Melbourne, with its multicultural culinary scene, is no stranger to the global flavours that immigrants and travellers bring with them. Among the rising stars in the city’s gastronomic culture is Nepalese street food—bold, flavourful, and rich in heritage.
Once found only on the bustling streets of Kathmandu or Pokhara, these dishes are now delighting Melburnians in restaurants, food trucks, and local eateries alike. From spicy dumplings to tangy snacks, here are some Nepalese street food favourites that you can now enjoy right here in Melbourne.
Nepalese Street Food You Can Now Enjoy in Melbourne
1. Momo – Nepalese Dumplings
Let’s begin with the most iconic of all—momo. These delicious dumplings are a staple in Nepalese cuisine, loved for their juicy filling and spicy accompaniments. Traditionally filled with chicken, buffalo, or vegetables, momos are steamed or fried and served with a side of achar (spicy tomato chutney).
In Melbourne, momo shops and restaurants are thriving across suburbs like Footscray, Dandenong, and even in the CBD. Whether you’re visiting a local eatery in the suburbs or a Nepalese restaurant in CBD, you’ll find delicious varieties of momos—including fusion takes like tandoori, chilli, and cheese-stuffed options that suit the Australian palate.
Must-try variations:
- Steamed chicken momo
- Fried vegetable momo
- Jhol momo (served in a spicy soup-like tomato sauce)
- C momo (chilli momo with capsicum and onions)
2. Sekuwa – Nepalese BBQ Skewers
Sekuwa is Nepal’s answer to smoky BBQ skewers. These are usually chunks of marinated meat (goat, chicken, or pork) grilled over open charcoal flames and seasoned with traditional Himalayan spices. The aroma of sekuwa grilling in the streets is unforgettable in Nepal, and Melbourne eateries now recreate this experience with great authenticity.
Served with beaten rice (chiura), pickles, and fresh salad, sekuwa is perfect for those looking for something both flavour-packed and filling. It pairs wonderfully with local Nepalese beer or chilled soft drinks.
3. Chatpate – Spicy Crunchy Street Snack
Think of chatpate as Nepal’s version of Indian bhel puri, but with a distinct twist. A mix of puffed rice, chopped onions, chillies, coriander, dry noodles, lemon juice, mustard oil, and sometimes boiled potatoes, it’s a tangy, crunchy snack that’s often eaten on the go.
You’ll find chatpate available in many Nepalese cafes and takeaways in Melbourne. It’s the ideal quick bite for those who love a good kick of spice and crunch in their snacks.
4. Sel Roti – Sweet Rice Doughnuts
A beloved snack and festive treat in Nepal, sel roti is a homemade, ring-shaped sweet bread made from rice flour, sugar, cardamom, and ghee. Its texture is unique—crispy on the outside and soft inside—and it’s usually paired with yoghurt or spicy pickles during Dashain and Tihar (major Hindu festivals in Nepal).
Some bakeries and community stores in suburbs with high Nepalese populations offer fresh sel roti, especially during festive seasons. It’s a wonderful treat that offers both sweetness and nostalgia.
5. Pani Puri – Nepalese Style
Though pani puri is more commonly associated with Indian cuisine, Nepalese street vendors have their own take on it. Known for being spicier and tangier, Nepalese-style pani puri features potato fillings mixed with dry noodles, herbs, and is often served with a variety of flavoured water, from spicy to sour-sweet.
In Melbourne, you can find this crowd favourite in Nepalese sweet shops and food stalls. It’s a perfect item for sharing with friends while exploring local markets or night events.
6. Thukpa – Spicy Noodle Soup
Originating in the Himalayan regions, thukpa is a comforting noodle soup packed with vegetables, meat, and warming spices. It’s commonly found in Nepalese households and street stalls during the colder months.
Melbourne’s winters are a perfect match for this dish. Nepalese restaurants around the city now serve thukpa in meat or vegetarian versions. It’s the ideal soul food—warm, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
7. Aloo Chop – Spiced Potato Fritters
Aloo chop is a deep-fried potato patty spiced with turmeric, coriander, cumin, and sometimes filled with peas or lentils. It’s typically served with tomato chutney and eaten as an evening snack with tea.
If you’re looking for a meat-free snack that’s big on flavour, this one’s a must. You’ll often find it in Nepalese eateries offering quick bites or takeaway boxes.
8. Laphing – Spicy Cold Noodle Rolls
Though originally Tibetan, laphing has found massive popularity in Nepal and among the Nepalese community in Melbourne. Made from mung bean or potato starch, the cold, jelly-like noodles are filled with a spicy, garlicky sauce, soy, and vinegar, rolled or chopped into small pieces.
It’s a go-to snack for young food lovers who enjoy adventurous flavours. It’s also become a viral trend on social media, with many food vloggers in Melbourne sharing their laughing experiences online.
9. Samosa Chaat – A Street Food Fusion
Another Indo-Nepalese fusion favourite is samosa chaat—a crushed samosa topped with curried chickpeas, yoghurt, chutneys, and fresh coriander. While samosa is already popular across Melbourne, samosa chaat brings a new flavour dimension that’s bold, spicy, and tangy.
It’s commonly served in Nepalese snack shops and pairs well with a mango lassi or milk tea.
Where to Find Nepalese Street Food in Melbourne?
Several Nepalese restaurants, food trucks, and takeaways are offering these delicious options across the suburbs, like:
- Brunswick
- Cranbourne
- St Albans
- CBD Flinders
Festivals such as the Nepal Festival Melbourne (usually held in Federation Square) are also excellent opportunities to experience a wide array of authentic Nepalese street food.
Why Nepalese Street Food Is Gaining Popularity
- Affordability – Most items are priced reasonably, making them perfect for students and families.
- Rich Flavours – Nepalese food uses a mix of Himalayan herbs and Indian spices, making it bold and unique.
- Cultural Experience – Eating these foods allows locals to experience a taste of Nepal’s rich culinary and social traditions.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Nepalese street food yet, Melbourne offers a growing number of authentic and fusion options for you to explore. Whether you’re craving dumplings, noodle soup, or a crunchy snack with a spicy punch, there’s something in Nepalese cuisine for every palate.
Next time you’re out and about, seek out a Nepalese eatery or food truck—you might just discover your new favourite street food.