5 of the best Nepalese restaurants in Hong Kong for momo dumplings, pani puri, curry, thali and other dishes

Although Indian food often gets the spotlight the cuisine of next-door Nepal is unique and diverse, and there are some great restaurants in Hong Kong serving it

From a Temple Street joint known for thali, to a Wan Chai restaurant that makes momo with a twist, to a pani puri specialist, we look at some of the best

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Nepalese momo dumplings at Manakamana Nepali Restaurant in Hong Kong’s Jordan neighbourhood. We look at five of the most popular Nepalese restaurants around town for pani puri, curry, thali and more. Photo: Manakamana Nepali Restaurant

Published: 12:45pm, 28 Mar 2024Updated: 12:54pm, 28 Mar 2024

Although Nepalis began settling in Hong Kong in the 1960s, they account for only five per cent of the city’s ethnic-minority population, according to the 2021 census.

Many Nepalis were brought to Hong Kong as part of the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas, made up of Nepalese and Nepali-speaking Indian soldiers.

Nepal was never colonised by Britain, but for almost two centuries it had an alliance with the British and served as a buffer state between Imperial China and British India.

When the British government withdrew from Hong Kong in 1997, the Gurkha units disbanded and some of the higher-ranking officers moved to the UK. But some Gurkhas and their children, many of whom were born in Hong Kong, chose to stay and have continued to live in the city.

Nepalese momo dumplings in soup at Manakamana Nepali Restaurant in Hong Kong’s Jordan neighbourhood. Photo: Manakamana Nepali Restaurant

According to the 2021 census, nearly 80 per cent of Hong Kong Nepali students did not receive postsecondary education; the educational system does not favour ethnic minorities. This gives Nepalis limited economic mobility.

Most Nepalis find themselves working in relatively low-paid jobs in which they endure long hours. Research has found that around 30 per cent work in construction.