Jetho Budo Bhansa Ghar in Lakeside focuses on preserving authentic Nepali and Thakali flavors. Airport Thakali, though small, is known for its cleanliness and tasty mutton thali set.

Royal Marpha Thakali Kitchen provides a complete dining experience with both takeout and dine-in options at reasonable prices. Nanglo Thakali Bhancha Ghar stands out with its unlimited food concept and diverse Thali Set, offering good service in a relaxed atmosphere. Fewa Thakali in Lakeside excels in both management and cleanliness while preserving the authentic flavors of Thakali cuisine.

For those looking for a different culinary adventure, Begnas Aqua Park & Restaurant offers special sets like Kalij Khana, local chicken Khana, and fish Khana. Whether enjoying the timeless charm of Thakali cuisine or exploring other options, Pokhara’s restaurant scene promises a feast for the senses, inviting both locals and tourists to enjoy the diverse and delicious offerings in Pokhara.

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