Review on Monty's of Kathmandu
Ireland's only authentic Nepalese restaurant is also one of its 'worst kept' gastronomic secrets. Monty's is an unassuming place in fashionable Temple Bar (opposite the Irish Film Centre) that has become a celeb-spankled venue frequented by the likes of Bono and Quentin Tarantino.
The interior shows off its native pride with Nepalese paintings, panoramic views of the Himalayas, images of Shiva and ethnic artefacts. Service is as beguilingly courteous as you could wish for and the food has a vivid potency that is very different to its Indian counterparts. The menu has a smattering of skilfully rendered curry house standards, but it pays to home in on the authentic Nepalese specialities.
Glorious steamed momo dumplings need to be ordered 24 hours in advance, but other delights don't require much notice. Try the extraordinary kachela (spicy raw minced lamb served with a shot of Jamesons whiskey), sizzling poleko squid or masu ra sag (spring lamb cooked with spinach and fenugreek). To drink, check out the Shiva lager, which is brewed specially for the restaurant; alternatively, order lassi or something from the workmanlike wine list.
Cuisine
Nepalese
Chef
Birenda Shrestha
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.00pm Mon-Sat
Dinner: 5.30 - 11.00pm (5.30 - 10.30pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express