The short answer
Street food is a big part of Nepali life: momo stalls, samosa carts, chatpate, pani puri, roasted corn and sweet jalebi. Cooked-to-order hot food is the safest. Avoid cut fruit, uncooked salads and anything that has sat out.
Food streets cluster near old squares and markets, such as Asan in Kathmandu and Pokhara's Lakeside lanes. Start with a small portion to test your stomach.
Key facts
- Safest
- Hot, freshly cooked
- Risky
- Cut fruit, salad
- Where
- Asan, Lakeside lanes
- Start
- Small portion
How it works
- Pick a busy stallTurnover means fresh.
- Order hot itemsFresh from the pan.
- Carry hand sanitiserBefore eating.
- Skip raw saladAnd cut fruit.
- Drink bottled waterSealed.
Insider tip
Watch the stall for a minute; a busy one has fresh food.
Avoid this
Do not drink tap water or ice of unknown source.
Related questions
Can I get sick?
Possible with any new food; take care.
Is momo safe?
Freshly steamed momo is usually fine.
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