Cooking from the Heart: The Timeless Taste of Mustang at Monalisa Thakali Restaurant & Café

Food And Drinks
The Buzz Nepal
November 14 , 2025

More than just a meal, Thakali cuisine is a reflection of Mustang’s soul – warm, honest, and deeply rooted in Himalayan tradition. For over four decades, Monalisa Thakali Restaurant and Café has been one of Nepal’s most cherished destinations for authentic Thakali food, keeping heritage alive through flavors crafted with love.

From its humble beginnings in Pokhara to its elegant Kathmandu branch, Monalisa continues to honor its legacy with dishes that feel like home.

A Legacy That Began in Pokhara

Founded in 1980 in the heart of Pokhara, Monalisa Thakali was created with a simple yet powerful purpose: to serve food that expresses the true spirit of Mustang. Every plate carried stories of the highlands – soulful, hearty, and infused with the warmth of Thakali culture.

In 2021, this legacy expanded to Kathmandu with a spacious branch in Naxal–Bhatbhateni. The interiors reflect the essence of the Thak Khola region, featuring traditional Thakali décor, warm wooden textures, and walls lined with photographs and accolades collected over the years.

At the heart of the kitchen is founder Usha Sherchan, whose dedication and passion continue to shape the flavors that have defined Monalisa for generations.

Signature Dishes You Can’t Miss

1. Thakali Khana Set

The classic Thakali experience – steamed rice served with Kalo Semi ko Daal, spicy achars, and the iconic Dried Tomato Achar bursting with timbur and Himalayan spices. Balanced, nourishing, and traditionally Thakali.

2. Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken cooked in a rich, garlicky brown sauce, served with buttery vegetables and crispy fries. A heartwarming blend of homestyle comfort and restaurant refinement.

3. Kanchamba (Buckwheat Chips)

Crispy, nutty, and incredibly addictive. Made from buckwheat flour fried in ghee, Kanchamba is a beloved Himalayan snack – perfect as a starter or with your afternoon tea.

4. Thakali Khaja Set

A complete celebration of local flavors featuring Mustang Aloo, Bhutan, Chicken Gravy, Achar, Salad, and Kanchamba. Each bite feels like a warm, nostalgic return to the Himalayas.

Signature Drinks

5. Pero Pero Martini (Thakali Style)

A bold fusion of tradition and modernity – rimmed with pau and timbur for an adventurous, zesty kick that perfectly represents Thakali spirit.

6. Green Tukche Apple (Mocktail)

Fresh, crisp, and wonderfully balanced. Inspired by the highlands of Tukche, this apple-based mocktail is a refreshing tribute to Mustang’s natural bounty.