Most of us know Thamel as the main tourist hub of the capital. But over the years the place has transformed into a popular attraction for foodies in the Valley. You can find an array of options to indulge in when you are in Thamel–whether its Chinese, Indian or Continental, you get it in Thamel.
Most of the eateries in Thamel are targetted at tourists, but there are some places that welcome locals who want to try different cuisine in a ‘touristy setting’. One such eatery is Phat Kath located at the heart of Thamel square near Pilgrims’ bookstore.
Every time you pass the restaurant its rugged ambiance and music pulls you in. The reggae music makes you want to get in and when you enter the jungle-like terrace, you feel you’ve entered an oasis. The name Phat Kath comes from the slang ‘Phat’ which was popular in the 70s which refers to ‘excellent’ and Kath in Nepali translates to ‘wood’. As most of the stuff in the restaurant has wood in it, the owners named it Phat Kath.
As one of the partners is French, the food here has a French touch to it. He recommended the Complete Galette which was a pancake made with buckwheat with savoury fillings of ham, cheese, and eggs inside it. I must say that the French with a little bit of innovation have turned what might possibly be a dessert into a savoury main course. The cheese and the ham complimented the buckwheat which gives the dish an intense savoury edge and the best part is that it’s all gluten-free.
After finishing the Galette, we were recommended one of their specials, the Mountain Steak. The steak looked and smelt delicious. It came with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetable along with a sauce made out of mustard and mushroom. The steak was well done and rich in texture and flavour. The meat was tender and the mushroom sauce that came with it balanced it perfectly.
For dessert, they brought the Nutella Crepes, which exceeded my expectations. As a fan of pancakes, I had never imagined combining Nutella and pancakes could make such an interesting and delicious dish. This was hands down one of the best desserts I’ve had and will surely be going back for more.
What I liked the most about the restaurant was its unique ambience. While I was indulging in my meal, I felt I wasn’t in Thamel. They have done a remarkable job in creating such vibes which is sure to give everyone a refreshing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The place is also a galley and has a few paintings up for show. One of the partners in the restaurant Sunil Ghale tells me that everything in the restaurant is for sale which is why they call it a gallery. Wanting to create something unique, they’ve mostly used natural items while designing the place which gives it an authentic rugged look.
There are options to sit on the floor or normal seats and tables inside and out and my favourite is the Buddha lounge which happens to be under a tree where you’ll hear birds chirping which at times complements the music playing in the background.
The staffs are friendly and helpful and if you need to information regarding trekking or visiting different parts of Nepal, they along with the owners will definitely help you out. The price is reasonable and if you compare it to some eateries around Thamel you’ll surely feel the place has a standard price and also takes cards. The restaurant is open from 7 AM to 10:30 PM.
Overall the place is ideal for casual meet up with friends and family. It is one of the coolest places in the Thamel area.
Photos: Milan Adhikari
