Hidden eateries in Patan

Patan has evolved into a popular tourist hub in recent years. The ancient city, surrounding Patan Durbar Square, along with the revered cultural and architectural heritages also consists of modern hubs contemplating the preferences of the contemporary youths.

Not just the ancient palace premises, but the narrow alleys, and courtyards hidden from the general public are slowly revealing their existence. Establishment of restaurants and other smaller eateries in every corner of Patan can be mainly credited for introducing the narrowest alleys and courtyards.

From the adorned Newari delicacies, the city has also adapted to food items like laphings, chowmein and other international cuisines. Therefore, many are exploring the new eateries to taste flavors of the past and from different parts of the world. Here we have featured four hidden eateries of Patan –hide in alleys which serve various food items.

KWAYACHA

Bhelachhein

Hidden in a narrow alleyway in Chyasal, Kwayacha has garnered much appreciation from its patrons. It’s an old eatery serving Newari delicacies for over 32 years. The two-storied eatery is a classic representation of a local ‘bhatti pasal’ flourished all over Kathmandu.

Like any other local Newari eatery, the owner Surendra Bajracharya, takes charge of the kitchen. He claims to start prepping for the day’s ration from six every morning. The chef has an experience of cooking a wide variety of savory Newari cooking and maintains consistency with flavors of the food items making way from his kitchen. You aren’t really let down by the taste despite the extensive menu the ‘hotel pasal’ flaunts. An order of ‘khaja set’ is safe bait for everyone, especially those who aren’t aware of Newari cuisines. Expect a hefty portion of, ‘duck and buff choila’, ‘buff sukuti’, sour soup of bamboo shoots and potatoes (‘aalu tama’), raw marinated meat (‘kachi laa’), and many other items. If you were to take the advice of the locals, pair the khaja set with some ‘chhyang’. The concoction never ceases to impress food buffs.

COFFEE TEA AND ME

Swottha Mangal Bazar

Coffee Tea and Me, contrary to its name, serves more than just coffee or tea. The cozy restaurant located just a few blocks from the Bhimsen temple in Patan serves a wide variety of contemporary cuisines and a fusion of continental taste. However, the restaurant has managed to maintain the flavors adored favorable to the local taste pallet.

The four-year-old establishment is a popular meeting hub for the Patan youths. It specializes in food items like grilled pork chop, buff nachos – accompanied with a refreshing serving of guacamole, and chicken supreme. However, the chef and the owner of the eatery, Rubey Maharjan, experiments on the menu very frequently. Maharjan is keen on introducing food items different from the mainstream industry. Coffee Tea and Me is also for the wall murals. The entire restaurant displays elaborate art paintings with a psychedelic rendition of Gautam Buddha as its centerpiece.

GYAN MITHAI BHANDAR

Haugal

The contemporary breakfast platter mostly comprises foreign food items ranging from loaves of bread, sandwiches, and biscuits. However, you shouldn’t be surprised to know that a huge populace still craves for the local haluwa, jerri, and swari to kick start the day.

Gyan Mithai Bhandar at Haugal, has been providing fuel to many Patan locals. The packed breakfast joint is the oldest eatery serving such food items, says the owner – Saroj Rajkarnikar. Be prepared to share your table with strangers in this 50-year-old eatery as it can only squeeze in 20 people at one time. Apart from the breakfast catering the patrons with the breakfast menu, the eatery also exports collection of sweet dishes like ‘lal mohan’, ‘lakha mari’, ‘barfi’ to the US, and Australia.

AALU WO PASAL

Tangal

Aalu Wo Pasal or the chop house is another famous eateries in Patan. If you’re new to Patan, don’t hesitate to ask the locals for navigation. The eatery is another breakfast joint that operates from the dawn of the day. Though the place sees a large number of locals, Saturday mornings can be extra busy. On Saturdays, the entire family unites to cope with the never ending orders of the customers.

Famous for the potato fritters, the Aalu Wo Pasa’ at Tangal also serves jerri-swari, malpa and many other breakfast food. Though spacious, the place is usually packed with hungry customers. So, if you don’t find a seat inside the shop, find a spot in the courtyard just outside.