You know you're in for a special meal as soon as you walk through the door. The beautiful antique wood doors at While In Kathmandu have so much character - and the restaurant itself is just as beautiful and full of personality! We started with a cocktail made with mint, ginger, vodka, and beetroot juice. The woman working there told us they make their own juice fresh every day, and you could really taste the difference. It tasted as good as it looked! For starters, we ordered the choila roti and the Buffalo momos. Both were incredible - the flavors and presentation were amazing. The sauce over the momos was so flavorful and colorful, and the jerk chicken in the roti was perfectly seasoned. For our entree, we split the poleko lamb, which arrived on a sizzling plate and was packed with such vibrant, delicious flavors. I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu. Everything was beautiful, creative, flavorful, and clearly made with a lot of care! read more

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I've had Nepalese food in Jackson Heights. But I've heard many good things about this spot, so I decided to drive over to Ridgewood just to try this spot with a friend. My friend and I decided to share everything. We ordered: GARLIC NAAN 5/5 These garlic naans were probably the best we've both tried. As soon as we took a bite, we are both impressed. And to think that we would have missed out if our server didn't suggest it... These particular naans are made different from the traditional Iones. They are coated with buttery goodness and are super thin. The hummus on the side was also a very good pairing. I would recommend this app. PORK JHOL MOMO 5/5 These pork momos were also super delicious! Comparing it to the ones I've had at another restaurant, there is no overpowering cilantro in this one! The momo itself was very juicy. The flavor of the inside and the soup was delicious. Another must-get! CHICKEN KHAJA PLATTER 4/5 My friend and I were probably the least impressed with this one. A lot of the dish includes a lot of dry ingredients like popped rice & soybean seeds. They also used cold meats and veggies. It was great to try each portion of the platter, but wasn't our personal favorites of our visit here. Overall, we had a delicious lunch. We throughly enjoyed our experience here and would definitely recommend this local spot. I did think it was worth the trip over. read more

While In Kathmandu - Chicken Platter (Khaja Set) - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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I remember really liking While in Kathmandu when I went a couple of years ago, so I was quite disappointed when I went back to try it again. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but the waiter was adamant that I tried the buffalo momos and I agreed. They took some time but good things come to those who wait, however, they were not good at all. The momos were mainly onions and barely had any meat and also lacked flavor. I don't know what happened from the last time that I've been here, but I was disappointed. Maybe I would go back and order a different type of momos but if it is predominantly onions again then there are many other momo places in Jackson Heights, which isn't too far away from Ridgewood. read more

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I really enjoyed my dinner here with a friend. We shared the duck choila, the vegetarian momo, and the chicken and cheese roti. The duck appetizer was very flavorful and the duck was pleasantly chewy. The vegetarian jhol momo had a simple, vegetable filling with a pleasant texture with a perfectly chewy wrapper. However, the real star was the broth they are served in. The flavor was bright and intense. Our entree, the roti, really tasted like a delicious chicken quesadilla. It had a slightly crispy exterior and just enough filling and was pleasantly rich and greasy. It paired well with the black bean curry and the additions of slaw and tangy achar perfectly cut the richness. This place serves authentic Nepalese flavors but with a more approachable menu studded with items more familiar for a less adventurous eater- the type of place you can take your parents to. read more

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This place had great service , food is good and spicy for some dishes . Sucks it's cash only but not a deal breaker and they do have an ATM . The food is reassemble prices and I'd come back again . read more

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went to while in kathmandu in ridgewood and had such a memorable meal. we ordered the sautéed masala wings, garlic naan with hummus, chicken momos, 2x not a tacos, mango lassi, chitwan ko tass, and the chicken roti with cheese. the chitwan ko tass especially stood out, it's a classic goat dish from the chitwan region of nepal served with a variety of sides. this was definitely outside of our usual comfort zone but it surprised us in all the best ways. every dish had such unique and delicious flavor profiles and the whole meal felt special. sitting there eating honestly made me feel transported to nepal in the best way, like a cozy little town near everest. the staff was so warm and welcoming, helped guide us through the menu, and even shared some history about the culture and region which made the experience even better. so happy i got to experience this place!! definitely make the time to visit the ridgewood location. read more

