Varieties of momos

Momos are a type of dumpling, popular across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Northeast India, and now loved globally. They come in many varieties, based on filling, cooking style, and even shape. Here’s a list of popular ones:

🥟 By Cooking Method

Steamed Momos – Classic, soft, and juicy.

Fried Momos – Crispy outer layer, with soft filling inside.

Pan-fried/Kothey Momos – Half fried, half steamed for a crispy-bottom effect.

Jhol Momos – Served in a tangy/spicy broth (popular in Nepal).

Tandoori Momos – Grilled in a tandoor with smoky flavor, often marinated with spices.

Soup Momos (Momo in Soup) – Served in hot broth, perfect for winters.

🌱 By Filling

Vegetarian Momos – Cabbage, carrot, onion, spinach, mushroom, or paneer.

Non-veg Momos – Chicken, mutton, pork, beef, fish, or even prawns.

Cheese Momos – Often with yak cheese in Tibet or paneer/processed cheese in India.

Mixed Momos – Combos like chicken & cheese, mushroom & paneer, etc.

🌮 By Shape & Style

Classic Half-moon Momos – Crescent shape.

Round Momos – Pouch-shaped, twisted at the top.

Open Momos – Top left open for visible filling.

Basket Momos – Artistic styles with pleats like a basket.

🍲 Modern/Innovative Varieties

Chocolate Momos – Dessert momo stuffed with chocolate.

Afghani Momos – Creamy, rich sauce coating.

Butter Masala Momos – Tossed in spicy, buttery tomato gravy.

Peri-Peri Momos – Spiced with peri-peri seasoning.

Schezuan Momos – Tossed in hot Chinese-style sauce.                                    Which momo is tasty?

AI Overview

 Momo Recipe

The tastiest momos are subjective and depend on individual preferences, but popular choices include Tandoori Momos, Jhol Momos, and Paneer Momos. Tandoori momos are known for their smoky flavor and crispy exterior, while Jhol momos are served in a flavorful soup. Paneer momos offer a vegetarian option with a creamy, cheesy filling. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Steamed Momos: These are the original, classic momos, known for their soft and light texture. 

Fried Momos: Deep-fried for a crispy exterior, often enjoyed with spicy sauces. 

Tandoori Momos: Marinated in tandoori spices and roasted in a clay oven, offering a smoky flavor. 

Jhol Momos: Steamed dumplings served in a flavorful, spicy soup, a Nepalese specialty. 

Paneer Momos: Filled with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and vegetables, a vegetarian favorite. 

Chicken Momos: A classic choice with minced chicken filling. 

Cheese Momos: Creamy and indulgent, a popular vegetarian option. 

Kurkure Momos: Deep-fried and coated with crushed noodles or cornflakes for extra crunch. 

Peri Peri Momos: Flavored with spicy Peri Peri seasoning. 

Ultimately, the best way to find your favorite is to try a variety of momos and see which flavors and textures appeal to you most.                                                     Momos come in a wide array of varieties, primarily differentiated by their fillings and cooking methods. Common fillings include chicken, vegetables (like cabbage and carrots), paneer, and cheese. They can be steamed, fried, or cooked in a tandoor (Tandoori Momos). Some popular variations include Jhol Momo (served in a soup), Kothey Momo (steamed and then pan-fried), Chili Momos, Pizza Momos, and even sweet options like Chocolate Momos. 

Here's a more detailed look at some popular types:

By Cooking Method:

Steamed Momos: The most common type, where the momos are steamed until cooked through. 

Fried Momos: Steamed momos that are then deep-fried for a crispy texture. 

Tandoori Momos: Marinated in a yogurt-based sauce and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), giving them a smoky flavor. 

Kothey Momos: First steamed and then pan-fried, resulting in a combination of soft and crispy textures. 

By Filling:

Chicken Momos:

Filled with minced chicken, herbs, and spices.

Vegetable Momos:

Filled with finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions.

Paneer Momos:

Filled with crumbled paneer (Indian cheese).

Cheese Momos:

Filled with cheese, sometimes combined with vegetables or spices.

Pork Momos:

Filled with minced pork.

Buff Momos:

Filled with minced buffalo meat.

Afghani Momos:

Filled with seasoned minced vegetables or paneer.

