Cuisine culture @ Bhanchha Ghar

Two decades ago, Nepali people, even in the urban locales, did not care much about the restaurant culture. And if somehow they cared about going out for lunch or dinner, why would they spend money to have dal, bhat, and tarkari anywhere else than at their own residence? Perhaps many foreign guests who then visited Nepal always had to return disappointed because many of them did not get to taste the authentic Nepali food. Some fortunate ones tasted Nepali flavors at the private residences of their known ones in Nepal.[break]

When nobody cared much about introducing a fine cuisine corner to popularize Nepali delicacies, Prem Upadhya came up with an idea to bring one such Nepali dining restaurant where one could get wholesome Nepali foods. He joined hands with his five friends, who were either involved in different businesses, some were hoteliers and a few interior designers to bring his idea into reality. And thus began the story of Bhanchha Ghar.

Stretched on a 4,500sq.feet, Bhanchha Ghar resides peacefully in a century-old building, which is in Kamaladi. This property reminds you those ancient days of Kathmandu when there used to be no concrete cemented building like today. Being monitored by Sophie Upadhya, the other half of Prem Upadhya, it is wise to see how the property owners have left this eatery as it is; without renovating for a modern feel.

The wooden stairs, the clayed walls with the photo frames of old Rana family, the traditional instruments – cymbal, damphu, dha, kanh, khin and ponga – are more than enough to make you feel like you’ve come to dine at an authentic Nepali place, rich in Nepali architecture and ensembles. The wide attic right below the roof of the building is what completes this Nepali structure, providing it with cultural touch in abundance.

Without any competitive feeling with any other restaurants in this cut-throat competition scene in food and beverage business, Bhanchha Ghar stands tall to continue its legacy of providing varieties of Nepali cuisines, except the traditional dhindo (Nepali porridge). The original taste of traditional Nepali spices like timbur, jwano, marich, daalchini, jeera and dhaniya are carefully maintained in the cuisines since the inception of the restaurant.

Though initially opened to serve Nepali foods to foreign guests, over the years Bhanchha Ghar has developed popularity amongst the Nepali food lovers also, who are often seeking a respite from the usual Continental, Chinese and Indian delicacies.

The menu is designed carefully to make you go all wah-wah! and kati mitho! while the never ending smiles pasted on the faces of the staffs make your dining and wining even more comfortable. Along with serving you a set lunch and dinner menu, you can always enjoy the á la carte if you’re in a rush. At the attic of the restaurant you have the finest Newari alcohols waiting for you to be served in a traditional Newari kettle. Because all the spices are ground at the restaurant itself, the foods taste even more authentic.

The stone slabs on the floor lead you to different setup for your private and cozy dinner. In the meantime, what makes your visit delicious is that you can also pick your spices for that additional swaad in the menu.

While many of you have no time to start preparing all the cuisines on your own, what could be a better option than going all the Nepali way for a traditional dinner alongside a cultural performance, only at Bhanchha Ghar!