:: FOOD & DRINK

Kathmandu Cafe

Kathmandu Cafe - authentic cuisine from the Himalayas and beyond.

'Top of the world food, drinks and people' says the slogan.

Since the Kathmandu Cafe is only two floors up, they must be boasting about the quality.

A bit shameless, maybe, but they pull it off.

　

It's not all dahl baht at Kathmandu Cafe.

This Honmachi hidey-hole dishes up top of the range Nepalese cuisine.

Carnivores should start with the momo (savoury steamed dumplings \600) - but mind the mint sauce, it's a cheeky throat-burner that takes you by surprise.

The seekh kebab (\650) or tandoori chicken (\750), which arrives from the kitchen still sizzling, is sure to please most palates.

Add a generous serving of their nan bread and the heartiest of appetites will not go unsatisfied either.

The multi-cultural Kathmandu Cafe staff.

As in most Nepalese restaurants, quasi and strict vegetarians are well looked after.

Try the mild but refreshing chickpea dal (\800), or mixed vegetable chowmein with chili-vinegar sauce (\700), served with an array of vegetable or seafood only curries.

For drinks, the lassi, chai and Ayurvedic herb tea are shop specialities, while booze-wise, there is specially imported Nepalese rum, a beer selection that ranges from Indian to Antipodean, and unique cocktails made to taste.

Slogan aside, this is an unassuming little joint offering authentic cuisine and service with a personal touch.

Unusually for Japan, special requests for either food or drinks are most welcome.

In an age of homogenized food and coffee joints, places like this are a real treat.

Kathmandu's tandoori chicken

Getting there

2F Osakaya Honmachi Bld., 1-13-1 Utsubohonmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka
3 min. from Exit 28 Honmachi Stn.
Closed Sundays
Tel: 06-6444-3121
URL: www.kathmandu-cafe.com
Check with the restaurant for details of music/dance performances and other events held here (usually Saturdays).

Text: Peter Kaub Photos: Sachiko Miyamae