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Nice brick-wall atmosphere, cozy for a date, but not at all stuffy. Kind servers. Fine food, although their appetizers and single-dish plates are better, and better value, than their full meals (the quinoa meal was huge, but some things just tasted like salt, and the grilled lamb was tasty but dry). Standouts: chicken choila (unbelievable portions and quality for $11.99), goat sekuwa (pricier but delicious), and the pork jhol momo. Drinks are hit or miss, but the flavors here are unique - better than other Nepalese restaurants elsewhere - and a tremendous value for the Bushwick-adjacent region. read more

Got into town around 930 and were desperately hungry, stopped here based on nothing. This as the most delicious restaurant and the staff were so nice. We had the potatoes, pork momo, and chicken skewers; everything was incredible. I will be recommending this place to everyone. It is cash only, but they have an atm. read more

I want to preface this by saying I've never had Nepali food, but at least from what I had While in Kathmandu (see what I did there?) I can expect great things from the cuisine. Hospitality is warm and the interior is casual if not a little dark. There was an option to sit outdoors in the back but we opted for the cool interior. Servers alternated during service but all of them provided great recommendations from the menu and quick/efficient service. Of the things we ordered, my partner and I enjoyed the "Not a Taco" and the Pork Jhol Momo. The "Not a Taco" was spicy, savory and slightly sweet in all the right amounts. The chicken is tender, juicy, and steaming hot. The Pork Jhol Momo is also well seasoned and comes with a flavorful broth. The menu mentioned that the broth was served cold (?) but we got our momos warm. I felt like the momos would be even more delicious if they were hot but not sure how they're usually supposed to be prepared. The only thing we were not a big fan of was the goat sekuwa which was kinda tough and chewy. While the meat does have a nice grilled taste, the texture was hard to ignore. Since my partner and I only stopped in for a light dinner, we didn't get to try the main entrees that the restaurant had to offer. Speaking of which, someone else in the restaurant ordered a sizzling platter and it was served on a hot plate and smelled so good. That's reason enough for us to go back and give the platters a try. Will be back. read more

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This place is good for a date night. My partner and I got a few appetizers and really enjoyed the wings and Momo's. It's a great introduction to Nepali food! read more

Very fun place to grab a bite - we ordered four apps for two people and absolutely could not finish! Shout out to the fish and chips - best fish - and the cheese naan, totally decadent and a big surprise with how much cheese they could fit! Garlic naan and hummus also delicious. Mango lassi - refreshing and necessary. I'm a spice wuss and the veg momos were too spicy for me. Very friendly service, adorable outdoor seating in the back. CASH ONLY. read more

My wife and I decided to step outside our usual dinner spots and try While in Kathmandu. It's a smaller restaurant, but the tables are well spaced and comfortable, and the servers were friendly and helpful throughout. My wife ordered the chicken platter, and I had the goat platter along with a bartender-crafted drink customized to my alcohol preferences. Both meals were good, though we were a bit thrown off by the rice. In my dish it came out more puffed, while my wife's was closer to a crispy rice texture. It was different, but we're still glad we tried it. We saw a lot of people getting sizzler platters and they smelled amazing. Definitely trying those next time. We also ordered the buffalo momo as an appetizer and got the wings to go--both were great options. read more

We walked here from Williamsburg, and it was worth it. It would be very hard to walk to Kathmandu, so I'm glad we don't have to, at least for the food. Now, if the momos are as good in Kathmandu as While In Kathmandu, then a man do what a man must do and walk a bit to spend a while in Kathmandu. While in Kathmandu Go enjoy a loop or two Iterate anew read more

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The only thing I really enjoyed was the momos. Loved that and would come to try other flavors. Nothing else really stood out to me. It's also cash only. read more

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Ambiance is very welcoming and cozy, lights are low as well as a good selection of music playing. Once you walk in you are immediately greeted by a lovely and kind hostess. The customer service in this place is good, it's a smaller spot so it's easier to be tended to. The chicken momo was 10/10, the sauce is very savory. The chicken rotti with cheese platter was a bit spicy but full of many other flavors and makes for a good variety. I only had a bite of the pasta but it was also very good. For drinks we had the hot chiya and iced chiya which were both amazing. Overall would come back to this place and recommend it to others. read more

