Newari set in Nepal

This one-day, hands-on cooking journey takes you from vibrant local markets to a home kitchen, where you’ll prepare the iconic Newari Khaja Set from scratch. More than a meal, Samay Baji is a cultural traditioneach dish telling a story of history, celebration, and community. Perfect for food lovers seeking a deeper cultural connection.

Itinerary

9:00 AM: Start the Day

Your cooking trip starts when your guide meets you at your hotel. The guide will be friendly and speak good English. They will tell you about the day’s plan. They will talk about why food is so important to Newar people. You will learn how each dish holds a piece of their culture. Your guide will tell you about the Newar people, who are the first people of Kathmandu Valley. They will talk about how food is a part of their holidays, their family life, and their daily routines. They will share stories about how the Newari set came to be. This first talk will get you ready for a fun day.

9:30 AM: Walk Through the Market

Next, you will go to a real local market. We will not go to the main tourist spots. Instead, we will visit a place like Ason or Indra Chowk. These markets are old and busy. They are full of life. This is where the real fun begins. Your teacher will walk you through the many stalls. You will learn how to find the right foods for your meal. You will see big piles of colorful powders, like bright red chili and deep yellow turmeric. You will smell the strong scents of ginger and garlic. You will feel the smooth skin of fresh potatoes and the rough feel of dried lentils.

Your guide will point out different spices. You will learn their names and what they are used for. You will see how local people shop and talk to each other. This part of the trip is a great way to see how people live every day in Kathmandu. It is a busy, exciting place. There are many chances to take photos of the sights and sounds. You will also get to pick out some of the foods you will use in your class.

11:00 AM: The Cooking Begins

After the market, we go to the kitchen. You will wash your hands and put on an apron. You will be shown your own cooking spot. Your teacher will lead you through each step of making the Newari dishes.

You will learn to make:

Bara (Wo): You will use black lentils. First, you will soak them in water. Then, you will grind them into a smooth paste. Your teacher will show you how to fry them in a pan to make soft, thick pancakes. These are light and full of flavor.

Chhoila: This is a key part of the meal. You will learn the old way to cook it. We will use smoked buffalo meat. If you do not eat meat, we can give you a chicken or plant-based choice. You will mix the meat with mustard oil and a special mix of hot peppers and spices. You will learn to smoke the meat over a flame. This gives it a deep, smoky taste that is hard to forget.

Aalu Sandheko: This is a spicy potato salad. You will learn to cut the potatoes and mix them with spices. It has a sharp, tangy taste. It goes well with the other foods.

Bhatmas Sandheko: You will learn how to make crunchy fried soybeans. They are mixed with ginger, garlic, and chili. They are a good snack on their own.

Making the Base: You will also learn how to get the Chiura ready. This is a kind of beaten rice. It is the flat, white base for the whole meal. It holds the flavors of all the other foods.

1:30 PM: Enjoy Your Meal

The best part of any cooking class is eating the food you made. You will set up your own Newari Khaja Set on a special leaf plate called a lapte. You will sit down with your guide and other people from the class. Together, you will eat the amazing feast you made. It is a moment of pride and joy. You will feel happy to know that you made such a nice meal.

2:30 PM: End of the Day

With a full stomach and a recipe book in hand, your guide will say goodbye. Your driver will then take you back to your hotel. You will leave with a new skill and a lasting memory.