Cafe Momo

Bhalo Pandey has done it all. He's an artist and a musician. He practiced law, taught meditation, worked as a computer programmer, and ran a small catering business, providing Nepalese cuisine for private parties. In 2004, Pandy decided to add another line to his vitae, and leap into the restaurant business full-time. "The restaurant business is always a big risk, but I took that risk, " he said. And it has paid off.Since opening, his small restaurant, Cafe Momo, has been constantly at the center of attention. To date, Cafe Momo is the most reviewed restaurant in New Hampshire. The 30-seat restaurant has been featured in the press 14 times in 14 months. It was also voted "Best Hot and Spicy Appetizers and Entrees" in New Hampshire's 2005 Best of New Hampshire competition.Part of the appeal is Cafe Momo is the only Nepalese restaurant in New Hampshire, and New England. Pandey said he thinks his cafe may be the only restaurant serving authentic Nepalese cuisine on the East Coast.Pandey is often asked to describe Nepalese cuisine, and that's one of the toughest orders he receives. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the nations that border the small country. " ( Nepalese ) food is more flavorful than Tibetan, and less greasy than Indian, " said Pandey. "But, it's a very different style than Indian cooking. Most vegetables in Indian food are overcooked, and they use a lot of chikcen, and a lot of gravy."