Every year, the streets of Patan and surrounding parts of the Kathmandu Valley come alive with the rattle of wooden wheels and the rhythmic chants of devotees pulling the towering chariot of Rato Machhindranath and Minnath. But beyond the spectacle of one of Nepal’s most colorful festivals lies a lesser-told yet equally rich story, one told through the aromas, flavor and rituals of Newari cuisine.

A Festival Rooted in Harvest and Hope

The Rato Machhindranath Jatra, also known as the Machhindranath Chariot Festival is more than a religious procession. It is an agricultural thanksgiving. Traditionally celebrated to appease the rain god and ensure good harvests, the festival is deeply intertwined with the seasonal rhythms and agrarian practices of the Newar people. It’s no surprise, then, that food plays a central role in both the celebration and the community life surrounding it.

The Flavors of the Festival

During the month-long festivities, homes and community gatherings offer a dizzying array of Newari dishes, many of which are prepared specifically for this time of year. Here are a few must-try items that define the culinary aspect of the Machhindranath festival.

Samay Baji– No Newar celebration is complete without Samay Baji, a ceremonial platter that’s as symbolic as it is delicious. Typically comprising beaten rice (chiura), barbecued buffalo meat (chhoila), black soybeans (bhatmas), boiled egg and spicy potato (alu tama), this dish is offered to the gods and then shared among community members. Its presence during the festival underscores themes of unity, blessing and abundance.

Wo (Bara) – Savory lentil pancakes that can be served plain or topped with egg and meat.

Chatamari – Often called Newari pizza, this rice flour crepe comes with toppings like minced buffalo meat, vegetables and eggs.

Yomari – Sweet, steamed dumplings filled with jaggery and sesame or milk solids, a beloved festive dessert.

Chhwela (Choila) – Spicy grilled meat marinated in mustard oil, garlic, and chilies which is a crowd favorite.

Aila – No Newar festivity is complete without a generous pour of Ayla, the potent, clear rice liquor served in silver or brass bowls. It is offered to deities during rituals and shared among adults as a gesture of camaraderie and celebration.

What makes Newari food so special during the Machhindranath festival isn’t just the variety or taste, it is the context. These dishes are more than sustenance, they are offerings, blessings and tokens of identity. The act of preparing and sharing food during this time is a spiritual practice, reinforcing ties to heritage, gods and each other.

In the shadow of the towering chariot, as the ropes pull with ancient rhythm and prayers rise into the dusty, sunlit air, the smells of roasted meat, freshly ground spices and sweet sesame hang thick. It is a feast not just for the gods, but for the entire community.

Where to Eat Newari Food in Patan

Patan boasts a vibrant culinary scene, especially when it comes to Newari cuisine. During the Machhindranath Chariot Festival, many restaurants and family-run eateries showcase the best of their traditional dishes. Here are some more must-visit spots:

Lisawaa Newari Restaurant, Natole, Lalitpur
One of Patan’s most acclaimed destinations for authentic Newari dining. Known for its beautiful ambiance and excellent selection of traditional dishes and beverages.

Honacha,Behind Bhimsen Temple, Patan Durbar Square
A historic eatery famous for its chhwela and wo, serving generations of festival-goers in the heart of the old city.

Kwaacha, Chyasal, Patan
Tucked away in a quiet lane, this place offers lesser-known Newari dishes like takhha (buffalo jelly) and sanyakhuna.

Nandini Food Court, Swotha Tole, Patan
A local favorite for yomari and traditional Newari set meals served in a casual, communal setting.

Bulal Newari Khaja Ghar, Pinchhen, near Gwarko
Rustic and full of character, this eatery is a go-to for blood sausages, bone marrow delicacies, and home-brewed red rice beer.

Newa Ghasa, Saugal Tole, Patan
Combining traditional recipes with modern presentation, Newa Ghasa provides a complete Newari dining experience in a culturally rich atmosphere.

For visitors and locals alike, experiencing Newari food during the Machhindranath Chariot Festival is a sensory immersion into centuries of culture. It’s where culinary tradition meets spiritual devotion and where every bite tells a story of the land, the people and the divine.

Also read:

Ashma KC, Miss Nepal World 2024: Empowering Dreams, Defining Purpose

Sip the Spirit of Nepal: Signature Cocktails at Nylgiri

Nora Fatehi Sets Kathmandu Ablaze with Her First-Ever Nepal Performance for Charity

Purna Bahadur Ko Sarangi: A Soulful Symphony of Struggle, Sacrifice and Hope in Nepali Cinema

Pahenlo Batti Muni: Lighting Up Nepal’s Music Scene One Song at a Time