Owner Kriszta Hegedűsné Sánta's lifelong fascination with Asian cultures, sparked by her university studies in Japanese, led her to this extraordinary venture. A chance encounter with Bibek Acharya in Dubai ignited the idea of bringing authentic Nepali cuisine to Budapest this May.
A team of skilled Nepali chefs, many with experience in Dubai's finest hotels, have brought their expertise to Budapest. They share their passion for their homeland's cuisine, offering a truly authentic taste of Nepal.
A taste of Nepal, a cultural experience
Step into Annapurna on Budapest's so-called 'restaurant street' Ráday utca and be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. Soft lighting, colourful prayer flags, and the gentle hum of Nepali music create a serene ambience. A small exhibition showcasing Nepal's diverse culture, ethnic groups, and spices offers a glimpse into the country's rich heritage. Kriszta's personal connection to Nepal, forged during her autumn visit, is evident in the restaurant's decor. Photos from her trip adorn the walls, transporting diners to the heart of the Himalayas. A unique touch, the popcorn machine, reflects a traditional Nepalese dining custom.
Nepali cuisine, influenced by Indian and Chinese flavours, is characterised by the use of special spices. Timur, a spice similar to Sichuan pepper, adds a unique flavour profile to many dishes. Bibek, a native Nepalese, shared that buffalo meat is a beloved staple of the Newari people from the Kathmandu Valley. Given that most Nepalis adhere to Hinduism, beef is not consumed. Interestingly, bacon is quite popular in Nepali cuisine. As a result, Annapurna's menu features a variety of bacon dishes, including unique Nepali-style and sweet and sour preparations. Unlike Indian cuisine, Nepali dishes are also less sweet, offering a subtle yet distinct flavour profile. By the end of the meal, the differences between Nepali and Indian cuisine become clear.
We kicked off our culinary adventure with a twist on a classic: jhol momo soup. This delightful dish features soft, savoury dumplings nestled in a spicy broth infused with roasted tomatoes, sesame seeds, and a medley of aromatic herbs. Legend has it that momo was introduced to Nepal by a Tibetan princess who married into the royal family. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a beloved Nepalese staple, enjoyed at any time of day, from breakfast to a late-night snack.
The momo, a versatile dish, is offered in various forms on the menu. We sampled the buffalo, chicken, and paneer varieties, each paired with a choice of two chutneys. While the mint and coriander chutney was refreshing, we particularly enjoyed their homemade hot sauce. Although the exact recipe remains a secret, we could detect the distinct flavours of timur, ginger, chilli, sesame seeds, garlic, and tomatoes.
Another authentic soup, thukpa, is a comforting bowl of fresh noodles in a scrumptious broth infused with garlic, ginger, and Himalayan spices. This hearty dish is the perfect remedy for winter chills, offering warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.
We tasted a couple of standout starters: the spicy edamame and peanut salad was a refreshing burst of tangy flavours, with a zesty dressing complementing the crunchy textures. We also loved the pani puri, a playful dish of crispy shells filled with spiced potato and tangy, minty water. The combination of flavours – fresh, tangy, salty, and hot – was simply delightful.
For the main course, we opted for the chilli chicken or paneer, cooked in a flavourful ginger sauce. This dish was a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, with a subtle heat that appealed to all palates. The addition of fresh vegetables added a welcome crunch and a burst of vibrant flavour.
Vegetarians will be delighted by the array of options available. We sampled a Nepali-style thali, a feast for the eyes and the palate. At its heart lies fragrant basmati rice, surrounded by a colourful assortment of accompaniments. The vegetable curry, simmered in authentic Nepalese spices, is a flavourful delight. For meat lovers, a chicken version is available, where the meat is slow-cooked to tender perfection in the sauce. The thali also includes dhal, fresh vegetables, steamed spinach seasoned with Roman cumin and garlic, homemade Nepali pickles, and pappadums. As Bibek explained, the traditional Nepalese way to enjoy this dish is to pour dhal and ghee over the rice, then mix everything together with your fingers and savour the delicious combination of flavours and textures.
Of the three desserts on offer, the brownie with masala cream and the gajar ka halwa, made from grated carrots, were tempting options. However, we opted for a more authentic sweet treat: yomari. This festive Newari delicacy consists of soft dough made from a blend of rice and wheat flour, shaped into fish-like dumplings, and filled with a sweet custard. Given the intricate preparation, yomari is always served fresh and steamed to perfection. While not traditionally served with orange sauce in Nepal, Santosh Shah, a renowned Nepalese chef, introduced this pairing on a cooking show, and Annapurna has successfully adopted it. The soft dough and sweet filling of the yomari are beautifully complemented by the citrusy flavour of the sauce.
A cocktail revolution
We were pleasantly surprised by the innovative cocktail program at Annapurna. Both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings are truly special, crafted in collaboration with award-winning mixologists Dávid Szabó and Máté Csatlós. The menu features a range of creative concoctions, including the popcorn-infused Royal Popcorn, featuring bourbon, popcorn syrup, and corn liqueur with a touch of lemon and pineapple. The Smoky Mountain actually smokes, and contains beetroot, pineapple, and lime, while the visually stunning Sherpa Queen, Nepal, and Annapurna Elixir are bliss inside and out. The non-alcoholic Terai Tranquility, a refreshing blend of lemongrass-ginger tea, sugar cane, lime, ginger beer, and cucumber, is a standout. We also enjoyed the bold Nepali Chiya, a less sweet and more spicy take on the classic chai.
Whether you're seeking a family-friendly dining experience, a corporate event venue, or simply a unique culinary adventure, Annapurna has something to offer. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Nepali cuisine, explore the curated collection of Nepali books, and indulge in a signature cocktail. Annapurna is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold flavours, cultural experiences, and innovative drinks.
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Annapurna Nepali Restaurant
(Cover photo: Bekő József)