While In Kathmandu - Chicken Jhol Momo - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Had this place on my list since I was working at Yelp but it took a year for me to finally get there. First things first, it's cash only! There should be an ATM inside if I remember correctly but don't quote me on that. the pork jhol momos were SO good, thin chewy outsides and flavorful insides, in an acidic broth. The wings were not really my choice and they were super spicy and saucy so prepare to get your fingers dirty! the chicken roti with cheese was also very good. i hope to make it back here soon as i think the spices would be great in this cold weather. ALSO they have a very cute outdoor patio for the warmer months! read more

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This is my favorite place I've eaten in NY. The service is amazing and the ambiance is great. If you're looking for a unique traditional meal this is your spot. read more

While In Kathmandu - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

fantastic and kind service--everyone was so friendly and welcoming. the restaurant itself is absolutely gorgeous! the food... i cannot emphasize how good it was. brilliant experience all around! read more

We really enjoyed our dinner at Kathmandu. The food was excellent, we described the flavors to the server as a beautiful portrait, every dish was a complement to the next. The attention from the servers was consistent, which for us was appreciated. The food and the service were very much appreciated!! read more

Loved everything we ate here! I came with my friends and we all used to live in Malaysia so we have pretty high standards when it comes to flavors and international food. Everything was bursting with flavor and we enjoyed every bite! The plantain momos were a surprising sweet savory burst. They service was friendly and prompt even though it was busy. They did miss one of our orders but we were full anyway so they removed it from our bill. The atmosphere is cozy and quaint, a tight squeeze for some tables but otherwise comfortable. Would definitely come again! read more

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Delicious and full of flavor! I ordered the Chicken Jhol Momo, Masala Wings (dry rub), and the Duck Choila for takeout and it was a fantastic dinner. I've only had Nepalese food a handful of times previously, but the staff were really helpful with explaining the dishes and the flavors beforehand too which made ordering easier. Every dish was a highlight in their own right which made it even better. Momo are a staple for good reason - tender little dumplings packed with flavor, so be sure to order these for the table first and foremost. The Duck Choila was a great surprise with a very strong herby/aromatic and savory blend of flavors mixed with a tangyness as well; highly recommend to those who want something you can't find elsewhere. The dry masala wings were an awesome balance of familiar fried comfort food with south Asian spices to heighten the flavor profile. They also came with the spicy sauce on the side which the sauteed wings use I believe and it packed plenty of heat elevating the wings even further. Thanks again to the staff for such great service and I reccomend to anyone in the area to give it a try especially if south Asian flavors and spices are your jam. read more

I ordered Momos to be picked up. Everything was great. However, i really did not like the momos. I let some other people try them and no one really loved them at all. They were mushy, and overpowered by the sauce. There should be sauce on the side. They charge extra to do that and i think it's expensive enough. too expensive really for what i got. read more

While In Kathmandu - Shrimp Momo Jhol - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Had a great time in this nepalese restaurant, but had a very difficult time finding parking on a Tuesday night. The place is very rustic and cozy, and had tons of different flavors permeate the air upon entering. We ordered entrees to start, he got the lamb chops and I ordered the chicken khaja platter. I asked for a side of rice to pair with my platter but was surprised to hear they do not offer. I was hit with a bunch of different flavors that tested my palate, and enjoyed the different crunchy, cold, hot, soft textures. We later ordered a side of fried wings to close the night. My partner and I are huge fans of spicy foods but spice was very tolerable, majority of the kick came from the chicken wing sauce dip. Overall, great experience, would definitely come to try out the other delectables. read more

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The staff is super friendly, the food was great, cleanliness good. It's cash only tho so bring cash or use they atm they have at the back of the restaurant. Got the Water Buffalo Momo and Chicken Khaja platter. Momo is a must try: Ginger, coriander, spicy, pleasantly sour. Hot sauce on the side gives more flavor and spices. Dumpling is hot and sauce is cold. Nice balance so you can eat the Momo right away. I was the only customer atm, and it took a little while (20min) for it to come so it shows they make the sauce or the dumpling or both on the spot. Already half full at this point. The platter started good with very crispy juicy chicken and fried shallot crispy rice thing. Beans are also crispy, so is the pork thing . Vegetables are coated with kind of like egg salad thing. Great. So when I'm half way into the plate things started be very chewy and they become cold really quick. I suppose cold dish is a characteristic of Tibetan/Nepali cuisine. I spent $50 alone but I'm so full I can't walk. so I think $30 would be sufficient to have a good meal here. Don't be fooled by the size. The crispy rice takes up your stomach real fast. read more

