As a native of north-east India, I am gastronomically programmed to love momos like most brethren from the region, but even a diehard fan like me didn't expect what I witnessed this Friday in Kathmandu.
As a native of north-east India, I am gastronomically programmed to love momos like most brethren from the region, but even a diehard fan like me didn't expect what I witnessed this Friday in Kathmandu.
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The venue was Bhrikutimandap, Nepal's mini-version of Pragati Maidan, and the occasion the 10th annual Momo-Mania festival, celebrating the Himalayan nation's most popular snack.
It seemed most roads in Kathmandu Valley led to the venue where thousands went wild over these dumplings said to have originated in Tibet. For those who love momos---it was like being in paradise.
Forgetting the numerous problems plaguing the country like 14 hour daily power cuts and an ongoing political crisis, Kathmanduites dug their teeth into 22 varieties of momos on offer. Besides those made with usual fillings like chicken, pork, mutton and buffalo there were others like tandoori chicken, fish, Thai momos, Dapao from Bhutan and traditional Newari Momocha. Taste buds of vegetarians were also satiated to the fullest with momos made with fillings of mushroom, cheese, spinach, kidney beans and South Indian momos dipped in sambar.
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For those with sweet tooth there were momos made with gajar ka halwa and gundpak, a local sweet. Nine kinds of dipping sauces, free drinks, tattoos and music added to the festive spirit. Organised by Bakery Café Momo-Mania has become part of Kathmandu's food calendar and eflects the immense love residents have for momos.
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For those with sweet tooth there were momos made with gajar ka halwa and gundpak, a local sweet. Nine kinds of dipping sauces, free drinks, tattoos and music added to the festive spirit. Organised by Bakery Café Momo-Mania has become part of Kathmandu's food calendar and eflects the immense love residents have for momos.
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Having momos in the evenings is part of many Kathmanduites daily routine and hundreds of outlets, from the fancy ones to those in street corners cater to this demand.
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.
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