Whether you call it a hidden gem or a diamond in the rough, we all love finding that little place that punches above its weight. Everybody else just passes by without a second thought, but you know what treasures lay inside. Dedicated chefs and owners throw caution and financial stability to the wind to do something they have probably always dreamed of- sharing their food to an adoring audience.

Thamel Bistro is just such a place.

I first visited Thamel Bistro very shortly after they opened in 2019. The space had been a black hole recently for multiple restaurant concepts, so I wandered in there for a quick look armed with an unhealthy dose of skepticism.

Robyn and I had just walked in on a whim to look inside since the windows were covered with photographic murals blocking the view inside. We were immediately greeted by co-owner Rajib Puri, who picked up on our sense of curiosity and began telling us about his restaurant. We asked to see a menu and saw that it was a hybrid of some traditional Nepali fare alongside standard Western dishes. He insisted we taste a couple momos (Nepali dumplings filled with chicken, pork, or veggies) and the flavour was impressive.

That was enough to overcome any skepticism. These guys were passionate about the food from their homeland of Nepal and excited to share it with anyone willing to give it a try.

Over the next 2 years I would make my way back numerous times for lunch and chats with chef/co-owner Goluk Dhakal. I always wanted to feature Thamel bistro somehow, but there were promises of a more authentic Nepali menu to come, so I held off. A few iterations later, the menu is highlighted by a lot more traditional foods and the “burger and fries” western section of the menu was gone.

Anyways, I could blather on and on about how much I enjoy watching people pour their heart and soul into their dreams, and how it’s especially great when it comes with tasty dumplings in the form of momos for me, but just listen to the audio from my radio column on Thamel Bistro instead.

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-52/clip/15874006

The -35 momos I mentioned on-air come in a delicious and spicy chicken soup. I highly recommend this.

We ran a bit short on time (see above comment about my blathering on and on) and didn’t get a chance to mention some other things on the menu.

Go for the momos as a starting point, but check out the Nepali Thali as well. It’s a platter that is a whole meal in one. It has either chicken or goat, rice, dal, and spiced potatoes, along with some dips and a bit of rice pudding for dessert.

You can find Thamel Bistro at 12413 118 ave.