Schezwan Momos:

Filled with a spicy Schezwan sauce and vegetables.

Chocolate Momos:

Filled with a sweet chocolate or truffle filling.

Pizza Momos:

Filled with pizza toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and tomato sauce. 

Other Notable Varieties:

Jhol Momo: Served in a spicy, soupy broth. 

Chili Momo: Stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a spicy chili sauce. 

Kurkure Momos: A crispy, deep-fried version, often with a coating. 

Gravy Momos: Served in a rich, flavorful gravy. 

Momo Chaat: Momos that are deep-fried and topped with chaat masala and chutneys.                                                      While it's difficult to list exactly 100 distinct types of momos, you can create numerous variations by combining different cooking methods (steamed, fried, pan-fried, tandoori), fillings (chicken, paneer, vegetable, cheese), and sauces or seasonings (jhol, BBQ, Afghani). Popular types include chicken, paneer, vegetable, tandoori, Afghani, and jhol momos, each offering a unique flavor profile. 

Here's a breakdown of how to achieve variety:

Cooking Methods

Steamed: The traditional method, resulting in soft, moist momos. 

Fried: Deep-fried for a crispy texture. 

Pan-fried: Pan-fried to be crispy on the outside and moist inside. 

Tandoori: Marinated in tandoori spices and cooked in a tandoor oven for a smoky flavor. 

Fillings

Chicken: A classic, juicy filling with herbs and spices. 

Paneer: Creamy, indulgent filling for vegetarians. 

Vegetable: A mix of vegetables for a flavorful and nutritious option. 

Cheese: A rich and cheesy filling that adds indulgence. 

Other options: You can find other creative fillings like corn, different types of meat, or unique vegetable combinations.

Sauces & Flavors

Jhol Momos: Served in a spicy, aromatic soup or broth. 

BBQ Momos: Tossed in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. 

Afghani Malai Momos: Soaked in a creamy, malai-based Afghani gravy. 

Kurkure Momos: Crumb-coated and deep-fried for an extra crispy texture. 

Tandoori: Marinated in a rich, spicy masala for a tandoori flavor. 

Chilli Momos: Often coated in a spicy chilli sauce. 

Combinations & Fusion 

By mixing these elements, you can create many unique momo types, such as Chicken Tandoori Momos, Veg Jhol Momos, or Cheese Fried Momos.

Some restaurants even offer innovative variations like Momo Pizza or Sizzler MomosWhile it's difficult to list exactly 100 distinct types of momos, you can create numerous variations by combining different cooking methods (steamed, fried, pan-fried, tandoori), fillings (chicken, paneer, vegetable, cheese), and sauces or seasonings (jhol, BBQ, Afghani). Popular types include chicken, paneer, vegetable, tandoori, Afghani, and jhol momos, each offering a unique flavor profile. 

Here's a breakdown of how to achieve variety:

Cooking Methods

Steamed: The traditional method, resulting in soft, moist momos. 

Fried: Deep-fried for a crispy texture. 

Pan-fried: Pan-fried to be crispy on the outside and moist inside. 

Tandoori: Marinated in tandoori spices and cooked in a tandoor oven for a smoky flavor. 

Fillings

Chicken: A classic, juicy filling with herbs and spices. 

Paneer: Creamy, indulgent filling for vegetarians. 

Vegetable: A mix of vegetables for a flavorful and nutritious option. 

Cheese: A rich and cheesy filling that adds indulgence. 

Other options: You can find other creative fillings like corn, different types of meat, or unique vegetable combinations.

Sauces & Flavors

Jhol Momos: Served in a spicy, aromatic soup or broth. 

BBQ Momos: Tossed in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. 

Afghani Malai Momos: Soaked in a creamy, malai-based Afghani gravy. 

Kurkure Momos: Crumb-coated and deep-fried for an extra crispy texture. 

Tandoori: Marinated in a rich, spicy masala for a tandoori flavor. 

Chilli Momos: Often coated in a spicy chilli sauce. 

Combinations & Fusion 

By mixing these elements, you can create many unique momo types, such as Chicken Tandoori Momos, Veg Jhol Momos, or Cheese Fried Momos.

