Welcome to Cafe Himalaya
At Cafe Himalaya, nestled in the heart of New York, we celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the Himalayas. Our cozy eatery offers an authentic experience, from flavorful dumplings to aromatic Nepalese curries. Customers rave about our momos—both steamed and pan-fried—alongside our refreshing lassis and traditional teas. We pride ourselves on vegan-friendly options and a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home. Each dish is crafted with care, reflecting our commitment to shared cultural heritage and delicious flavors. Join us at Cafe Himalaya to embark on a culinary journey through the Himalayan mountains, where every bite tells a story.
Cafe Himalaya: Reviews & Ratings
One of my favorite restaurants.I love their momos and authentic vibe, the chai latte is to die for and the paratha and spicy potatoes are great too. Looking forward to exploring more of the menu. It's a small space and can get full on weekends from what I remember. There is a 4% fee for payment with credit cards, so bring cash :)
Excellent small Tibetan restaurant with warm staff. We really enjoyed our meal and the lassis. I will come back for sure !!!
Came here for the dumplings. And they did not disappoint! The place feels like what an authentic restaurant would be like but I’ve never been to Nepal and it’s my first time having Nepalese food. We got ours pan fried - check the photo. They are also available steamed. I’m a connoisseur of dumplings - and i will certainly be back to try more things. And you should come here too! Just note there is no air conditioning in there so it might be hot and a bit crowded. Whatever - you didnt come here for air conditioning you came for some good food!
After eating here 5 separate times, I can now confidently say that this is one of the best food spots in all of Manhattan right now. Incredibly consistent and delicious food. You can tell that it is a staple to a handful of regular customers. Iv even seen a certain celebrity (one who knows about food) eating here and is rumored to be a regular. Get the chili dofu and potato momos. Fantastic vegan options here as well.
This hole in the wall joint has been on my list for a long time! Definitely worth the hype! The food was sooo good! We got the pan fried chicken momo, chili chicken, Thai iced tea and paratha. All of it was excellent and so affordable! Service was fast and so attentive. Definitely will be back and highly recommend. Like sexy redd said, 5/5 this place is a TEN!
This is a New York City mainstay. Getting fresh ingredients and good home style cooking in this town is NOT EASY. This place has had it down for a long time, no nonsense. I am vegetarian / vegan and this place is perfectly accommodating. It is a simple dining room, perfect for a quick bite with friends or solo. Tip generously! Not a lot of gimmick-free restaurants left around. Love the Tibetan vibes. Potatoes, egg noodles, dahl soup etc. always hit the spot. Ginger tea.
This is by far the best place I have ever been. I have tried four dishes. chili chicken 8/10 chili shrimp 7/10 , and fried noodles (Gyathuk Tapka) 9/10 and last, but definitely not least chicken momos 100/10 , which are pan fried. I absolutely love that best momos in New York City. I would definitely recommend I would goback definitely.
This place is so close to my heart! Outstanding food, the warmest staff, and great homely vibes all around. Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but their dumplings and thukpa are my personal favorites! Oh and their hot sauce is SO GOOD
Location
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78 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009, United States Hotline: +1 212-358-0160
Cafe Himalaya is a hidden gem in the heart of New York City, specifically located at 78 E 1st St, New York, NY 10009. This small yet vibrant eatery specializes in authentic Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine, drawing food enthusiasts from all walks of life. From the moment you step in, you’re enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the rich cultures of the Himalayas.
The menu at Cafe Himalaya is diverse, offering an array of all-day non-vegetarian entrees that are deftly prepared with fresh ingredients. Highlights include:
- Sha Thukpa: This traditional Tibetan noodle soup is a must-try, featuring your choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp sautéed with an array of fresh green vegetables, all for an affordable $13.99.
- Sha Momo: Delight in 8 pieces of traditional beef dumplings, either steamed or pan-fried, priced at just $12.99. The momos have garnered rave reviews for their authentic taste.
- Sha Shesha: A gluten-free option, packed with fresh mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, and spinach, served with your choice of beef or chicken and basmati rice for $15.99.
The sides here are equally enticing. Customers rave about the wholesome brown rice ($2.99) and layered paratha ($2.99), perfect for complementing any dish. If you have a sweet tooth, the desserts like Deysee Warn (sweet rice pudding) and ice cream options (coconut or green tea) at $6.50 will finish your meal on a high note.
At Cafe Himalaya, rave reviews come pouring in from satisfied patrons. A customer named Leonie enthusiastically shared her love for the momos and chai latte, emphasizing the authentic vibe of the cafe. Guy Estragon described the warm service and incredible lassis, affirming a strong desire to return. Even Jeff, a self-professed dumpling connoisseur, couldn't resist the pan-fried momos, appreciating the authentic aesthetic of the space despite the absence of air conditioning.
What makes Cafe Himalaya truly special is its consistent quality and affordability. Alexi Philippoussis, a dedicated patron, pointed out its standing as a favorite among locals, mentioning exceptional vegan options like the chili dofu and potato momos. With multiple visits, he hailed it as one of Manhattan’s best food spots.
As you navigate the bustling streets of New York, make time to visit Cafe Himalaya. The combination of comforting flavors, genuine hospitality, and the allure of Tibetan culture creates an unforgettable dining experience. Just a heads up: the cafe can get packed, especially on weekends, so consider arriving early to secure a spot!
For inquiries, you can reach them at +1 212-358-0160, but be mindful of the 4% fee for credit card payments—bringing cash may save you some hassle!