Top 5 Dishes You Must Try at Himchuli Highlands
First time at Himchuli Highlands? Our menu is long, and that is half the fun. But if you are new to Nepali food in Denver, it helps to know where to start. These are the five dishes we would put in front of a friend on their first visit.
Himchuli means the snow-covered peak of a mountain. Since December 2016 we have been cooking family recipes from Nepal and India at 3489 W 32nd Ave, in the heart of Denver’s Highlands.
The 5 Dishes to Try First
Momos: Nepal’s Famous Dumplings
Starter, steamed or chilli style
If you only try one Nepali dish, make it momos. These hand-folded dumplings are the street food of Kathmandu and the dish Nepalis miss most when they are away from home.
Order them steamed to taste the filling, or go for chilli momos: fried, then tossed in a hot and spicy sauce with tomatoes, bell peppers and onion.
- Order it
- Steamed for your first plate, chilli momos for your second.
- Good for
- Sharing at the start of the meal.
Thali: A Whole Meal on One Platter
Main, vegetarian and non-vegetarian
A thali is how many families in Nepal and India eat every day: rice, lentils, curries and sides served together on one platter. It is the easiest way to taste a little of everything in a single order.
Not sure what you like yet? Start with a thali and you will know what to order next time.
- Order it
- Vegetarian or non-vegetarian, depending on your mood.
- Good for
- A filling lunch or a first visit.
Makhani: The Creamy Curry Everyone Loves
Main, mild and rich
Makhani is a smooth, buttery tomato sauce that is rich without being too spicy. It is the curry we recommend to guests who are nervous about heat, and the one regulars come back for.
Ask your server about the protein and spice options when you order.
- Order it
- With rice and a basket of naan to soak up the sauce.
- Good for
- First-timers and anyone who likes it mild.
Garlic Naan: Fresh From the Tandoor
Bread, one of a dozen-plus naans and rotis
Our naan is baked to order in a clay tandoor oven, so it arrives hot, soft and blistered. Garlic naan is the crowd favorite, but our bread list runs to more than a dozen naans and rotis.
One basket for the table is never enough. Order two.
- Order it
- Garlic naan with any curry.
- Good for
- The whole table.
Mango Lassi: The Perfect Finish
Drink, sweet and cool
A lassi is a chilled yogurt drink, and mango is the most popular version for good reason. It is sweet, creamy and the best way to cool down after chilli momos.
Prefer something warm? Try a cup of our chai tea instead.
- Order it
- With your meal or as dessert.
- Good for
- Kids, spice beginners and anyone with a sweet tooth.
Tips for Your First Visit
Our daily lunch buffet runs 11 AM to 3 PM and lets you try several dishes at once.
We host a vegan buffet on the third Tuesday of each month, and vegan options are labeled every day.
Tell your server how hot you like it. Most dishes can be made milder or spicier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nepali food like?
Nepali food sits between Indian and Tibetan cooking. Expect dumplings like momos, lentils and rice, and curries that use warm spices such as cumin, ginger and garlic.
Where can I find Nepali food in Denver?
Himchuli has served Nepali and Indian food in Denver since 2016, at Himchuli Highlands (3489 W 32nd Ave) and Himchuli RiNo (3490 Larimer St).
Does Himchuli have vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. The menu has plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, vegan options are labeled daily, and Himchuli Highlands hosts a vegan buffet on the third Tuesday of each month.
Does Himchuli offer catering?
Yes. We cater office lunches, parties and family celebrations. See our catering page for details.
Visit Himchuli Highlands
Try all five in one visit, or order online and get 10% off takeout.