But the 2nd best Nepalese meal I've had was in New York City. Seriously. As a grown up I've been to Nepal too but have not had the best experience food-wise. For NYC visitors and residents- THIS IS A MUST.
Mustang Thakali Kitchen
www.thakalikitchen.com/
| 74-14 37th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, United States |
Puja and Rousseau are my family, and it was very emotional for me to say bye to NYC before my move to Dhaka, so much so that I ended up missing my bus and staying an extra day- just like I used to during our big party weekends. Thanksgivings, gigs, formation of our company (www.melabel.net) - heartbreaks- falling in love - S D and Rock n Roll- New York City has given me all it's angles leaving me wanting more and more. Boston is my true love, but NYC is my feisty affair that keeps me coming back.
Anyway- after years of knowing Pandey and asking her to feed me Nepali curries, we went to this BRILLIANT restaurant. (this is going on my NYC top 10 list- that I will eventually make someday I promise! ) Without any patronizing but with a lot of love, I really love Nepal and its' people. More and more I am trying to let go of my "despite our different countries" "even though we are from blah and blah" that makes me applaud myself or others for having normal warm interactions with people. But they do exists and my interactions with Puja has made it easier to realize how futile these boundaries are. On top of that we truly do have a lot in common, our love for bhaat daal, our similar dialects- and also our differences in culture, religion and mannerism.
I have really enjoyed momos- in fact in Boston my friends Shumi, Vivek and I have driven out of Boston to satisfy my momo cravings one day- but I was in for a treat at Thakali!
Those of you who know me know this- Curry and Rice and I AM SORTED. And this was just super.
We ordered two Thalia for the 3 of us. This was the fish thali. Both came with assorted vegetables, very similar to Bengali Bhai. Major difference is their daal. What I liked about this restaurant is their choice of chinese greens in the thi mix.
Anyway- after years of knowing Pandey and asking her to feed me Nepali curries, we went to this BRILLIANT restaurant. (this is going on my NYC top 10 list- that I will eventually make someday I promise! ) Without any patronizing but with a lot of love, I really love Nepal and its' people. More and more I am trying to let go of my "despite our different countries" "even though we are from blah and blah" that makes me applaud myself or others for having normal warm interactions with people. But they do exists and my interactions with Puja has made it easier to realize how futile these boundaries are. On top of that we truly do have a lot in common, our love for bhaat daal, our similar dialects- and also our differences in culture, religion and mannerism.
I have really enjoyed momos- in fact in Boston my friends Shumi, Vivek and I have driven out of Boston to satisfy my momo cravings one day- but I was in for a treat at Thakali!
Those of you who know me know this- Curry and Rice and I AM SORTED. And this was just super.
We ordered two Thalia for the 3 of us. This was the fish thali. Both came with assorted vegetables, very similar to Bengali Bhai. Major difference is their daal. What I liked about this restaurant is their choice of chinese greens in the thi mix.
But what stood out for me was their shutki bhorta version- a tiny little taste of this new flavour in my palette. I was going wild, I love new yummy explorations!
And last but not least my favourite Nepali dish- Mutton Curry! They have this lovely way of preparing, not overlooking it like Bengali rezala- slight smell of the meat remaining ( I realise everyone doesn't love that) and lots of gravy (oh jhol why do I love you so?)
I almost didn't let Rousseau and Puka have any hehehe. Yes New Yorkers if you haven't had this- go TODAY. Everyone else - put it on your Nyc list!
Okay lovers- here is my song of the day- a beautiful one by the ever so talented friend of mine Joyita- a completion of Shonar Bangla ❤️
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