As a lover of momo—those delicious, flavorful dumplings that are a staple in Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine—I’ve been on a mission to find the best momo here in Austin, Texas. While there are plenty of places offering this dish, I wanted to put a few popular spots to the test and see which one delivers the most satisfying momo experience.
What is momo?
Momo is a type of dumpling popular in Tibetan, Nepalese, and Himalayan cuisine, typically filled with minced meat (like chicken, pork, or beef) or vegetables, and seasoned with a mix of spices. Often steamed, fried, or served in soup, momo is a versatile dish enjoyed across South Asia and beyond. The dish is believed to have originated in Tibet and was brought to Nepal by Tibetan immigrants. Over time, momo spread across the region and became a beloved street food, with various regional variations and fillings reflecting local tastes and traditions.
In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on three places that serve momo in Austin, comparing everything from flavor and texture to the all-important dipping sauce. Whether you’re a momo newbie or a seasoned fan, this taste test will help you discover where to find the best dumplings in the city. So, let’s dive in!
Monk’s Momo
I’d heard nothing but great things about Monk’s Momo, a food truck known for its Himalayan and Nepalese dishes, so I had high expectations heading into my visit. I tried both the Chili Chicken Momo and the Jhol Momo, and while they were decent, I have to say they didn’t quite live up to the hype. The flavors were fine, but I was expecting something more memorable given all the rave reviews. That said, the truck is located in a fantastic spot in downtown Austin, perfect for enjoying a quick meal in a vibrant area. While my experience wasn’t as amazing as I anticipated, it’s definitely worth checking out for the atmosphere and convenience.
Everest Momo & Food Truck
I had only heard a little about Everest, and it wasn’t on my radar as one of the top spots for momo in Austin. But after a bit of trouble locating it on Apple Maps (thankfully, Google Maps helped me out!), I finally arrived and was blown away. I tried both the Fried Chicken Momo and the Chili Chicken Momo, and I was stunned by the incredible flavors. The fried momo, in particular, was absolutely delicious—crispy on the outside with a juicy, flavorful filling. The sauce that accompanied it was super tasty and paired perfectly with the dumplings. Without a doubt, this food truck is a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone craving fantastic momo in Austin!
Himalaya Kosheli
Himalaya Kosheli is one of my go-to spots in Austin for Nepalese cuisine, so of course, I had to include it in my momo taste test. I’ve enjoyed so many dishes here over the years, and their momo is no exception. I tried the Chili Chicken Momo (as my control), along with both the Fried Momo and Steamed Momo. All of them were absolutely delicious. The flavors were spot on, and the texture of the dumplings was just right—light yet satisfying. Himalaya Kosheli consistently delivers, and their momo did not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or just craving some great dumplings, this is a place I’d highly recommend.
The Verdict:
After trying momo from three different spots, I can confidently say that Austin offers a variety of delicious takes on this classic dish. Each place has its unique spin, and while it’s hard to declare an absolute winner, there’s something to love about each one.
Final Ranking
Now, I’m curious—do you know of any other momo spots in Austin that I should try? Leave a comment below with your recommendations, and let’s continue the momo search!
Thank you for the thorough review!