Bordered by the magnificent Himalayas, Nepal has long been considered India’s younger sibling. With shared culture and traditions, the relations between the two countries go back centuries. With visa-free privileges and a short driving distance, it remains a favourite quick tourist stop for residents of Delhi. Especially when compared to Delhi’s heavy and smog-filled air, Nepal’s mountainous chill and green cover feel like a wonder. But now, there is one more reason to head to our loyal neighbour. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, has landed on Condé Nast Traveller‘s list of the world’s best food destinations for 2026. And, we are not just talking street eats, but experimental cocktails, native recipes, and memorable meals. Ranking eighth on the list, anyone who has eaten their way around the Patan would know what we are talking about.
So, why is Patan a food paradise?
Condé Nast Traveller credits Patan’s chefs and bartenders, who are changing the country’s culinary narrative with their meals and cocktails. Unlike Kathmandu, which had made headlines over the past year, Patan remained untouched and culinary energy thrived. It is here where centuries-old Hindu temples shade streetside metal workers, and jalebis sizzle by the road as early as 6 AM. It is not just the flutes that ring through the air but also the splatter of bara being fried on cast-iron tavas. A few steps away from the UNESCO heritage site of Patan Durbar Square lies the modest eatery, Honacha. It welcomes and never fails to impress passersby with its green and black dal pancakes.
Leaning against the 14th-century rainwater pond is Binus’s, famous for its chilled and spicy laphing, a Tibetan mung bean wide noodles rolled in chilli oil. The varieties of laphing are endless, but the local favourite is the filling of crushed and crispy uncooked Wai Wai, Nepal’s much-loved instant noodle brand. Beyond the streets, young chefs take to bars and restaurants to make their mark in the world. Swotha, opened by the team behind Barc, Nepal’s first bar, ranked on Asia’s 50 Best bars list and 2025 recipient of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, is setting the trend with its rice spirit aylā. Yet another notable mention is the Michelin-recommended Old Nepal Tokyo, which is opening its branch in Patan in the summer of 2026. This Japanese restaurant raves about its modern tasting menu inspired by 20 years of culinary field work across Nepal.
The Farmer’s Market at Le Sherpa is where culinary riches continue. Here you can join the crowd to sample yak blue cheese or grab a steaming plate of juicy buffalo momo soaked in a cool Himalayan herbed broth at Everest Momo Centre. Meanwhile, Bhaktapur’s menu-less Tusa is guided by seasons and chef research trips, paying homage to Nepal’s native ingredients. You would find dry-aged wild river eel pepped up with black soybean achar, lacto-fermented radish, and dehydrated fish salts.
While the city continues to change, food continues to remain central to Patan’s identity. It continues to draw locals and tourists alike for its glorious architecture, royal past, and cuisine that has taken inspiration from the past with a tinge of modernity. Against the backdrop of the snowy Himalayas, the content of a warm bite on the streets or a spiced cocktail jostled in a hidden bar is an experience of its own.
The World’s 10 Best Food Destinations For 2026
If you are curating your visit to the world’s food destinations, here are Condé Nast’s favourites for the year.
- Boston, USA
- Crete, Greece
- Fès, Morocco
- Hong Kong
- Medellín, Colombia
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Parramatta, Australia
- Patan, Nepal
- Prince Edward County, Canada
- Seville, Spain
Read the full ranking here.
How to get there?
If you are travelling from Delhi, getting to Patan is rather simple. It is both accessible and affordable. The quickest way to get there is via flight. Delhi to Kathmandu flights start at only ₹3,500/- with a duration of approximately 1.5 hours. If you are looking for cheaper alternatives, then Delhi Transport Corporation runs Delhi-Kathmandu International AC buses. However, if you are looking for scenic routes and culinary stops along the way, your best bet is to drive by car. With a distance of only 1200 km, you’d only take more or less 21 hours to reach Patan. Perfect for a weekend getaway into the mountains across the border.
Pro tip: While Indians are not required to have a visa, it is recommended to carry a government-issued photo ID like a passport, Voter ID, or Aadhar card.