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While In Kathmandu, I ate food so incredible, it made me cry. This was an introduction to Nepalese cuisine for me and I was not prepared for the emotions it stirred up . Not since I first tried Burmese food about a decade ago was I so intoxicated by unique flavors. It was a lot to handle, so my emotions got the best of me. I'm not mad at it. There are several vegan options on the menu. My colleague and I shared the vegan momos, absolute perfection in a dumpling. Thin wrappers lovingly embrace finely minced vegetables and the result is succulent and delicious. The coconut curry that graces the dumplings is so sublime, after drowning each dumpling in it, I almost did the unthinkable and sipped the rest as a soup. Also, I was regretting sharing these and I never regret sharing appetizers. But regrets were fleeting I was soon rewarded with my entree: the quinoa meal. A humble name and I took a chance here because I'm not a fan of quinoa. While In Kathmandu, you will forget you're eating quinoa altogether. I will go so far as to say, this quinoa will ruin quinoa forever so I won't be ordering it elsewhere ever again. It's so tasty, light and practically buttery (no butter involved). Also incredible: the sour/spicy chutney and out of this world tender mustard greens (another vegetable I rarely eat because it's typically bitter and inedible). I devoured the enormous plate of goodness, yes the creamy-style beans, too. I can't stop thinking of this meal, actually it's all I've been talking about to anyone who will listen. I realize I should also mention that everyone was so nice here (possibly the owner was waiting on us? He was so awesome and helpful with talking through vegan options). I loved sitting in the cozy backyard space but inside is quite lovely, too. We didn't drink, but there's a full bar. I'd consider moving to Ridgewood if I were looking for an apartment in the NYC area just to be close to this restaurant. If that's not a glowing endorsement, I don't know what is. read more

While In Kathmandu - Utterly divine dumplings Veg Jhol Momo - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

This place was absolutely scrumptious! We sat in the back and it was so inviting and cozy. Inside looked like such a vibe too! The waitress was the sweetest and everyone was so attentive. read more

While In Kathmandu - Chicken Skewers Nepal Staple! - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Was really excited to try their gluten free roti and other dishes, but their menu has parred back the amount of gluten free offerings, so no gluten free roti. I ordered one of two things that were available gluten free--the chicken platter, which was a little overcooked and the chicken . The other diners, who did not need gluten free, liked their orders much more, like the masala wings and chicken skewers (also gluten free), which were very moist and not over cooked. The fried dumplings were kind of a bust. The mango lassi was fantastic. read more

While in Kathmandu in Ridgewood is a Nepalese restaurant serving traditional dishes, fun fusion twists and a beautiful array of momos. We were recommended the "Not a Taco" by our waitress as a starter, a chicken cholla "taco" on a roti, which was our favorite dish of the night. We also had the spicy sautéed masala wings and our favorite Nepalese dish, momos (we had the shrimp and chicken) which are generously portioned at 8 in an order . For an entree we shared the grilled lamb served sizzling on a hot plate. For those looking to dabble in Nepalese food or generally enjoy a local eatery that serves great food at a great price, While in Kathmandu is the place for you. Cash only so be sure to stop at an ATM beforehand read more

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Amazing service. Food was delicious. Our server,Diness , was very helpful and answered any questions we had about the menu. Very chill spot with cool decor. I'd recommend the chicken momos, sadeko aloo, and the masala fries!!!! read more

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**CASH ONLY** Walked in on a Tuesday for dinner and my party of three was seated right away in the covered backyard, which is really nice. I tried: + Chicken jhol momo + Pork jhol momo - both momo were solid, though the chicken was better + Goat sekuwa + Cheese nan + Sautéed masala wings + Milk tea The highlights were the goat and the nan. I've had better momo, but would recommend for good Himalayan in the area. read more

