Jhol, Sekuwa, Achar: Speak the Menu Like a Kathmandu Regular

There's a particular kind of menu anxiety that hits when you're browsing a Nepalese takeaway and everything sounds delicious but nothing sounds familiar. You default to the same safe order every time, quietly wondering what you've been missing.

Not anymore. Here are eight words that turn you from a curious first-timer into someone who orders with the quiet confidence of a Kathmandu local.

1. Momo (MOH-moh)

The headline act. Steamed or fried dumplings, usually filled with spiced chicken, veg, or buff (more on that later), served with a punchy dipping chutney. If you order nothing else, order these. Nepal's national obsession, and once you've had a proper one, you'll understand why.

2. Jhol (JOL)

Literally means 'soup' or 'liquid'. On a menu, 'jhol momo' means your dumplings arrive swimming in a light, tangy, spice-laced broth rather than sitting dry on a plate. It's a texture upgrade — think of it as momo in gravy form. Say it with a soft 'j', like 'jolly' without the 'y'.

3. Sekuwa (seh-KOO-wah)

Nepal's answer to the kebab. Skewers of marinated meat — chicken, lamb, or paneer — grilled over flame with smoky spices. Charred edges, juicy middle, usually with a salad garnish and more of that chutney. If you're a grill person, this is your word.

4. Achar (AH-char)

The condiment that runs the show. 'Achar' means pickle or chutney — the fiery tomato-based kind that comes with momos, or tangier pickled vegetables. It's the flavour dial on your order: a little for warmth, a lot for a challenge. Pronounce the 'ch' softly, closer to 'ach-ar'.

5. Thukpa (TOOK-pah)

A hearty noodle soup from the Himalayan highlands — broth, noodles, meat or veg, and warming spices. It's a full meal in a bowl and the ultimate cold-weather order. British winter, we're looking at you.

6. Chow (CHOW)

Yes, really — thanks to decades of trade routes and Tibetan-Chinese exchange, 'chow' appears on Nepalese menus meaning stir-fried noodles, in the same family as chow mein. 'Chicken chow' is the takeaway classic: wok-tossed noodles, veg, savoury sauce. Familiar territory, Himalayan twist.

7. Buff (BUFF)

Not a gym membership — on Nepalese menus, 'buff' means buffalo, the most popular meat in Nepal. Richer and deeper than beef, with a real savoury punch. If you see 'buff momo' or 'buff sekuwa', you've found the authentic choice.

8. Chiya (CHEE-ya)

Nepali milk tea, brewed strong with spices and a touch of sweetness. The perfect full stop at the end of your order — and, as anyone who's read our hangover piece knows, ginger chiya has near-medicinal properties.

Putting It All Together

Now try it out loud: 'A portion of jhol momo, chicken sekuwa with extra achar, and a chiya.' See? You sound like you've done this a hundred times.

Next time you're browsing the Everest Dinner menu, skip the hesitation and order like you mean it. The momos won't know the difference — but your confidence will.