Have you ever come across a cuisine that left an unforgettable impression on your taste buds? When you think about that cuisine your eyes immediately light up with joy followed by the memory of the lingering taste. If not, you're surely missing out on something delightful and mouthwatering. Yes, we are indeed referring to none other than the renowned Asian food in Cochrane; the welcoming delights of traditional Nepalese cuisine.
Cochrane is known for its diverse culture, a wide variety of cuisines and flavour profiles. This has been possible due to the presence of people hailing from all around the globe. One such gentry hails from the Himalayan region of Nepal. Their presence has now transformed Cochrane into a hub for various authentic Nepalese food and delicacies. In this article, we’ll shed light on the wonders of this amazing delicacy and point out 5 unique dishes you can’t miss.
A Brief Overview Of The Nepalese Cuisine
Nepalese cuisine consists of a fusion of various dishes from all across the country, showcasing the cultural importance and culinary heritage of each dish. It is characterised by its dependency on rice as a staple, consumed across the country and the vast usage of aromatic herbs and spices in each creation. Nepalese food is also vastly influenced by the geographical landscape of the country which spans from fertile plains to towering Himalayan peaks. This diversity in the landscape has significantly led to the introduction of various ingredients and regional specialities making Nepalese food unique. Lentils are included in the Nepalese diet as an everyday food consumed by every commoner, while meats like chicken, goat, and buffalo are also commonly enjoyed. Momos, delectable dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, and homemade achar (pickles) are beloved staples, reflecting Nepal's culinary landscape's vibrant and diverse flavours.
The Contribution Of Nepalese Cuisine In Calgary’s Culinary Scene
Nepalese cuisine has made a notable flavourful contribution to the culinary scene of Cochrane. Here’s how:
Unique Flavour Profile-Traditional Nepalese food utilises plenty of flavourful spices and herbs in its creations, ranging from mild to fiery. This uniqueness has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
Cultural Diversity- The presence of various Nepalese restaurants in Cochrane has remarkably upgraded the culinary scene of this beautiful town. This diversity has enabled locals to experience the flavours of traditional Nepalese food without leaving.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options-The Nepali food menu consists of plenty of meat-free dishes. These options have been welcomed by the growing number of plant-based eaters in Cochrane.
Momos and Street Food-Possibly one of the best items in the Nepali food menu is the cherished and humble “momo”. Momos are small round dumplings stuffed with different vegetarian and meat fillings. They offer a quick and delicious snack option, adding diversity to the street food scene in Cochrane.
Cultural Events and Festivals-Restaurants in Cochrane often participate in different cultural events and food festivals, showcasing their culinary heritage to a wider audience. This not only promotes Nepali traditional food but also enhances the culinary scene of the town.
Five Unique Nepalese Dishes At Aama Nepalese Cuisine
Whether you're new to the flavours and combinations of this delightful cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, we've compiled a list of the top five most unique Nepalese dishes you should savour for a diverse culinary experience:
1. Lamb Ribs – Braised
Indulge in the delights of lamb ribs, a culinary masterpiece that promises to leave your taste buds craving for more. This mouthwatering delicacy is slow-cooked to perfection, with tender lamb ribs infused with a generous amount of black sesame pickle powder, creating a blend of smoky and earthy notes. We offer a delightful portion of our expertly crafted house chutney along with it, enhancing the overall taste.
2. Pan-Seared Atlantic Cod
For seafood enthusiasts; Aama proudly presents a true culinary gem, the mouthwatering Pan-Seared Atlantic Cod. Our expert chefs carefully sear the cod to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior while simultaneously maintaining its flaky interior. Accompanied by a bed of roasted potatoes, the dish offers a satisfying textural contrast, with the earthy flavours of the potatoes complementing the delicate taste of the Atlantic Cod. We complete this beautiful medley of flavours by offering a side of fresh greens that add a vibrant touch to the plate.
3. Paneer Chilli
Experience the goodness of our vegetarian masterpiece, the aromatic Paneer Chilli. Tender cubes of paneer are cooked to perfection and then coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, offering a perfect balance of both flavours in every bite. To enhance the essence of this dish, we add a generous portion of wok-tossed veggies, creating a delightful texture and taste.
4. Shyakpa (Himalayan Meat Stew – made by “Sherpas”)
Embark on a culinary journey with our Shyakpa, a Himalayan Meat Stew made by the skilled "Sherpas." This traditional Nepali dish features yak meat, prized for its tender and robust flavour. Simmered to perfection, the yak meat blends seamlessly with Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, and celery, creating a wholesome and satisfying assortment of flavours and textures. To accompany this culinary masterpiece, we serve it with flatbread, ideal for soaking up every delectable drop of the savoury broth.
5. Momos (Popular Nepalese Dumplings)
Indulge in the amazing taste of the humble Nepalese dumplings called momos. Our offerings include Steamed Momos, where the tender dumplings are expertly steamed to preserve their natural flavours and tenderness. Accompanying them is the traditional Jhol Momo sauce, a lovingly crafted blend of spices and herbs. For a unique twist, try our Tandoori Momos, deep-fried to crisp perfection and then smoked with a tandoori masala coating. If you crave a spicy kick, our Chili Momos are deep-fried to golden perfection and then skillfully tossed in wok-cooked veggies and our house-made chilli sauce. All these four options are available in yak meat, chicken, pork, goat, and veggie fillings.
Aama Nepalese Cuisine is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Cochrane. We craft all our dishes keeping in mind the true essence of Nepali tradition and culinary heritage of this beautiful nation. We also ensure safe and hygienic cooking practices to provide our cherished customers with the best dining experience. Your satisfaction is our priority and we create each dish while keeping different taste preferences in mind.
Come and join us today, let us embark on a culinary adventure together!