Momo: The Nepali Dumpling

Dear Nemaste,

Momo. What does it remind you of? The creepy girl with the bug eyes? The momo challenge? Dumplings? Momo means many different things to each individual. But for Nepali people, the dominating images it brings up are of the delicious and beautiful dumplings. They are a comfort food that have a deep and irreplaceable meaning among the Nepali community.

Who doesn’t love momos? They are scrumptious and healthy, a combination that many aspire to find in foods. Typically, momos consist of cabbage, onions, ginger, coriander, along with many different spices. The addition of minced buffalo is a beloved choice in Nepal, and is commonly referred to as “buff momo.” Other meat, such as chicken, or even vegetarian momo with paneer (cottage cheese) are very popular.

These ingredients are combined and wrapped in flour wrappers into beautiful shapes. Knowing how to pleat dumplings is quite a “flex.” Once these are steamed, they are served with a chutney which usually has a tomato base, that adds even more to the delicacy. Soup momo, and fried momo are among some of the popular variations of momo in Nepal. These recipes often vary with families, but they are passed down many generations.

The origin of momo is unclear, but there are traces that show it originated in Northeast Asia, including Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. It is similar to Chinese baozi, Mongolian buuz, Japanese gyoza, Afghan mantu, and Korean mandu. Momo has travelled long and far, and now is commonly found throughout the world. As a matter of fact, Canada’s capital, Ottawa, has its very own kiosk called “The Momo Spot” that is occasionally open. Momos at this kiosk are prepared by members of our Nepali community.

It may seem like any other food, but it holds a very special place in many Nepali’s hearts. Just the image of biting into hot steamy momos, with a delicious chutney, makes anyone's mouth start to water and heart start to drool. This delicacy, together with the company of friends and family, laughing and chatting away is an ideal day in many Nepali’s hearts. Even the process of making momos brings joy. As the whole family stands around the table pleating momos, laughing and telling jokes, making this food does not feel like a chore. Pleating dumplings takes a lot of practice and patience. Homemade momos may not look as good as professional momo found in the heart of Kathmandu, but the process and fun while making them adds so much more.

While momo nights are a classic for many Nepalese overseas, street momo comes with its own set of excitement. I can only imagine going back to Nepal, and casually going out to get momo with my friends and family. For now, we will have to survive on the little sloppy, but love-filled homemade momos.

Sincerely,

Kusum Sharma

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References:

Lohia, A. (2019, August 06). 11 Crazy Facts About Momos That Are As Spicy As The Chutney You Eat Them With. Retrieved from https://www.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/11-crazy-facts-about-momos-that-are-as-spicy-as-the-chutney-you-eat-them-with-372897.html

Momo: The Himalayan Dumplings. (2012, August 5). Retrieved from http://www.ecurry.com/blog/starters-snacks/momo-the-himalayan-dumplings/

Mulmi, A. (2017, September 22). Momo: The one dumpling that rules them all. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/feJodcGE7plhxurs5vks3N/Momo-the-one-dumpling-that-rules-them-all.html

Picture credit to: Roshan Dhimal

Dhimal, R. (n.d.). [Picture of Momo and Achar]. Retrieved December 30, 2020, from https://unsplash.com/photos/MngTyIFt0BI