Is this the first time you’ve heard the word ‘Momo’ and wondered what this food is? Are you asking yourself, what is a momo and why do so many people love it? Or did you recently taste momos and now want to try every style you can find?
You’re not alone. This Nepali dumpling has left many people asking what momos really are and where they came from.
These small pouches of comfort, known as momos, are a must-try for every food and adventure lover. Whether you are a long-time momo fan or just starting to explore this dish, this guide will help you understand what is momo food, how it tastes, and which types of momo you can enjoy at Balti Indian Restaurant. By the end, you’ll know exactly what are momos and which momo to order next.
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What are momos?
Momos are a type of dumpling with flavourful fillings inside. When people ask what is momos or what is a momo, the simple answer is that momo is a stuffed dumpling that is steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried.
A basic momo (food) starts with a soft flour dough wrapper. The wrapper is filled with vegetables, chicken, or other ingredients. The momo is then folded and sealed before cooking. Most plates of momo food come with a dipping sauce on the side, which adds heat, tang, and depth to each bite.
Momos look a bit like Chinese dumplings, but they are not the same. Momo food has its own clear identity. It blends Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian cooking styles to create a special dish that feels both familiar and new.
Where did they originate?
Momos originated in Tibet and Nepal, where the cold mountain climate made hot dumplings a perfect meal. In the early days, the classic answer to what is momos made with would be simple: a dough wrapper and a filling made with yak meat.
As momo food moved into Nepal, new fillings were added for both vegetarians and meat eaters. Over time, Nepali cooks created vegetable momo, chicken momo, and mixed fillings with herbs and spices.
From there, momo (food) spread across northern India. Street stalls and small restaurants began to sell momos as quick snacks. Today, when people search what are momos or what is a momo, they may find them in cities around the globe, far from the Himalayas.
Why are momos popular in Canada and across the world?
Momos have become one of the most loved snack foods in many countries. In Canada, more and more people are trying momo for the first time and then ordering it again.
One big reason is versatility. Momo food can be filled with vegetables, chicken, or other proteins. It can be mild or spicy. You can eat momos steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, or in a broth. There is a momo for almost every taste.
Another reason is the format. Each momo is small, neat, and easy to eat. You can share a plate of momos with friends or enjoy them as a quick solo meal.
Momos now appear on menus at Nepalese and Indian restaurants, in food courts, and at food trucks. In Canada’s multicultural cities, momos give people an easy way to explore Himalayan flavours. Warm, comforting, and full of character, momo has become a go-to comfort food for many Canadians.
Different Types of Momos Available at Balti Indian Restaurant
- Chilli Veggie Momo
If you’re a vegetarian who loves spicy food, chilli veggie momos are a good choice. These momos, either steamed or fried, are packed with a mix of finely chopped vegetables, and stir-fried in sweet, sour, and spicy sauces to create an explosion of flavours.
Explore more about: What are Chillie Veggie Momo
- Chilli Chicken Momo
On the contrary, if you’re a meat-lover who loves spicy food, chilli chicken momos are great for you. They provide that same struck note of heat, albeit with a protein-heavy filling. The dumpling is oozing with tender chicken, and this goes well with our homemade spicy dipping sauce.
Explore more about: What are Chilli Chicken Momo
- Tandoori Chicken Momo
Now, if you’re in search of an Indian twist to traditional momos, tandoori chicken momos are the perfect blend of Nepali and Indian flavours, mixed with a curd-based tandoori sauce, and then grilled to perfection. All of these combinations give an intense, charred flavour that catapults momos to a whole new level.
Explore more about: What are Tandoori Chicken Momo
- Tandoori Veg Momo
Vegetarians also need not be left out of the tandoori fun that an Indian twist can bring to traditional Nepali momos. Tandoori veg momos are grilled in a tandoor to achieve that smoky flavour, and packed with different types of spices and vegetables that transcend you to another dimension in every bite.
- Butter Chicken Momo
For those who seek to add butter in everything, here comes butter chicken momos. These are really succulent chicken-filled momos draped with the rich, buttery tomato sauce of the classic butter chicken curry, all combined into one iconic dish.
- Butter Veg Momo
The concept of butter veg momos is pretty similar to that of butter chicken momos, but it’s for vegetarians. A kind of momos with a filling full of veggies smothered in rich and creamy butter sauce. A timelessly decadent vegetarian delight that arises from a combination like this is one thing nobody can resist.
Explore more About: What are Butter Momo
- Steamed Momo (Vegetarian/Chicken)
The all-time favourite is still the steamed momo. Filled with tender chicken or a mix of fresh vegetables, these humble yet delicious dumplings unfold the real taste of momos in their actual form.
