
5
"Hiding in plain site among several notable Indian restaurants in Kips Bay, this Nepali restaurant has framed photographs of Mount Everest on the wall, a steady stream of takeout chicken tikka orders, and at least one table of friends with regular-customer status. To have an excellent meal here, all you have to do is step foot in the door. Someone will sit you down, guess exactly what you want to eat like they’ve known you your whole life, and then bring you an extra table when you’ve successfully ordered more than will fit in front of you. Pick and choose from the Nepali and Indian sections of the menu, but make sure you have a plate of thin-skinned momos, some traditional Nepali duck curry that’ll warm you from the inside out, and multiple orders of steaming hot cheese naan. You'll probably finish your last bite 120% full, and just a little bit jealous of those regulars at the table next to you. But that's an easy fix. Food Rundown Chicken Momos Resist the urge to get them fried, and get your momos steamed instead, because the delicate skin lets the filling have its moment in the spotlight. The momos come with two sauces. The chili sauce is good. The mild, cashew-based sauce is even better. photo credit: Willa Moore Changra Chops You'll hear these lamb chops before you see them, sizzling their way up from the kitchen downstairs, on a cast-iron skillet under a layer of raw red onion and cilantro. If you're getting a spread, it should include these. photo credit: Willa Moore Traditional Nepali Duck Curry Tender, bone-in chunks of duck, bathing in a light brown, cinnamon and cardamom-spiced gravy. A no-brainer. Cheese Naan We know how easy it is to fall for garlic naan. Don't do that here. Order the chewy, melty cheese naan, and then use it to sop up all your leftover curry." - Willa Moore