Inside: Himalayan

Photos:

After reading a quick blurb about this Nepalanese restaurant in South Minneapolis, I knew I had to try it. So even though I had plans to make dinner and have a low-key night at home, I quickly changed my plans once the idea to try Himalayan crossed my mind.

Driving up to the small building, with a simple red awning stating “Himalayan Restaurant,” I was a little skeptical, that was until I walked in and experienced the fantastic aroma of the food. Then I knew I was in the right place. We placed our order quickly—vegetarian momos, chicken tikka masala, bhanta aaloo (eggplant and potatoes) and naan.

While we waited for our order, we had a chance to look around the restaurant. There are several booths along one wall and then 10 or so tables in the main area. We sat and watched as every table quickly filled and then a small line formed to wait for tables. I was impressed, as it was fairly early on a Friday evening. It made me glad I was hungry early; otherwise I would have had to wait for a table with the tempting smells surrounding me.

Our food arrived a short time later and we dug in. To sum up Himalayan’s food in one word, it would be “fresh”. From the veggies inside our momos to the cilantro that topped the eggplant, everything tasted just so light and simple. I loved the veggie momos; they were filled with sauteed greens and served with a tangy tomato cilantro sauce. Besides the momos, the star of our meal was the bhanta aaloo. I just loved the way the eggplant and potatoes blended with the spices.

It was definitely a great meal; I will only do two things differently next time I go. First, I would definitely go for the level-three spiciness since the spice levels at Himalayan were Minnesota-hot. Second, I will definitely get the full order of veggie momos; three momos were just not enough for me!

Katie Cannon is the blogger behind Camacho Watcho as well as an up-and-coming Twin Cities photographer. She both works and plays in the Mill District of downtown Minneapolis.

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