Best Thakali in Kathmandu
11 places · Updated October 2026
Thakali food comes from the Thak Khola valley in Mustang, and in Kathmandu it usually means a thakali set: rice or dhido with dal, a meat or vegetable curry, greens, achar and a spoon of ghee.
These are the thakali restaurants with the most positive reviews online across Kathmandu and Lalitpur, in order. Each one was open when we checked.
- 1
Local Thakali
Gairidhara, Kathmandu
The most reviewed thakali kitchen in the city. Order the chicken or mutton thali, and leave room for the achar, which reviewers mention more than anything else. The pork sekuwa is popular too.
- 2
Daura Thakali
Pulchowk, Gairidhara and Nayabazar
Three busy branches serving full thali sets, with mutton the order to go for. Some evenings come with live music.
- 3
T3 Thakali & Multi Food Gallery
Tribhuvan Airport, Kathmandu
Open around the clock next to the airport, which makes it the place for a thakali set before an early flight or after a late landing. The veg thali is a popular order.
- 4
Jimbu Thakali by Capital Grill
Tangal, Kalimati, New Baneshwor and Jhamsikhel
A chain with branches across the valley. Come for the thakali sets, the mutton thali in particular; the menu also runs to momos and grill dishes. Tangal has outdoor seating.
- 5
Bagaan Thakali Kitchen
Tridevi Sadak, Thamel
The closest of these to Thamel. Chicken and veg thali are the usual orders, and it is one of the places reviewers mention for dhido.
- 6
Khohang - Taste of Thakali
Amrit Marg, Thamel
A dal bhat stop with outdoor seating, a short walk from Thamel. The chicken thali set is what most people order.
- 7
Lekali Thakali
Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu
Thakali khana on the Ring Road side of the city. Reviewers often mention the mutton and the lapsang.
- 8
Thakkhola Thakali Cuisine
Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur
Thakali rice sets served with ghee, and floor seating if you want to eat the traditional way.
- 9
Mantra Thakali
Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur
A Jhamsikhel regular for chicken khana sets with ghee. The chicken momo is a popular side.
- 10
House of Thakali
Kathmandu
A small, cosy room known for its mutton thali, with dhido on the menu as well.
- 11
Lete Thakali Kitchen
Thirbam Sadak, Bhatbhateni
Quick, straightforward thakali sets. The chicken thakali thali and the dal are the reasons people return.
Questions people ask
What comes in a thakali set?
Rice or dhido, black dal, a curry of chicken, mutton or vegetables, sauteed greens, achar and usually a little ghee. Most places will top up the rice, dal and vegetables.
Is thakali food good for vegetarians?
Yes. Every place on this list serves a veg set, and the dal, greens and achar are vegetarian anyway.
What is dhido?
A thick porridge of buckwheat or millet flour, eaten with the dal and curry instead of rice. Ask for it when you order, as not every set includes it.
Chosen from places with lots of positive reviews online, and checked as open in October 2026.