Momo is one of Nepal’s most beloved dishes, but have you ever tried Tandoori Chicken Momo? This fusion dish takes traditional Nepali momo and gives it a smoky, charred flavour inspired by Indian tandoori cooking.
Imagine soft, juicy chicken momo, marinated in a rich, spiced yoghurt sauce, then roasted in a tandoor or oven until slightly crisp and smoky. It’s the perfect blend of Nepalese dumplings and Indian tandoori flavours, making it an irresistible dish for spice lovers.
If you’re craving a momo experience with a bold, grilled flavour, Tandoori Chicken Momo is a must-try! Let’s dive into what makes it special, its taste, ingredients, and a simple momo recipe to try at home.
What Are Tandoori Chicken Momo?
Tandoori Chicken Momo is a delicious twist on a classic chicken momo. After being steamed, these momos are coated in a rich yogurt-based tandoori marinade and roasted in a tandoor (clay oven) or grilled until slightly charred. This cooking process enhances the flavour, giving the momo a smoky and spicy kick.
What Makes Tandoori Chicken Momo Special?
Unlike regular steamed or fried momo, Tandoori Chicken Momo is unique because:
- It is marinated in tandoori spices like yoghurt, cumin, and garam masala.
- It is roasted instead of steamed, giving it a smoky, slightly crispy texture.
- It has a bold, tangy, and spicy flavour with a charred aroma.
- is served with mint chutney for an extra burst of freshness.
This makes it a perfect choice for those who love the rich, smoky flavours of tandoori chicken but also enjoy the juicy softness of momo. If you enjoy bold and spicy flavours, you might also love Chilli Chicken Momo or Chilli Veggie Momo, which are tossed in a fiery, tangy sauce.
How Does Tandoori Chicken Momo Taste?
The taste of Tandoori Chicken Momo is a mix of:
Smoky & charred – thanks to the tandoor or grill.
Spicy & tangy – from the yoghurt marinade and tandoori spices.
Juicy inside, crispy outside – keeping the momo soft yet slightly crisp.
This dish is perfect for anyone who enjoys Indian tandoori dishes but wants something bite-sized and fun!
Ingredients for Tandoori Chicken Momo
Want to recreate this delicious momo recipe at home? Follow these simple steps!
For the Momo Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 cup minced chicken
- ½ cup finely chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
For the Tandoori Marinade:
- ½ cup thick yoghurt
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Mint chutney
- Lemon wedges
- Sliced onions
Step-by-Step Recipe for Tandoori Chicken Momo
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add water and knead into a soft dough.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Filling
- Mix minced chicken, onions, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, salt, and soy sauce.
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes for better flavour.
Step 3: Shape and Steam the Momo
- Roll the dough into small circles.
- Add a spoonful of chicken filling to each circle.
- Fold and seal the momo into desired shapes.
- Steam for 10–12 minutes until the dumplings are cooked.
Step 4: Marinate the Momo
- In a bowl, mix yoghurt, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, lemon juice, oil, and salt.
- Add the steamed momo to the marinade and coat them well.
- Let them rest for 20–30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Step 5: Grill or Bake
- For oven: Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and bake for 10–12 minutes, turning once in between.
- For stovetop: Heat a grill pan and cook on medium heat until slightly charred.
- For tandoor: Roast until crisp and smoky.
Step 6: Serve Hot
- Garnish with lemon wedges and onions.
- Serve with mint chutney for extra flavour.
Calories in Tandoori Chicken Momo
| Type of Momo | Serving Size (6 pieces) | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed Tandoori Chicken Momo | 6 pieces | 300–350 kcal |
| Grilled/Baked Tandoori Chicken Momo | 6 pieces | 350–400 kcal |
Grilled and baked momo have slightly more calories due to the marinade and oil but are still a healthier alternative to deep-fried momo.
Where to Find the Best Tandoori Chicken Momo Near You
If you’re looking for Momo near you in Whitby or Niagara Falls, visit Balti Indian Restaurant for authentic Tandoori Chicken Momo. We prepare our momo fresh, marinate them in traditional spices, and grill them to perfection for a smoky, spicy flavour you won’t forget.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Nepali momo or want to try something new, our Tandoori Chicken Momo is a must-try dish!
FAQs About Tandoori Momo
1. What is the origin of tandoori momos?
Tandoori momo is a fusion dish that combines the traditional Nepali momo with the popular Indian tandoori cooking style. The dish originated in India, where momo was traditionally steamed or fried, but with the influence of Indian tandoori cuisine, chefs started marinating momos in rich spices and yoghurt and then roasting them in a tandoor (clay oven) to add a smoky flavour. This unique twist has made tandoori momo a popular street food across India and parts of Nepal.
2. How to reheat tandoori momos?
To reheat tandoori momos while preserving their texture and flavour:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tandoori momos on a baking tray and bake for about 8–10 minutes until they are hot and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan on medium heat. Place the momos on the grill for 3–4 minutes, turning once, to restore the smoky, charred effect.
- Microwave: If you’re in a rush, microwave them for 1–2 minutes, but the crispiness might be lost.
3. What are the benefits of tandoori momos?
While tandoori momos are typically a treat to enjoy in moderation, they do have some benefits:
- Low in fat: When grilled, they are usually lower in fat compared to deep-fried alternatives.
- High in protein: The chicken or vegetable filling provides a good amount of protein, especially if you’re choosing a chicken momo.
- Packed with spices: Tandoori momo is made with a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, which have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
- Rich in fibre: If made with vegetables, they are a good source of fibre, aiding in digestion.
4. Why are Indians mad for momos?
Indians love momos because they are an incredibly versatile and affordable snack. The flavours can be customized based on personal taste, from mild to spicy. They are perfect for a quick snack or a hearty meal, with fillings ranging from chicken, vegetables, or paneer. The taste, ease of preparation, and the fact that they pair well with sauces make them a favourite street food across India. Momo has also become a part of modern Indian fusion cuisine, with many new variations like tandoori momo, chilli momo, and more.
Conclusion
Tandoori Chicken Momo is the perfect fusion of Nepalese and Indian flavours. The juicy chicken filling, smoky charred coating, and bold spices make it a delicious snack or appetiser. Whether you try making it at home or visit Balti Indian Restaurant, this dish will surely become your favourite.
Looking for Momo near you in Whitby or Niagara Falls? Visit Balti Indian Restaurant today for the best Tandoori Chicken Momo!