Himalayan House

🇳🇵 NEPAL

📍 1277 W. Jefferson Blvd., Adams-Normandie, South Los Angeles.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: An updated version of this article (08 March 2024) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:

https://eattheworldla.substack.com/p/himalayan-house

With such a small footprint in Greater Los Angeles, the food of the Himalayas is unfortunately forced to also advertise as Indian restaurants when applicable, just as their Pakistani and Bangladeshi brothers do. For diners that wish to be more specific at these places, the "for-the-masses" fare like various tikka masalas and samosas can be passed over in favor of Nepalese thalis, momos, and handmade noodle soups.

 

Things at Himalayan House seem to be working fine since rebranding about five years ago. Come in with an order of Nepalese specialties and you will see a staff more interested in making sure everything in the meal is just right.

The wrappers for regular momos can sometimes be a bit thick here, so they are tastier in fried form. The kothey chicken momos ($8.49, above) may be the best option, with well spiced meat inside and a side of mild momo dipping sauce that the fried skin holds nicely.

 

Nepalese food prepared for the Nepalese community can be some of the spiciest in the world, but spice lovers should still ask for at least an 8 on their spice scale (1-10) to start to feel something. They go pretty easy on spices here unless you insist, most likely due to their proximity to USC and other folks who are not so experienced with the fires that can erupt from South Asian dishes.

 

 

Farely uncommon in all of this country because of the rules of import, you can find yak on the menu here at Himalayan House. The yak chilli ($15.49, above) is deep fried slices of the meat, which becomes slightly chewy and dry (in a good way, almost like beef jerky), sauteed with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The sauce is perfectly sticky and sweet, with loads of fresh ginger and good spice if you ask for it.

 

The Nepalese flare of this kitchen might sparkle the most with their version of bheda ko tarkari ($13.49, below), boneless lamb swimming in a rich tomato-based curry. This is also full of garlic and ginger, and the meat is joined by pieces of tomato and onion.

 

 

The chilli and curry dishes are served with basmati rice as tradition would dictate, although you could add in some dhal to take it to the next level. They will probably ask you if you want some naan after ordering, but the Nepalese eat less bread than their Indian brothers.

But then again, this is your meal and you can eat it exactly as you wish.

 

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