Namaste Nepal
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
A local favourite for close to twenty years, Namaste Nepal is a smartly decked-out restaurant, with pleasant lighting, friendly staff and a menu packed with wonderful Nepalese and Indian dishes.
Is there anything better than a well-made momo? And no, not that smock Homer Simpson wore, or the hook to 1991’s greatest #1 hit (one for the KLF-heads, there); we’re talking about Nepalese momos, delicious little dumplings, soft to the touch and packed with highly-spiced flavours. The c-momo variety at Didsbury’s Namaste Nepal are truly special, steamed and covered with a darkly hot sauce, made from chillies, onions and tomatoes, slow-cooked into something fiery and unforgettable.
The chaat comes highly recommended. We’re back on the momo-go-round, but this time they’re deep-fried and chunky, packed with chicken and coated in a glorious mixture of yoghurt, spices and crunchy dried noodles.
Speaking of charming chat, manager Jewel has it in spades, cheerfully telling us about the venue’s history and showing off multiple photos of various Northern mayors enjoying a dance and a meal at venues he’s managed over the years. Which begs the question: why don’t more restaurants have footage of dancing mayors? Something to think about.
Finally, and although it’s a starter, the Namaste mixed sharer, is a platter of freshly cooked, piping hot delight, and a snip at just £15. It consists of King prawn, beautifully soft fish tikka, smokey tandoori lamb chops and a potent reshmi kebab, served with a light salad and a big buttery naan bread, both soft and crunchy, in all the right places.
You’ll find Namaste Nepal on Burton Road in West Didsbury, just a short walk from another Nepalese restaurant, The Great Kathmandu. The beginnings of a Little Nepal in Manchester? Let’s hope so, as the food is exceptional at both (Great Kathmandu review coming soon, but if you can’t wait, make sure to try any of their astonishingly good makhan dishes).
