What You'll Eat on a Nepal Trek: A Teahouse Food Guide

Spoiler: you'll eat a lot of dal bhat — and you'll be glad you did. Here's the full trail menu.

Trekking burns serious energy, and eating well keeps you strong and happy on the trail. The good news is that teahouse food in Nepal is tasty, filling and surprisingly varied. Here's what to expect on the menu.

Dal bhat power

The trekker's staple is dal bhat — steamed rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry and pickle, usually with free refills. It's balanced, energising and freshly cooked, which is why guides and porters eat it twice a day. There's a reason for the trail saying about dal bhat keeping you going all day.

Beyond dal bhat

• Momos — Nepali dumplings, steamed or fried
• Noodle and thukpa soups, perfect when it's cold
• Fried rice, chowmein and potato dishes
• Pancakes, porridge and eggs for breakfast
• Surprising treats like apple pie in the Annapurna region

Eating well at altitude

Appetite often dips at altitude, but eating is important. Favour carbohydrates for energy, stay hydrated, and choose freshly cooked vegetarian dishes higher up, where meat is carried long distances and less reliable. Garlic soup is a trail favourite said to help with acclimatisation.

Special diets

Vegetarian food is everywhere and excellent. Vegan, gluten-free and other needs can usually be managed with a little planning — tell us in advance and we'll brief your guide so the lodges can look after you.