Explore more about: What are Steamed Momo
- Pan Fried Momo (Vegetarian/Chicken)
Icing on the cake: those who like a crispy bite, pan-fried momos are your safety net. Pan-fried momos are those that have been steamed prior to being lightly pan-fried so they intensely get crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Jhol Momo (Vegetarian/Chicken)
Jhol momos are a popular Nepalese snack: served in a broth or “jhol” of spices, sesame seeds, and tomatoes, soft momos soak up the broth to give a soupy momo experience that is comforting and delicious.
Explore more about: Balti Indian Restaurant Niagara Menu and Balti Indian Restaurant Whitby Menu
Nutritional Information of Different Types of Momos
| Type of Momo | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilli Veg Momo | 150-200 | 4-5 | 25-30 | 6-8 | Mixed vegetables, sweet-sour-spicy sauce |
| Chilli Chicken Momo | 180-220 | 10-12 | 20-25 | 8-10 | Tender chicken, spicy sauce |
| Tandoori Chicken Momo | 200-250 | 15-18 | 20-25 | 12-14 | Tandoori chicken, curd-based sauce |
| Butter Chicken Momo | 250-300 | 15-20 | 22-25 | 15-18 | Chicken, butter, tomato sauce |
| Butter Veg Momo | 250-300 | 5-7 | 22-27 | 14-16 | Vegetables, butter sauce |
| Steamed Momo (Veg/Chicken) | 120-150 | 6-8 | 18-22 | 4-6 | Chicken/vegetables, flour dough |
| Pan-Fried Momo (Veg/Chicken) | 180-220 | 8-10 | 20-24 | 9-12 | Chicken/vegetables, pan-fried |
| Jhol Momo (Veg/Chicken) | 180-230 | 7-10 | 25-30 | 5-8 | Dumplings in spicy broth (tomatoes, sesame seeds) |
Key Notes:
- Calories: Varies based on the preparation method (steamed, fried, or buttered).
- Protein, Carbs, and Fat: Amounts are approximate and can vary depending on the size of the momo and specific ingredients used.
- Main Ingredients: Provides a quick insight into what each momo contains and its unique taste.
Easy and Delicious Homemade Momo Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Water (as needed)
For the filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (cabbage, carrots, onions, and peas) or minced chicken (for a non-vegetarian option)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1-2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)
For steaming:
- Water (for steaming)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually add water and knead the dough until smooth and firm.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped vegetables or minced chicken and cook until the filling is tender.
- Stir in the soy sauce, black pepper, salt, and cumin powder. Let the mixture cool.
- Shape the momos:
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into small balls and roll them into thin circles (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges to seal them, making pleats if desired.
- Steam the momos:
- Grease a steamer basket or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Place the momos in the steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Steam the momos for about 10-12 minutes until the dough turns translucent and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve your freshly steamed momos with a spicy dipping sauce or chutney of your choice.
Where can I order Momos?
You can enjoy all the above mentioned variations of momos at Balti Indian Restaurant. Want to enjoy at home? Sure, simply order your favourite variation of momos through our website for pick up or delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About: Momos
1) What are momos made of?
Momos are made with a simple flour and water dough wrapped around a filling. The filling can include vegetables, chicken, or other meats. Once filled, the momos are steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, or placed in broth. Most plates of momo food are served with a flavourful dipping sauce on the side.
2) What is so special about momos?
Momos stand out because of their versatility, diverse fillings, and unique blend of flavours. You can enjoy steamed momos, fried momos, or jhol momos in soup. The filling can be mild or spicy and can fit a range of diets. This mix of options makes momo a simple answer when you want something warm and satisfying.
3) What is the difference between a dumpling and a momo?
All momos are dumplings, but not all dumplings are momos. Dumpling is a broad term for dough filled with ingredients and cooked. Momo (food) is a specific dumpling from Nepal and Tibet. Momos usually feature bold spices, garlic, ginger, and chilli. They are often steamed, pan-fried, or served in soup such as jhol momo. Other dumplings, from other food cultures, may be boiled, baked, or filled with very different flavours.
Conclusion
Momos have become a favourite across Canada and around the globe. When people search what is a momo, what are momos, or what is momo food, they are really looking for a dish that feels warm, simple, and full of character. From their origins in the Himalayas to modern plates in Whitby and Niagara Falls, momos bring a taste of Nepali tradition to every table. Whether you enjoy them steamed, fried, smoky, or in broth, there is always another style of momo worth trying.