Chinese Friend’s Thoughts On Nepali Food In Boston
When my Chinese friend, Bo Yan, first heard the word “Nepal,” food was the last thing on his mind.
He had never seen a Nepali restaurant in China. Never heard Nepali food mentioned in a documentary. Never once came across it in social media or pop culture.
“Nepal was a mysterious country to me,” he said.
“I didn’t know what you guys even ate — maybe something like Indian or Tibetan food? Definitely a lot of meat — I assumed cows or elk.”
Fast forward six months later — the guy’s top two Nepali favorite foods in Boston?
Momos and Nepali beer.
Here’s how that happened.
“I Honestly Had Zero Expectations”
Before ever trying a bite, he assumed Nepali food might be:
Heavy on red meat (like elk or beef)
Curry-based (like India)
Or just completely unfamiliar
“I didn’t expect it to feel familiar. But when I tried it, I found a surprising connection to Chinese flavors — especially in Wai Wai Sadheko. The seasoning reminded me of Chinese street food spices.”
That unexpected crossover changed everything.
The Game-Changer: Momos
“Your momos hit different.”
He said it straight up. And as someone who grew up eating dumplings in China, that’s high praise.
What stood out?
Freshness: “They felt handmade — not frozen.”
Juiciness: “Better than most dumplings I’ve had in the U.S.”
Flavors: “The spice mix and dipping sauce — totally unique.”
Momos reminded him of a bridge between Chinese dumplings and Central Asian steamed buns, but with a Nepali twist.
“I didn’t expect them to be this good.”
What Surprised Him the Most
The best experience? Hands down:
Zomsa Restaurant & Bar in Arlington.
“The food was amazing — especially the momos. I’m pretty sure they were handmade and super fresh.”
But what really stood out was the vibe.
“The servers were friendly. People danced, sang, did whatever they wanted — stupid moves, karaoke, just chilling. It wasn’t just dinner, it was fun.”
He described it as:
Relaxed
Open
A place built for community
“It wasn’t even about being Nepali. Even as a foreigner, people welcomed me in — I felt taken care of.”
Why This Matters
Nepali food isn’t globalized like Chinese, Indian, or Japanese cuisine.
It doesn’t have Michelin stars (yet).
But for those who try it — especially with an open mind — it sticks.
“You guys have your own food, your own music, your own culture. I didn’t know that before. Now I do. And I want more.”
Final Thought
“I still can’t pronounce any dish names. But I can recognize a momo from across the room now. That’s all that matters.”