Nepali Beverages
A serious wine connoisseur, a devoted black coffee drinker from dawn, or an inveterate hop enthusiast?
A serious wine connoisseur, a devoted black coffee drinker from dawn, or an inveterate hop enthusiast ? Even if wine cannot compare to that of France, beer seems basic next to Belgian varieties, and coffee fades beside Brazilian roasts, Nepal still reserves some truly delightful surprises :
Tea
Black tea, milk tea, Masala tea with spices—tea recipes little known outside South Asia. Cultivated primarily in the valleys of the Himalayas, the tea leaves possess an indescribable flavor and aromatic intensity. The agricultural regions are located in 4 zones of Eastern Nepal: Ilam, Dhankuta, Panchtar, and Terathum. The plantation fields are situated between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in altitude and produce some of the world's most flavorful teas.
Lassi
A traditional beverage made from yogurt or fermented milk. There are several types of Lassi: plain, spiced, salted, or sweetened. In India and Nepal, it is often consumed between meals. 
Rakshi
Rakshi is a traditional distilled alcoholic beverage made from rice in Nepal and Tibet. The drink is often made at home. In a ranking of the 50 most delicious beverages in the world, Rakshi was placed 41st. The alcohol is potent on the nose and sends a burning sensation down the throat. It is typically consumed during celebrations.
Beer
Local beers have the particularity of offering little taste variation between brands. They are quite good but also expensive for a country where the average salary hovers around €100 per month. Beer starts at 400 rupees, roughly €3.50. The positive side is that they are served only in 65 cl bottles. The negative side is there is no draft beer in bars. The most popular brands are the renowned: Everest, Nepal Ice, Gorkha, and Tuborg for the international brand. Beware of Guinness in bars. At 4.5% alcohol and served in a can for 800 rupees (€7.50), it's low-quality stuff made in China! 
Tongba
This traditional beverage of the Limbus is a beer produced by fermentation of millet seeds. It is consumed hot and drunk through a bamboo straw, especially during winter.
Rum / Vodka / Whisky :
There are some local brands in Nepal that produce these types of strong spirits.
Chang
A beer of Tibetan origin made from barley
Wine
The growth of festive culture and thus social evening gatherings has also led to increased alcohol consumption, particularly of local wines. Today, several popular wine brands exist in Nepal: Dadaghare : Bottled in Pokhara, it is considered Nepal's first wine. Its price ranges between 350 and 500 rupees on the market. Hinwa : This wine is produced by Makalu wine industries in Sankhuwasabha. Nettlange : Produced by Sakaro Beverages, it is one of the most well-known in local markets. Made from Sishno and oranges, the bottle costs approximately 450 rupees. Grapple : Made from black grapes imported from India and apples from Mustang, Grapple is also manufactured by Sakaro Beverages. It costs 350 rupees in stores. Devine : A recent brand, having existed only since 2010. The bottle costs 340 Nepali rupees. Its production comes from the company Shree Mahakali wine, 
Frequently asked questions
Rakshi is a traditional Nepali and Tibetan spirit distilled from rice. Often made by hand at home, it stands out for its pronounced aroma and the burning sensation it leaves in the throat. It is primarily consumed during festivals and celebrations. Rakshi ranks 41st in a ranking of the 50 most delicious beverages in the world.
Nepal produces black tea, milk tea, and Masala tea with spices. Plantations are located in 4 regions of Eastern Nepal: Ilam, Dhankuta, Panchtar, and Terathum, between 1,000 and 2,000 meters in altitude. This tea is renowned for its aromatic intensity and is among the world's most flavorful teas.
The most popular local beers in Nepal are Everest, Nepal Ice, and Gorkha. They are typically served in 65 cl bottles. Expect to pay from 400 rupees (approximately €3.50) for a beer in a bar or restaurant. Note that there is no draft beer in most Nepali establishments.
Tongba is a traditional beverage of the Limbus, an ethnic group of Nepal. It is a beer produced by fermentation of millet seeds, consumed hot and drunk through a bamboo straw. It is a beverage particularly appreciated in winter, especially in mountain regions.
Yes, Nepal has several locally produced wine brands. The most well-known are Dadaghare (Nepal's first wine, bottled in Pokhara, between 350 and 500 rupees), Hinwa (produced in Sankhuwasabha), Nettlange, and Grapple (made from black grapes imported from India and apples from Mustang, at approximately 350 rupees). These wines are available in local grocery stores and markets.
