Taste of the Himalayas

While Girard Gourmet does rotating soups and American Pizza Manufacturing handles the take-home dinner problem, this spot fills a different gap entirely: authentic Himalayan cooking that draws Nepali expats from across the county alongside village regulars who've never heard of dal bhat. The difference shows up immediately in the momos — steamed dumplings with properly seasoned filling and wrapper thickness that doesn't turn gummy, the kind that Nepali reviewers call the best they've found outside Kathmandu.

The menu spans northern Indian standards and Nepali specialties, but the kitchen's strength tilts Himalayan. Chicken korma comes properly spiced without drowning in cream. The garlic naan arrives blistered and actually garlicky. That said, execution varies — lamb dishes have drawn complaints about excess oil and inconsistent meat quality, and tikka masala can taste better than the lamb curries depending on the day.

The dining room runs bright and casual, with festive decor that doesn't take itself too seriously. Outdoor seating on Girard puts you in the flow of village foot traffic without the premium you'd pay closer to Prospect. They handle takeout and delivery volume without the usual quality drop, which makes sense given how many regulars order the lunch specials to-go (though those have recently been discontinued, so call ahead to confirm current offerings).

Practical notes: Spice levels are adjustable and they mean it — ask for #6 if you actually want heat. The Nepali beer selection is a nice detail if you're into trying regional lagers. Parking is standard Girard Avenue chaos, but the village lot on Silverado is a five-minute walk. Reservations accepted, though weeknight walk-ins usually work unless you're bringing a group.