Gorkha – Satwa

Gorkha is a small Nepalese restaurant in Satwa. Located opposite the Galadari Motor Driving Center on 17B Street off Satwa Highstreet, the restaurant is surprisingly neat, tidy and well kept. I was the only non-Nepali there when I visited for lunch although, if it weren’t for the drawl in my accent, I could have blended in quite well with my chinky eyes. Two of the three occupied tables (beside mine) were regulars who knew each other no less. And for some reason they thought it was okay to converse with one another from either side of the restaurant – hmm. One of the tables was occupied by a family, mommy bear included. Good wholesome mix.

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I ordered steamed Chicken Momos, Vegetable Chowmein and a mixed Thukpa Noodle Soup feeling this combination would give me a good idea of the calibre of this little eatery. I was comforted to see two of the other tables had ordered pretty much the same as me. The third table was having a thali. The food took longer than was comfortable to arrive. And then everything was brought to the table at the same time.

I really liked the momos which were generously filled with a delicious curried mince chicken stuffing. I liked the dipping sauce too.

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The mixed thukpa was just that – mixed. It simply couldn’t decide what it was. The truth is, it looked like spaghetti noodle soup with a hodgepodge of leftover scraps mixed in. And that’s a pity because a good thukpa, like the one served at Sayapatri in Al Quoz, is excellent. It’s the Asian version of a ramen.

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Thankfully the chowmein made up for it. I love the way the Nepalese sear their fried noodles. Mine needed just a splash of chilli vinegar for a double thumbs up.

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Gorkha is very much a value for money restaurant so check out their combos before ordering. You could get momos and chowmein as a combo. I don’t know about the thukpa though. The staff are super friendly and bend-over-backwards-accommodating. This is the only authentic, dedicated Nepalese restaurant in Satwa. There is Shanghai Kitchen on the Mankhool side, but it is more of an Asian restaurant than pukka Nepali. Nepalese food is amazing. Try this little restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.

Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.