The Nepalese street-food dumpling filled with meat or vegetables is called momo.
Momos are made by wrapping a filling in wheat-flour dough and steaming the dumplings. Minced meat, especially buffalo, chicken, or pork, is common in Nepal, while vegetarian fillings may include cabbage, onion, and other vegetables. They are usually served with a spicy tomato-based dipping sauce.
Momos are sold by street vendors, small restaurants, and market stalls throughout Nepal. Their popularity has also spread across Tibet, Bhutan, India, and other parts of South Asia. Shapes and seasonings vary, and fried or soup-served versions exist alongside the most familiar steamed form.
Although momos resemble dumplings from many Asian cuisines, they are not simply another name for Chinese jiaozi. Their Himalayan history, fillings, sauces, and local preparation styles give them a distinct place in Nepalese food culture.