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Wanted to try something different and found this gem on YELP. Text it to my friend and suggested we go here for lunch. We were the first people to arrive one Friday at noon and had the option to sit wherever we wanted. The host was incredibly hospitable and suggested a few items he think we would enjoy. For apps settled for the chicken dumplings which was simmered in a flavorful broth that tasted like coconut curry and crispy whiting followed by a trout with quinoa and lamb for the entre. The food was delicious. We also had the Nepalese iced tea and preseco. *Note: they are a CASH ONLY establishment. Also, the iced tea has cardamom (Google what that might do to your tummy). Enjoy!!! read more

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Had Nepali cuisine in Ridgewood, Queens, NY today at "While in Kathmandu" restaurant. There were 4 of us. Ordered:   Chicken Jhol Momo (steamed) Chicken platter - Khaja set. Served in a platter with pieces of juicy grilled chicken, chicken choila,crispy flat beaten rice, tomato and radish salsa, crunchy soybean Grilled Lamb Served sizzling with grilled veggies and mashed potatoes. Sizzling Grilled Vegetables Assorted grilled veggies marinated in spices and coconut milk. Vegan. Dishes were spiced, not spicy. Sauces (on the side) were spicy though. Had enough leftovers. We all enjoyed these savory dishes. Staff was very friendly, super attentive and never let our drinks get low. ***cash only*** Indoor and outdoor dining available. read more

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Amazing food and great service. I really enjoyed how local and unique it is. This place is a must try if you're in the neighborhood read more

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This is where I spent Thanksgiving with family. We found it through ride share so can't speak to parking. Not very large but nice environment. We were seated right away. One thing to note is they only take cash. I ordered the chicken cholla which actually filled me up. It was really flavorful. Very good. We got the Alfredo dish to share. I only ate a small portion. We got chicken with it but it came on the side not in the Alfredo. We ended up packing it up to go because we weee full from the appetizers. I would check them out out while in town. It wasn't an area that I normally go but would if in that area. read more

While In Kathmandu - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Finding While In Kathmandu without seeking it meant we had no expectations to exceed. This spot looks impressive and workers display obvious satisfaction. The staff attention was remarkably excellent. Their food is remarkable & honestly, all my orders have been excellent. This restaurant exceeds industry standards. read more

Words like "fantastic" feel too small for this place. The food delivers and the service adds value. The team creates a welcoming atmosphere through consistent attention. Eating well here doesn't cost much. The menu offers excellent choices. read more

It was an unique experience to try out Nepalese food. My first time ever trying this type of food. Rice was dry and crunchy like Rice Krispies! The side dishes were good. I love the seasoning of the fries and the sauce that came along with it. read more

While In Kathmandu - 3. Chitwan ko Tass - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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The first thing I must say, is Cash Only!! Just be aware they do have an ATM in the restaurant that my friend got cash from but I always feel those ATMs have ridiculous fees. On to the food...it was really good. I had the boiled chicken Momos in the sauce, the chicken bowl which came with roti and salad- the salad was amazing and I had the potato buckwheat crepe, which was also really good and a mango lassi. This was all split between two people and I did not leave hungry or stuffed. It was the perfect portion. The space was dark in the inside but there was a backyard as well. They just started doing brunch and theres also sandwiches on the menu as well. Great place for a vegetarian and omnivore. They serve water buffalo which I'm interested in trying. read more

While In Kathmandu - Buckwheat crepe with aloo on the left and chicken bowl - Cafes Near Me - Ridgewood, New York

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Came here with a few friends for dinner. It's still cash only but they have an ATM inside! We got a sample of items. My favorites were the poppers, masala fries, mango lassi and veg momos. Service was really nice, and the price is very reasonable! read more

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4.5/5 **Cash Only (with an ATM machine inside)** Came here to try a new type of cuisine, and this place was pretty good. Ordered a bunch of starters to share and to try more menu items. Ordered the following: - Dry Masala Wings - Sauteed Masala Wings - Garlic Naan with Hummus - Goat Sekuwa - Pork Jhol Momo - Chicken Platter My favorite items were the garlic naan with hummus, the pork jhol momos and the chicken platter. I loved the crispy rice that came with the goat sekuwa and the chicken platter, reminded me of the Indian snacks I love. Good food and service! read more

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