Part of the joys in exploring Kathmandu is deciding where to eat, especially in the tourist center of Thamel. Thamel is known for its bustling streets and narrow alleyways, which are lined with restaurants, cafes, and eateries. These establishments offer a rich tapestry of flavors, allowing visitors to indulge in global cuisines. Whether you’re craving Newari, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, or Mexican, you’ll likely find a restaurant serving it in Thamel.

On our first night, my sister and I try Third Eye, a recommended restaurant near our hotel. The restaurant’s location in a red elegant building and its charming courtyard provide a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for guests. Dining in the courtyard allows guests to enjoy their meal in a serene outdoor setting, surrounded by the bucolic surroundings. It’s a great option, especially if you prefer al fresco dining or want to experience the pleasant Kathmandu weather while enjoying your meal.

The staff are friendly and attentive, and service is prompt.

As for the restaurant itself, Third Eye is known for its reputation as a recommended dining spot in the city. The restaurant’s menu offers a variety of dishes to cater to different tastes and preferences, but the restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisines, such as tandoori. This being our first night, I go for the vegetarian Newari meal, essentially dal bhat, a popular meal in the Indian subcontinent, including Nepal.

Dal refers to lentils, which are cooked and seasoned with various spices to create a flavorful lentil soup. The type of lentils used can vary, with common choices being red lentils (masoor dal) or split yellow lentils (moong dal). The dal is typically seasoned with spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garlic, giving it a rich and aromatic taste.

Bhat refers to boiled rice, which is served alongside the dal. Rice is a dietary staple in Nepal, and it serves as the main source of carbohydrates in the meal. The rice is usually plain boiled rice, but sometimes it can be seasoned with ghee (clarified butter) or spices for added flavor. The meal itself is filling and offers a good introduction into the Nepali kitchen.

The dal bhat comes with an assortment of side dishes, which include various curries (tarkari), which in this case are vegetable curries, pickles (achar), yogurt (dahi), and a papadum (a thin, crispy bread-like snack).

Dal bhat is known for its simplicity, balanced nutrition, and comforting flavors. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that provides a good combination of protein from the lentils, carbohydrates from the rice, and additional nutrients from the accompanying side dishes.

Overall, dining at Third Eye is a delightful way to start our culinary journey in the city. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and indulge in a flavorful meal.

Third Eye Restaurant
J.P. Road, Kathmandu 44600
01-5360289
Official site
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