Note! As I am gluten-intolerant and can have small bits of gluten, these restaurants might not be fit for those who are celiac. Always make sure to call ahead or inform yourself when going to any restaurant that does not advertise with a celiac safe kitchen.
Having spent a month in Nepal, Patan was my go-to place when I needed some rest in the city. Although it borders Kathmandu, it feels far-removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Patan, or Lalitpur, was the home to one of the ancient monarchies of the Kathmandu Valley, and its city center breathes history. The eastern part of Patan, where I was lucky enough to stay at my friends’ beautiful Airbnb, is a real expat hub, however. Its food scene knows a great variety, and the restaurants are largely catered to Global Northerners more sensitive bellies, including many options for gluten intolerant people, including me! During my time there, I have come to know many of the restaurants, which were mostly recommended by my friends. So, without further ado, here is my ultimate gluten-free guide to Patan!
The Yellow House
If you just landed in Nepal, and your belly needs some time to adjust, or you are craving some fresh fruits and juices after your Himalayan trek, then the Yellow House is the place for you. To be brutally honest with you, I went here almost every day because they made top-notch cappuccinos, had oat pancakes, and the best home-made granola you ever tasted! Also, if you desperately want to try some momo’s, the Nepali dumpling, they have got multiple varieties made of buckwheat. With their tranquil terrace on the backside of the restaurant, it is also a great spot for remote workers and digital nomads. Every Sunday they also organize a farmer’s market with fresh local produce and products from local artisans.
Sami Croissant
Small and a little bit hidden, Sami Croissant has gluten-free and vegan croissants, pastries, and other bakes for both those who love something sweet or savory! Although you can sit here with a cup of coffee, I suggest taking one of their loaded croissants to-go (either triple chocolate or triple cheese) and going to a nice park or having your breakfast at your Airbnb for a quiet morning.
Kar.ma Coffee
Located on the square of Gyanmandala, Kar.ma Coffee is a great place to try Nepal’s finest coffee roasts and blends. Coffee is a growing business in Nepal, and boy is it delicious! While their coffee is to die for, their gluten-free chocolate cake, buckwheat pancakes and yogurt bowls are not to be missed. While you’re there, also make sure to get their juju dhau cake, which is made of a classic Nepali recipe for custard from Bhaktapur. Also, if you fall in love with their cute mugs and cutlery, they have a small store with locally handcrafted products like coffee spoons, the coziest mugs, and even coffee soap!
Gyanmandala
Not a restaurant, but a hidden square with lots of cool shops, restaurants, and cafes, Gyanmandala should be one of Patan’s hotspots. While it is home to Kar.ma Coffee, the brunch and lunch café Annamaya on the rooftop should not be missed. The Moksh Bar is also a great place to have a drink and enjoy some live music from teachers, student, and friends from the music school that is located on the same square. Prefer to take home some local produce? The Farm Shop has got you covered! I bought some delicious gluten-free power bars for the Langtang Valley trek here, as well as some organically dried fruits. If shopping is more your style, however, make sure to hop over to one of the concept stores displaying more handcrafted and ethically produced items.
House 5
Before looking at the menu here, you should take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous building that is House 5. With massive windows and a Scandinavian inspired interior design, it is a wonderful place to have brunch, lunch, and dinner, or to have a cup of coffee while working on your laptop. When I was there, they served both gluten-free pasta and pizza, so I went for the truffle pasta, which was just as gorgeous as the interior. Quiet gardens also seemed to be the theme in Patan, as House 5 also has a small green courtyard where you can enjoy your food outside.
Crazy Mexican
Mexican food is probably one of my favorites, but lots of restaurants in Europe unfortunately use wheat flour in their tacos because they think it is easier. Although I have found some hidden gems in Amsterdam, the Crazy Mexican probably served the one of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Owned by a Mexican family, the restaurant is cozy and colorful, with the best vegan chorizo taco’s you will ever have. They have several menu’s which you can choose from that add more toppings or taco shells. So, if you are hungry, like I was after we got back from our trek, get the Crazy Mexican menu, which includes double taco shells, three meats (or vegan options), cheese, sour cream, guacamole, beans, and rice. Also make sure to get a pitcher of their Hibiscus drink. I am not usually a fan of soft drinks, but this one was to die for!
Pho99
Ever since I first tried pho two years ago in Berlin, I have gotten a soft spot for Vietnamese food. This restaurant has both good food and amazing ambiance, because of their private garden with a pond. Pho99’s menu not only serves a wide variety of pho, but has enough other options to keep you coming back for days. As most dishes are rice-based, and they have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, all stomachs will probably love their food. Make sure to get their spring rolls too and one of the tapioca puddings.
Raithaane
After having tried all of the above, it is time for the grand finale: the Nepali restaurant Raithaane. Located on a quiet street, this restaurant will let you taste more than just dal baht, as dal baht is not even on the menu! Although I love the traditional dish, there is so much more to Nepali cuisine. This special restaurant therefore serves food from all over Nepal, and as I have been there twice and shared all the food with my friends, I can tell you everything I tasted was delicious! Especially try the buckwheat fries and Batuk Chukauni which consists of some deep-fried lentil patties with a spicy potato-yoghurt stew. If you love their food so much, you wish you could take it home, you can buy their cookbook at the restaurant. Flipping through it, you realize their menu just gives you a taste of what Nepali cuisine has to offer. Most food is also made of rice and buckwheat, making it the perfect place for some gluten-free dinner. Even if you skip all of the suggestions I made above, this is one you should not miss!
Little Day-Trip to Kathmandu: The French Bakery
Okay, this one is not really located in Patan, but I just had to put it in there because they serve the most delicious gluten-free French toast. The French Bakery also makes a killer cappuccino and has more gluten-free bakes for you to try. Sitting on the edge of Thamel, it is the perfect quiet and cozy hideaway from all the hustle-and-bustle from the backpacker’s district.
Although this list is already quite extensive, there are many more bars, cafés and restaurants to try in both Patan and Kathmandu, like the Middle Eastern restaurant OR2K in Thamel, or the Italian restaurant Piano Piano in Patan. The best way to discover the best places to eat is to just ask your friends, or the staff at some places you have tried and love for some recommendations, or just wander around and see what you find! Afraid of food poisoning? Make sure to keep your hands clean throughout the day, as most people get sick from what they touch, rather than through what they eat. Still a little suspicious? Stay clear from meat at the places you think are a little dodgy, or just scroll through reviews on TripAdvisor or Google Maps, and you will be good. But most of all, have fun, explore, and don’t let your fears hold you back , as the best experiences are always a surprise.
