DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

A little France in Pokhara

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Hari Gurung returned to Nepal after discovering French cuisine abroad, aiming to adapt it using local ingredients.
  • He opened the French Crêperie in Pokhara, serving dishes like raclette and galettes made with Nepali produce and dairy.
  • Gurung's venture reflects a trend of Nepalis bringing back skills learned overseas to foster local development.

In Pokhara, a city known for its traditional Nepali fare and trekking cafes, the French Crêperie offers an unexpected taste of Europe. Owner Hari Gurung has transformed local ingredients into French country-style dishes, including bubbling raclette and savory buckwheat galettes.

Gurung's journey began after he discovered Brittany's food culture in France. He realized that many ingredients essential to French cuisine were already available in Nepal. Instead of replicating French cooking, he aimed to reinterpret it through a Nepali lens, emphasizing local produce, herbs, and dairy from Nepali producers.

The recipes are French. The products are Nepali.

— Hari GurungGurung explains his philosophy of adapting French cuisine using local Nepali ingredients at his restaurant.

This venture stands in contrast to the common trend of Nepalis seeking opportunities abroad. Gurung chose to return home, bringing back skills and a vision to enrich his community. His restaurant showcases how international experiences can be adapted to foster local economic growth and culinary diversity, proving that global flavors can indeed flourish at home with a local touch.

I always wanted to do something for Nepal. Even when I was abroad, I thought about what I could bring back.

— Hari GurungGurung reflects on his motivation to return to Nepal and contribute to his home country.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog