Culinary Arts & Ware

thakali_20111223090702Throughout the world ‘cuisine’/culinary artistry, and related ware — such as cups and glasses, plates, bowls, knives & forks, food preparation utensils, etc. — form fields of enormous diverse cultural and utilitarian creativity; this from the earliest times to those of the present in which we find, for example ‘fast food’ eateries and takeaways represented at one end of the scale and at the other the traditions of use of particular utensils [‘chopsticks,’ etc.] and methods of food and drink preparation and consumption, that are influenced by ages old formalities and symbolism, at the other.

In Nepal this diversity exists in abundance, and witnesses, through its own cuisines /culinary arts and related food and drink ware, the nation’s cultural diversity, ancientry, and how both its culinary arts and food creation and comsumption processes are still commonly linked to the land/agriculture, and spiritual rites and symbolisms.

 momopic-790x592

Momos:

Momo, म:म: – also known as momo-cha ममचा, is one of the most popular dishes in Nepal.  They are bite-size dumplings made with a spoonful of stuffing wrapped in dough.  Momos are usually steamed, though they are sometimes fried or steam-fried.  The filling of meat or vegetables becomes succulent as it produces an intensively flavored broth sealed inside the wrappers. … read more.

Source: Easynepal.com website.

Tumba (Tongba):

TongbaThe alcoholic beverage of the Sherpa people: Tumba is served in a distinct flagon, that ranks on a par with the better known Beer ‘Stein.’

Tongba (Nepali: तोङवा) is a millet-based alcoholic beverage found in the eastern mountainous region of Nepal and the neighbouring Darjeeling and Sikkim. It is the traditional and indigenous drink of the Limbu people of eastern Nepal. Tongba is culturally and religiously important to the Limbu people of eastern Nepal. Offering Tongba is respect to a guest in Limbu culture.  Preparation: Tongba actually is the vessel which holds the fermented alcoholic beverage known as Jaand. Jaand is prepared by cooking and fermenting whole grain millet.  Source: Wikipedia


Useful links:

Nepali Food Dictionary
SAARC Tourism: Nepali Food information


Some video links:

Cooking and Culture in Nepal

Nepalese Food and Cuisine

Dal Bhat — Nepali Cooking

Tumba (Tungba) – The Traditional Beverage of the Sherpas of Nepal