The Twin Cities are home to one of the fastest-growing Nepali communities in the US — and the food scene is catching up. Ten new spots just went up on the business directory this week. Here's where to start if you're craving momo, thukpa, or a proper thali in Minneapolis–St. Paul.
1. Himalayan Restaurant (Minneapolis)
Family-owned spot on East Lake Street that calls itself the “Home of the MOMO” — three chefs, each specializing in Nepali, Indian, or Tibetan cooking. All meat is halal. Order the Kathmandu curry, garlic naan, thukpa, and of course the momos — their vegan chili momo competed in the Aug 2025 Vegan Chef Challenge. Open Tuesday–Sunday 11 AM–9:30 PM, closed Mondays. 2910 E Lake St, Minneapolis.
https://www.meetnepali.com/businesses/himalayan-restaurant-minneapolis
2. Everest on Grand (St. Paul)
It calls itself “Minnesota's First Nepalese Restaurant,” and it's been holding down Grand Avenue since 2001. The yak momo is the signature — plus chicken curry, thukpa, samosas, and customizable spice levels. Outdoor seating in summer, beer and wine. Open Mon–Fri 11 AM–9 PM, Sat–Sun 11:30 AM–9 PM. 1278 Grand Ave, St. Paul.
https://www.meetnepali.com/businesses/everest-on-grand-saint-paul
3. MomoDosa (Minneapolis)
A fast-casual stall inside Midtown Global Market doing something fun: Nepali momos and South Indian dosas under one roof. The bison momo is the one to try; the dosas are crispy gluten-free crepes. It's run by Rashmi Bhattachan and Chef Sarala Kattel — the same duo behind Gorkha Palace. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–8 PM, Sun 10 AM–6 PM. 920 E Lake St, inside Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis.
https://www.meetnepali.com/businesses/momodosa-minneapolis
4. Taste of Nepal (St. Paul)
A small family-style spot in the North End, founded by Siva. Jhol momo, chow mein, thukpa, biryani (chicken, goat, or veg), goat curry, thali — and a heavy carry-out community feel that tells you the regulars have decided. Open daily 11 AM–8 PM. 1415 Rice St, St. Paul.
https://www.meetnepali.com/businesses/taste-of-nepal-saint-paul
5. Nepali Kitchen & Bar (Maplewood)
Restaurant and attached grocery under one roof on Rice Street — the store side carries Nepali and Indian spices, snacks, and staples (open 8 AM–8 PM). On the menu: chicken and jhol momos, goat thali, veg Nepali thali, choila, wai-wai sadeko, beef sukuti, mango lassi, plus a lunch buffet 11 AM–3 PM. Closed Mondays, otherwise 11 AM–9 PM. 1700 Rice St J, Maplewood.
https://www.meetnepali.com/businesses/nepali-kitchen-bar-maplewood
6. Gorkha Palace Indian Cuisine (Minneapolis)
Indian-first but with a real Nepali streak — the momos belong on this list. Northeast Minneapolis, extensive vegetarian options, and ~1,200 reviews at 4.4 stars. Goat Curry, Kadai and Shahi Paneer, mango lassi. Lunch 11 AM–2:15 PM most days, dinner from 4 PM; single long hours on weekends. 23 4th St NE, Minneapolis.
https://meetnepali.com/businesses/gorkha-palace-indian-cuisine-minneapolis
7. Namaste Cafe (Minneapolis)
An Uptown café in a Victorian/Tudor house serving “a fresh approach to South Asian cuisine” — Indian-first, sustainability-focused, and home to one of the best vegan curries in town (their Coconut Spinach). Award-winning chai, full bar, weekend brunch, string-lit patio. Open Mon–Fri 11 AM–10 PM, Sat–Sun 10 AM–10 PM. 2512 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis.
https://meetnepali.com/businesses/namaste-cafe-minneapolis
More than restaurants
Three more new listings this week: Hamro Bazaar, a Nepali grocery in Maplewood open daily 9 AM–6 PM (https://meetnepali.com/businesses/hamro-bazaar-maplewood); the Bhutanese Community Organization of Minnesota in Little Canada, serving Nepali-speaking refugee families since 2012 (https://meetnepali.com/businesses/bhutanese-community-organization-of-minnesota-bcom-little-canada); and a Ria Money Transfer agent counter in Minneapolis for sending money home (https://meetnepali.com/businesses/ria-money-transfer-minneapolis).
Anywhere I missed? If you know a Twin Cities Nepali spot that deserves to be on here, drop a comment.
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