LOCATIONA five-minute stroll from Norwood Parade.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIANepalese restaurants tend to put you in a happy, feasting frame of mind not long after you’ve walked through the door. Nepal is known for its festivals, friendliness and religious harmonies, all of which infuse into the feel of its eateries. Taste of Nepal is no exception. A spacious Kensington home in structure, it has a warren of dining spaces, each of which takes on individual cosiness. Picture windows provide simple elegance with views to Norwood Parade or the rear courtyard. The latter is pleasant for temperate evenings but lacking the rich charm of the restaurant’s interior. Warm apricot feature walls, muted lights, trinkets, tapestries and potted greenery fill the rooms. A colourful kitsch beaded doorway curtain turns one room into an exotically private dining space. Snaffle a bottle from the open-plan wine racks, stash yourself away with friends in this nook and settle in.
A whimsical mood may see you enjoy the Momo Sauvignon Blanc as namesake entree into that of the Nepalese favourite –
momo (dumplings). Steamed chicken ones are served in an invigorating clear soup of spring onion, garlic, ginger, spinach, fresh coriander and noodles. Squeezed lemon seals it with a fresh citrus kiss. Barramundi pieces marinated in Nepali herbs come lightly battered in the subtle nuttiness of
besan (chickpea) flour and ground mustard seeds. A dip in the deep fryer preludes their presentation with yoghurt and mint sauce. Curry comes to mind when thoughts turn to Nepal, as do goats. Together they have become integral to a Nepalese dining experience – it is always a good time to tuck into a wealth of village-style curry with tender, boneless goatiness, pungent fenugreek, comforting cinnamon, tomatoes, bay leaves and mustard oil. Do not leave room for dessert. Complete your meal with charcoal-ovened garlic bread and sweet, tangy mango pickle.
Roz Taylor