How to Make the Perfect Nepali Dal Bhat Tarkari at Home

STGN Official

May 20

2 min read

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A silver platter with rice, lentil soup, curries, yogurt, and a lemon slice on a table. The vibrant dishes create a welcoming mood.

Craving comfort food that’s both hearty and healthy? Nothing hits the spot quite like Nepali dal bhat tarkari—a traditional meal that represents warmth, balance, and home-cooked love. This iconic Nepali dish, consisting of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat), and seasonal vegetables (tarkari), isn’t just food—it’s a cultural experience.

Whether you're missing the taste of home or exploring Nepali cuisine for the first time, this guide walks you through how to make an authentic version right from your kitchen.

👉 Ready to master the most beloved meal of Nepal? Here's how to make the perfect Nepali dal bhat tarkari at home.

Table of content

1. The Base: Cooking Fluffy Basmati Rice (Bhat)

2. The Soul: Making the Perfect Dal (Lentil Soup)

3. The Spice: Preparing Seasonal Tarkari (Vegetable Curry)

4. Bringing It All Together: Nepali Style Thali Presentation

1. The Base: Cooking Fluffy Basmati Rice (Bhat)

A decorative bowl of white rice on a patterned gold tray. Wooden table and cilantro garnish add an inviting, warm feel.

Rice is more than just a side—it’s the foundation. Use long-grain basmati rice for that authentic aroma and fluffy texture.

Wash rice thoroughly to remove starch
Use a rice cooker or simmer gently on the stove
Let it steam post-cooking for fluffiness

2. The Soul: Making the Perfect Dal (Lentil Soup)

Golden bowl of orange soup with red chilies and seeds on wooden table. Sunlit, with an ornate gold ladle in the background. Cozy mood.

Dal is typically made with yellow lentils (moong or masoor) and is spiced with turmeric, garlic, and ghee.

Steps:

Boil lentils until soft and creamy
Sauté garlic, cumin, and chili in ghee and mix into dal (known as "jhaneko")
Add salt, turmeric, and coriander for flavor

3. The Spice: Preparing Seasonal Tarkari (Vegetable Curry)

A plate with colorful mixed vegetables, rice, and curry in a small bowl, garnished with cilantro. The plate has a decorative border.

Tarkari can include potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, or spinach depending on what’s available.

Sauté mustard seeds, onions, and ginger
Add turmeric, cumin, chili, and chopped veggies
Simmer until tender and flavorful

4. Bringing It All Together: Nepali Style Dal Bhat Tarkari Presentation

A plate with curry, rice, yogurt, purple cabbage, and various fried snacks on a wooden table. The meal looks vibrant and appetizing.

Presentation matters. Serve everything on a thali (metal plate), with rice in the center, dal in a bowl, tarkari on the side, and optional accompaniments like pickle (achar), saag, and papad.

Tips: