Bites on a Budget: $6.50 at Cafe Himalaya

When I was younger, my neighbors were from Kathmandu. I would go to their house after school and the mother, Sachi, would make these huge pots of curries and I would sit there politely pretending to be eating it while I hid it in napkins or under my plate. Like many children, I was frightened of unfamiliar foods. But as I aged so did my palate, and my courage grew, which led me to urge fellow blog intern Lina to try Cafe Himalaya with me. Serving "Tibetan and Nepali cuisines," it was recommended to us as THE authentic and cheap East Village spot where all the Nepali cab drivers go to. There is a peaceful atmosphere in the cafe, emphasized by the natural light pouring in from large street-facing windows. I almost felt like I walked into a bikram yoga classroom.

We both ordered from the lunch special menu ($6.50). Lina got the Tsel Momo, pan fried dumplings stuffed with fresh vegetables, herbs and potatoes with a shredded cabbage side salad that had sesame oil dressing. I went for the Thukpa, noodles in a thick curry-like broth with vegetables. Both came with a delicious homemade spicy coriander chutney which added a nice kick. The dishes were unique in their flavors, jumping between Southeast Asian, Indian, and Chinese cuisines. Around us lone lunchers read novels and magazines while they slurped on their noodles and munched on their momos. The coziness of the place was so infectious, we could’ve stayed and people watched all day.

CAFE HIMALAYA
78 E 1st St
New York, NY 10009
MapThe Thukpa, a noodle soup with vegetables in a curry-like brothLina tackling her momos