10 Things I love about Nepal

Rajiv KC, head chef and owner of Rajiv's Kitchen, a pop-up restaurant supper club in London, was born and raised in Nepal. He explains what makes the food of this country so special

- Rajiv KC

Nepal, a landlocked South Asian nation, is usually known for its Himalayan mountains, especially Mount Everest, and as the birthplace of Buddha. It is also a nation of 126 ethnic groups with 123 languages, so for a country that is culturally rich and diverse, Nepalese cuisine can't be put into one box. The unique culture of Nepal can be reflected in the food it has to offer. What it lacks in geographical size, it makes up for with its bold, big, beautiful flavours. Follow Rajiv on Instagram @rajivskitchen.

1 Daal-bhaat

Daal-bhaat (lentils and rice) is a staple of Nepal. Nepalis eat it for lunch, dinner and sometimes for breakfast, too. It usually comes as lentils and rice with seasonal greens, tarkaari (a vegetable dish) and achaar (a pickle condiment, usually tomato-based). The dish varies region to region but using knives and forks is frowned upon, so you have to enjoy this dish with your hands.

2 Ghongi

Ghongi is a snail dish and more famous in the terai (plain) part of Nepal. With Nepal being a landlocked country and hence deprived of seashores and oceans, Nepalis rely on freshwater fish and shellfish. Ghongi is popular due to how its prepared. You get snails from the fields during monsoon season and they are cooked in lots of garlic and in a broth-like curry sauce including heaps of spring onions. Make sure to dive into a deep broth of ghongi with your bare hands as cutlery is a big no.

3 Chyang

In bhattis (small local bars) you will find chyang on the menu. An alcoholic beverage, it's home-brewed and made of fermented rice. Traditionally served in a tall brass mug and local to Kathmandu valley and its neighbouring villages, it is also widely drunk in the mountain regions to keep oneself warm.

4 Ju ju dhau