You may be familiar with momo dumplings or dal and rice, but have you ever tried Nepalese black lentil pancakes or mushroom choila? Noticing the gap between what Aussies know about Nepalese food and the colourful regional cuisine he grew up with, Kathmandu-born chef Rajeev Chakradhar opened Lah Bros.
The laid-back restaurant aims to bring the richness and diversity of Nepalese food to new audiences. Expect dishes that pack plenty of authentic flavour, jazzed up with contemporary cooking techniques and Insta-worthy presentation. Chakdardhar is known to switch up the menu from time to time, but the produce remains seasonal and locally sourced. An ethos that champions warm and enthusiastic service is the cherry on top.
Kick off your feast with snacks like masala shrimp, Nepali ghee-fried bread with smoked eggplant and tomato dip, and grilled corn with chilli pickle. A trio of signature curries (pork belly, slow-cooked goat and seasonal veg) serve as mains, great for mopping up with the tangy Szechuan pepper-spiced potatoes and fragrant basmati as sides.
Still hungry? There's a share-style section of the menu offering up grilled lamb skewers, confit masala chicken and succulent marinated market fish; a good excuse to round up a group of friends and try something that's a bit different from your local pub or curry house. Pair all the above with a round of Nepali beers and your night's set.
It's almost sacrilegious not to finish on a sweet note at Lah Bros, such is the creativity of the dessert selection. Dip a crunchy ginger tuile into the restaurant's beloved chiya 'tea' brûlée or enjoy a Basque-style cheesecake with cardamom cream and milk crisp.