Climbing the Himalayas ~ A taste of Nepal and Tibet.

Did you know: Contact with the neighboring countries and cultures like India and China has had a major influence on the food and culture of Tibet and Nepal. It's geographic location, climate and altitude also helped to fashion their unique cuisine and agricultural practices.

On one of the final days of Winter, I found myself wondering the streets of Jackson Heights on a whim. My spider senses told me that a great experience was to be had if I would just get out and explore.
I got off the E train on the Roosevelt Ave/74st stop and wandered through the area not sure of what I'd find. The  aromas from the kabab spots, Mexican restaurants and various Asian food hubs were almost overwhelming but one place caught my eyes almost immediately.

Thakali Kitchen a Nepalese and Tibetan restaurant, located at 74-14 37th Ave in Jackson Heights stood out with it's bold red awning and chandeliers that shone brightly and could be seen from the street. I walked around a bit more but then decided that this was the place to have lunch.
Presented with two menus, one from Nepal and the other from Tibet I wondered how I would ever choose an entree.

The waitress came over and offered to help me as she said that my preliminary order would have been enough food to feed a small army.  Instead, she suggested that I try the Chicken Thali platter as it would have a variety of sides that were eaten by both countries.
Not long after I was presented by a large circular silver tray with an array of food on it. There were small dishes of Lentil Dhal, Pickled Vegetables, Spiced Potatoes with Green Beans, Sauteed Bok Choy with Sesame Oil, Plain Yogurt and best of all Chicken Curry. These all surrounded a large mound of white rice and a stack of Carrots, Cucumbers and Green Chili Pepper.

Everything on the plate was super tasty and the Yogurt served to cool my tongue after eating the Pickled Vegetables and raw Green Chili Pepper. The Lentil Dhal was a bit bland as the only thing you could taste were cilantro and lentils.

This meal was quite filling and I was sincerely happy that I didn't order all that I had planned to in the beginning.
After looking over the dessert menu I decided to have the strangest thing on the menu...Butter Tea. Yes, this tea was literally made with butter and did not have any sweetness to it at all. Instead it was creamy, salty, hot and packed a huge buttery punch. A very interesting flavor to say the least. I got through four or five small sips but could go no further, especially after eating an array spices, rice and peas.

Overall, it was a great experience. The weather was perfect, the food was good and I returned home with many delicacies, vegetables and great spices from grocery shopping in the area.
So for great location, helpful service, nice decor and good food Thakali Kichen gets a well deserved B+. Great for families or a fun date night.