Chef Santosh Shah's Janakpur Fish House

Chef Santosh Shah’s Janakpur Fish House

Food And Drinks
Life Style
The Buzz Nepal
July 22 , 2025

Bringing Mithila’s Flavors to Kathmandu

In early July 2025, Janakpur Fish House opened its doors in Naxal, Kathmandu, marking a significant culinary addition to the capital’s dining scene. Founded by celebrity chef Santosh Shah, the restaurant is a first-of-its-kind concept in Nepal, spotlighting traditional Janakpur-style fish dishes, a regional culinary treasure often underrepresented in mainstream eateries.

A Family-Driven Culinary Vision

Chef Santosh, widely known for his international acclaim and appearances on culinary platforms such as BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals, envisioned a place that would honor his roots in the Mithila region. He collaborated closely with his elder brother, Chef Dilip Shah, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in hospitality, spanning Nepal, India, and Central America.

Together, they’ve created a restaurant that is both authentic and inviting. With its open kitchen layout, diners can witness their meal being freshly prepared on thick iron griddles (tawas), sizzling in aromatic yellow mustard oil: a distinctive element of Janakpuri cooking.

The Menu: A Celebration of Fish

Focused and flavorful, the menu offers around ten varieties of fish, each steeped in Janakpur style spices and techniques. Highlights include:

Signature Tawa Fish: Served with Janakpuri Chatpate (spiced puffed rice), and radish pickle; a nostalgic dish elevated with precision.
Fish Set: A complete platter featuring rice, vegetables, house-made pickles, and the chef’s specially marinated fish.
Maccha Jhol: A homely, comforting fish curry prepared with regional spices.
Trout, Bhetki, Rohu, and Prawns: Cooked to order and finished with Chef Dilip’s secret spice blend, widely praised for its depth and balance.

A selection of drinks is also available at reasonable prices, including a surprisingly perfect lassi, which complements the meal beautifully.

Customer Impressions: Warm, Authentic, Memorable

Although newly opened, Janakpur Fish House has already attracted glowing feedback from guests:

“Went there casually for small bits mainly to have casual friendly chat, it was newly opened just 7 days back. Staffs were welcoming and we chose to stay outdoors sitting. Obviously expectation were high as chef Santosh Shah name was associated. We tried fish set and it tasted great, the local taste of marinated masala was simply great. What we liked was he maintained taste as local. Had heard much about Maccha Jhol and bhat, that is in my to have list”
Sulakshan Adhikary, Local Guide

“Janakpur Fish House is the best fish house in town, run by Chef Santosh Shah. I’ve never tasted anything like it before!”
Bishnu Pantha

“A must-visit for any fish lover – and an absolute delight for a quintessential Bengali like me. This is the kind of place that feels like home, where fish truly takes center stage. Chef Santosh has teamed up with his brother, Chef Dilip Shah, and together, they’ve elevated fish dishes to something soft, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. I’ve had the privilege of knowing them both, and let me tell you; half the magic lies in Dilip’s secret spice blend. It’s no exaggeration to say that it does wonders on the plate. Be sure to try the trout, prawns, Rohu (Rohr), and Bhetki. And don’t skip the lassi, it’s unexpectedly perfect with the meal. If you’re a true fish fanatic, go for the classic: fish and rice. You won’t be disappointed.”
Kanishka Dasgupta, Local Guide

These early reviews confirm the restaurant’s success in delivering true regional taste, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that feels both fresh and familiar.

A New Tradition in the Making

Chef Santosh hopes to establish a “fish by the kilo” culture in Kathmandu; much like the city’s love for grilled meats. His goal is to make tawa fish not just a novelty, but a culinary tradition of its own in the capital.

So far, the response has exceeded expectations. With its commitment to regional authenticity, family-led excellence, and customer connection, Janakpur Fish House is poised to become a landmark for Nepali regional cuisine.

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