[W]hen you're in Nepal, it's likely that you'll be eating dal bhat each and every day, so it's a great thing that dal baht makes a wonderful well-rounded meal.
What is Dal Bhat?
Dal, which is similar to the Indian staple, is normally a lentil soup.
In Nepal it's often thin, more of a soupy consistency than a curry. Bhat refers to a type of starch, which normally means rice, but can mean another form of starch if no rice happens to be available.
Together the combination of dal and bhat forms the most basic and widely eaten staple meal in Nepal. Locals will often eat two or even three meals of dal bhat per day.
Items like fried bread are sometimes eaten for a Nepali breakfast, but later on in the day, dal bhat is most common.
Though just rice and lentil soup is the most basic form, most of the time you'll also be served whatever vegetable is on hand, a dish referred to as tarkari.
Sometimes I was served fresh stir fried green vegetables, other times it was potatoes and onions, or cauliflower curry.
It's really up to the vendor and the season what kind of vegetable is served.
You don't really request a certain vegetable, but just ask for tarkari and see what shows up on your plate - and luckily whatever it is, it will be good.
Achar sauce, a simple freshly ground chili sauce, is also a standardly served item along with any dal bhat meal.
I had many different varieties while eating in Nepal, so I think it's just up to the particular vendor to decide which version and what ingredients to use.
Some of the chili paste sauces were tomato based and red in color while others seemed to be full of herbs and green. All of them added extra wonderful flavor to my rice and vegetables.
Along with the achar, a few raw vegetables like tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber slices are commonly served as a garnish.
If you're in need of extra protein, you can normally order a side dish of meat curry or fried chicken.
I especially enjoyed a vegetarian dal bhat accompanied by a plate of a dish known as chilly chicken - deep fried pieces of chicken coated in marvelous tangy sauce and garnished with onions and herbs.
A dal bhat meal in Nepal is often served on a heavy metal plate, and the soup is placed in a metal cup.
I was surprised that even at some real budget street restaurants, I was still served this on top of a nice, high quality plate. I loved the presentation.
Traditionally, meals are eaten with your fingers, but if you ask for a spoon and fork, they'll probably find one for you.
I, however, think that eating dal baht with your fingers adds to the delicious experience. You can easily mix and match bits of food with your fingers before taking a perfect bite.
Step into many hole in the wall restaurants in Nepal and you'll be greeted by smiling faces and have an opportunity to ask for a plate of dal bhat. The vendor will be happy to serve you and reward you with a piping hot and satisfying meal.
Yet another great thing about eating dal bhat is that the vendor will normally serve you as many helpings of extra rice and vegetarian dishes as you can handle.
In Nepal you'll eat plenty of dal bhat, so it's a good thing it's such a delicious and nutritious staple meal!
Erik Fantasia says
Most importantly - this high-carb meal will give you the energy to trek all day and thrive in the oxygen-deprived high altitudes. Highly recommend it while trekking. I noticed it's the *only* thing most guides eat - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like the T-Shirt says, "Dal Baht: 24 Hour Power!"
Dave says
I know it's good for you while trekking, but I couldn't stand dal bhat during my 10 days in the Annapurnas. I was sticking to pizza and pasta.
Deepak@Everest Base Camp Trekking says
Yes it is very good food for high elevation, It is traditional food of Nepal.who visit Nepal they most have to try to eat once real Nepali food, they will like it.
Brian says
mmmm this brings back memories, pretty much lived on this for three months in Nepal, breaking it up with a thukpa now and then or some mo-mos. I really enjoyed the Nepali food!
Raj @ Adventure Bound Nepal says
That Dal Bhaat is so appetizing. Being a Nepali, I cannot resist it. :)
Mingma Sherpa says
Yes, most of Nepalese people use Dal Bhat for their dinner and lunch. So who want to visit Nepal you can enjoy with Nepali local Dal Bhat with Gundruk and Dhito too.
Rishi Bhandari says
Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour - thank you for such as wonderful description. The Dal Bhata seems more hygienic and it is combination of different source of minerals, proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates. There are many types of dishes on Dal Bhat. The pictures are good.
dambar @ boundless adventure says
Nepalese people are used to having Dal Bhat twice a day. It is traditional meals of Nepal specially in City of Nepal but most of countryside they are used to eat food made of barley, wheat, maize and millet.
Ramesh Lamsal says
Mark Wiens thanks for this post. Dhal bhat is really best and recommended during Nepal Visit. Dhal Bhat contains high amount of carbohydrate and protein which will going to help during your trekking or tour. Another benefit of Dhal bhat is you should not go to standard hotels this is available in every hotel in Nepal. Even you will get dhal bhat in villages during your trip. :P There are some popular disk in Nepal like Thakali khana set, Newari khana set, I would like to prefer to take once when you will be in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Bhimsen says
The food is unique for some traveler while traveling to Nepal. it is basic foods for Nepalis people but serves on some people who do not know about it. The meal is really delicious and it great chance for them to taste it.
Susmita Puri says
Dal Bhat might be uniques food for tourist but it is consumed by almost all nepali people on daily bs. asis.For Non-Nepali, Dal Bhat might not be the best food they have ever tasted but dal bhat with complimentary tarkari can be best food while travelling in remote and mountainous areas of Nepa. Dal Bhat is food serve with love thus it always delicious.
Harry says
Great Post!!
Nepalese food successfully combines characteristics from Asian cuisine with its own culinary history creating foods that are rich with flavour and culture.