Some restaurants even offer innovative variations like Momo Pizza or Sizzler MomosWhile it's difficult to list exactly 100 distinct types of momos, you can create numerous variations by combining different cooking methods (steamed, fried, pan-fried, tandoori), fillings (chicken, paneer, vegetable, cheese), and sauces or seasonings (jhol, BBQ, Afghani). Popular types include chicken, paneer, vegetable, tandoori, Afghani, and jhol momos, each offering a unique flavor profile. 

Here's a breakdown of how to achieve variety:

Cooking Methods

Steamed: The traditional method, resulting in soft, moist momos. 

Fried: Deep-fried for a crispy texture. 

Pan-fried: Pan-fried to be crispy on the outside and moist inside. 

Tandoori: Marinated in tandoori spices and cooked in a tandoor oven for a smoky flavor. 

Fillings

Chicken: A classic, juicy filling with herbs and spices. 

Paneer: Creamy, indulgent filling for vegetarians. 

Vegetable: A mix of vegetables for a flavorful and nutritious option. 

Cheese: A rich and cheesy filling that adds indulgence. 

Other options: You can find other creative fillings like corn, different types of meat, or unique vegetable combinations.

Sauces & Flavors

Jhol Momos: Served in a spicy, aromatic soup or broth. 

BBQ Momos: Tossed in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce. 

Afghani Malai Momos: Soaked in a creamy, malai-based Afghani gravy. 

Kurkure Momos: Crumb-coated and deep-fried for an extra crispy texture. 

Tandoori: Marinated in a rich, spicy masala for a tandoori flavor. 

Chilli Momos: Often coated in a spicy chilli sauce. 

Combinations & Fusion 

By mixing these elements, you can create many unique momo types, such as Chicken Tandoori Momos, Veg Jhol Momos, or Cheese Fried Momos.

Some restaurants even offer innovative variations like Momo Pizza or Sizzler Momosyou're a fan of gooey cheese, Cheese Momo will be your favorite. These momos are filled with a delicious cheese mixture, which melts inside as the dumplings steam. The cheese oozes out as you bite into it, creating a satisfying and creamy sensation.

Fillings:

Cheese, often combined with a little bit of vegetables or meat for extra flavor.

Serving:

Cheese momos are typically served with a tangy dipping sauce to balance the richness of the cheese.

Ingredients:

1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

1 tablespoon chopped green chilies

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Momo dough

Instructions:

Mix cheese, green chilies, and black pepper.

Roll out dough, place cheese mixture inside, and fold the dumplings.

Steam for 10-12 minutes and serve with a dipping sauce.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) on Types of Momo in Nepal

How many types of momo are there?

There are mainly two types of momo: Steamed momo and Fried momo. Within these, there are different variations based on the filling such as:

Chicken momo

Buff momo (buffalo meat)

Vegetable momo

Pork momo

Cheese momo

Paneer momo (for vegetarians)

What is the difference between Jhol and momo?

Momo refers to the traditional dumplings filled with either meat or vegetables and usually served steamed or fried.

Jhol momo is a variant of momo served with a spicy, flavorful soup (jhol). It is essentially steamed momo in a tangy and spicy broth, often with a mix of herbs and spices, making it distinct from regular momo which is served with dipping sauces.

How much does 1 plate momo cost in Nepal?

The price of a plate of momo in Nepal can vary depending on the location and type of momo. On average, a plate of momo costs:

Basic momo (like chicken or vegetable): Around NPR 150 - 250 per plate.

Special momo (like buff or pork momo, or those with extra fillings): Can go from NPR 250 to 400 or more.

Prices are higher in touristy areas and upscale restaurants.

What is the national dish of Nepali momo?

The national dish of Nepal is often considered to be Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), not momo. However, momo is one of the most beloved and popular snacks or street food in Nepal and is enjoyed by people from all walks of life.

Conclusion: A Momo for Every Taste

From Jhol Momo to Khuwa Momo, Nepal offers a variety of momo types that suit every taste. Whether you're a fan of spicy food, crispy textures, or sweet flavors, there’s a momo for everyone. These dumplings not only serve as a delicious meal but also showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

So, the next time you find yourself in Nepal (or at a Nepali restaurant), don't forget to try these different types of momo. And if you're feeling adventurous, try making them yourself with the recipes above! Happy momo tasting!