Kathmandu Cafe Combines Cozy and Colorful

Kathmandu Cafe, a quiet restaurant boasting loud flavors, opened Sept. 2 at 6141 North Broadway — just a few blocks down from Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.

With the aim to “bring the tastes of the Himalayas to Chicago,” the charmingly cozy cafe first announced their opening Aug. 28 via Facebook. Three days later, they had a soft opening where they offered a special opening day menu and 20% discount on all orders.

The quaint Nepali restaurant’s warm and welcoming environment is aided by textured red walls, traditional prayer flags covering the roof above the seating area and quiet electronic music heard throughout the space. 

The large windows allow a steady stream of sunlight to illuminate the spaced seating by the front door while a red and white neon “Kathmandu Cafe” sign highlights the faux plant decorations and the wooded wall that separates the kitchen from the register. 

Between the bright colors of the decor, the warm comfort food served and the soft sounds of the music and people inside, the restaurant’s atmosphere is comfortably serene.

The main menu consists of various Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan dishes, including chow mein, curry lunch boxes and chili. Their signature dishes are Nepalese and Tibetan dumplings called momos. The pork jhol momos — soup dumplings — are $12.99 for eight. 

Light, juicy and refreshing, the soft dumpling shell pairs well with warm pork and nice crunch from the vegetables inside. All momo dishes also come with a small side of cool carrots, cucumbers and a sweet, tomato-based sauce. 

Sadeno Aloo, a $4.99 Nepali potato dish, is a citrusy appetizer with a cool, sharp taste and tangy kick. The potatoes, soft and cool, are brightened by a spicy, lime-based dressing. Mixed with carrots and red onions that provide a satisfying crunch, which texturally compliments the pillowy potatoes.

Sandwiched between the cashier and water station is a large fridge holding handmade lassi drinks. The beverage — made up of yogurt, milk and spices for $4.50 a bottle — is surprisingly refreshing, thick and creamy. It has a strong but not overpowering floral taste which brightens the smoothie-like drink further.

Other traditional beverages include a spiced black tea called Masala chai, and Kesar — a saffron-infused milk.

While not cheap, the food tastes incredibly fresh, the prices are reasonable for the portion size and the quality of food served. The menu is wholesome, made-to-order and isn’t afraid of being expressive when it comes to flavor.

Between the comforting atmosphere and striking tastes, Kathmandu Cafe is quite colorful all around. The calm demeanor of the restaurant can provide a good, quiet study spot or a fun place to eat with friends and family that’s still close to campus. 

Kathmandu Cafe is open from 1 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. More information can be found on Facebook.