Momo-licious moments

Momos are a delicacy that have been around for some time, and recently became a hit in Dhaka. With its roots in Nepal, it is something that is enjoyed thoroughly all around the world, especially South East Asia. It is believed that the dish was first introduced and was further developed in Nepal due to merchants and travelers that passed through the cities; over-time the locals modified, added ingredients, seasonings and gave it the diverse look and taste it has today.

The dish is made up of simple ingredients – steamed bread with any type of filling one might desire to have like chicken, mutton, beef, or vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes, and various types of fresh soft cheese. You can even use sweet fillings to enjoy momos as desserts! Momos can be found in various combinations; there are two basic types of momos – steamed and fried.

Each type of momo, whether fried or steamed is commonly enjoyed with a sauce or dip, usually known as chutney in the areas of Nepal, made with tomatoes as the base ingredient and combined with various extra ingredients such as chillies, making it more appealing to South Asian foodies. 

Here are some places you can find good momos:
La Bamba: La Bamba has been serving momos for many years now. Although it was little known what momos exactly were at the time, La Bamba managed to make it a customer favourite anyway. The freshly-made momos are such a favourite that they are almost immediately finished as soon as they're out for the customers. The price of the chicken momos in La Bamba is Tk 30 each. La Bamba is situated in Dhanmondi Road 11 and Rabindra Sarani. 

Hot Hut: Hot Hut's momo's are Tk 25 each and are available throughout the day. They serve both chicken and beef momos. Hot Hut even has a special chilli sauce, which is available for all dishes, but is specially served with the momos. Hot Hut is situated in Sobhonbag, Dhaka.

Food Street: Since Food Street, situated in Banani Road 15, had started, one of their most popular items was momos. Their momos are freshly made in their momo cart called Spice & Momo, right in front of you. As you watch them take the delectable munchies out of the steamer, you will salivate at the smell of the chicken and beef fillings. Their red tomato and chilli chutney will keep you craving for more instantly. A plate of momo, consisting of 8 momos, will cost you only Tk 150!

Tekiya: Tekiya is an excellent place for one to find Japanese soul food. While the momo is originally a Nepalese dish, Japan has their own version of it, which you will find in Tekiya, called gyoza. Each plate, beef or chicken, will have 8 pieces with two different dipping sauces, and will cost you Tk 220. Tekiya is a food cart, on the ground floor of Shimanto Square.

Crepe-O-Momo: Saving the best for the last, Crepe-O-Momo's availability of momos is in the name itself. Specialising and crepes and momos, Crepe-O-Momo's chicken momo has been a bestseller. The best thing about them is that the momos are moist and succulent, and they are nicely steamed to a good texture, with adequate filling. The momos range between Tk 120 to Tk 150 for six pieces per plate. This crepe and momo bar, the country's first, is situated in Banani, Road 8.

Now that you have a list of places to try out these scrumptious bite-sized treats, there's no reason for you to hesitate. Go and have some memorable momo-licious moments!

Naziba Basher
Photo: Collected