Not many people realize the size of Sacramento’s thriving Nepali community. At last count there were as many as 10-12 people in the greater Sacramento area who claim Nepal as their country of ancestry. Luckily for the rest of us, this hearty community has a fine cuisine that they choose to share with anyone who has the good fortune to step through the doors of the Kathmandu Kitchen on Broadway. (Don’t let the rumors mislead you, Kathmandu Kitchen is not closed; however, it was shut down for a number of months this year for extensive remodeling and an extensive trip back to Nepal by the owner. The doors are now open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.)
So, your first question might be, “What the hell is Nepali food?” That’s a good question, but a better question would be, “Is the correct word “Nepali” or “Nepalese”?” Funny you should ask, because I’ve been looking into the issue. Technically, “Nepalese” refers to things of or relating to Nepal specifically people, while “Nepali” refers to the language spoken in Nepal; however, according to Webster, either word can be used to refer to anything of or relating to the country of Nepal. So, if you trust the word of a 3 foot tall 80’s television actor, then either word will do.
Let’s go back and answer your first question, “What is Nepali food?” The answer to that is a little complex. While I’m sure there are subtle differences ridiculously apparent to someone of the region, I can’t really differentiate between Nepali food and Indian food, especially Northern Indian food. The same staples dot the menu, samosas, lentils, tandori, naan. This is not a bad thing, however, since the wife and I are big fans of Indian food, and Kathmandu Kitchen outdoes almost every Indian place in town with it’s basic recipes like “Chicken Vindaloo, “Tikka Masala” or “Vegetable Samosas.”
On recent trips to the “Double K” we’ve been treated to attentive and speedy service. Most nights, you can get a table without a wait, and if there is a wait, it will probably be a short one. The atmosphere is a little forced, with rather glorious travel posters of Nepal on the walls and slightly grating regional music on the Hi-Fi, but, to be fair, I’ve never been to good ethnic joint that has the soothing sounds of Mel Torme piped in.
Overall, you’ll be pleased at Kathmandu Kitchen. Most everything on the dinner menu is a winner. ( The dessert menu is another story. Best to hoof it down to Tower Cafe if you have a sweet tooth.) The food is not nearly as adventurous as it sounds, but the flavors are rich and intense and just the thing to fuel your trip up the side of a mountain.
Kathmandu Kitchen
1728 Broadway, Sacramento (locations in Davis & Auburn too)
Food *** Atmosphere** Service***
The Sac Rag 