Trekking in the Everest area is a mix of adventure and scenic beauty for sure. Also in that is the experience of the local culture which includes their food.
As you go on trek to Everest View Trek, Gokyo Lakes, or the Three Passes mostly you will eat at local teahouses which we also refer to as lodges.
These teahouses serve up hearty and cozy meals to fuel your trip.
Below we present what types of food you may find on a trek in the Everest region.
Breakfast at Everest region
Your morning on the trail starts at the break of dawn with a hearty breakfast. Breakfast is served early and includes:
Bread and Toast: Served with jam, butter, or honey. (which also may be) Served also with your choice of jam, butter, or honey. Which also to be served with are jam, butter, or honey.
Also, may be had with your choice of jam, butter, or honey. At which we serve also to go are jam, butter, or honey.
Pancakes: We have plain pancakes, apple pancakes, chocolate pancakes, and Tibetan style buckwheat pancakes.
Porridge: From oats, rice or millet often a mix of fruits, honey, and dried nuts.
Egg Dishes: Fried eggs, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs and omelettes (plain or with veggies/cheese).
Tibetan Bread: A fried bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside a local favorite.
Tea and Coffee: You can pick from black tea, milk tea, masala tea (from Nepal which is spiced), or instant coffee.
Lunch on the Trek
Lunch at a teahouse along the trail at midday looks like below:
Dal Bhat (Most Popular Choice): In the past the traditional Nepali menu includes rice, lentil soup (dal), spinach, pickles and at time a mild curry.
Also, it is very healthy, filling and in most teahouses, you may have free refills.
Fried Rice: Usually used for in combination with veggies or meat.
Noodles: Fried noodles which include vegetables, eggs, or chicken.
Momo (Dumplings): These local favorites are steamed or fried dumplings which include vegetables, cheese, or meat.
Thukpa: Tibetan noodle soup which includes vegetables or meat.
Chowmein: Stir fry of noodles which also includes vegetables, sometimes we add in chicken or eggs.
Sherpa Stew (Shyakpa): A classic thick soup which includes handmade noodles, root vegetables and sometimes meat.
Dinner at EBC Trek
Most travelers go for heartier options in the evening.
Soups: Tomato, garlic, vegetable, onion, or mushroom soup.
Pizza or Pasta: In larger villages such as Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lukla you will find basic versions of spaghetti, macaroni, and thin-crust pizza.
Sizzling Dishes: In the bustle of teahouses, you may find plates of sizzling chicken, yak steak, or vegetables.
Potatoes: Fried spuds, mashed potatoes, or served with veggies.
Snack and Bakery Products
In locations such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, and Dingboche you will see:
- Fresh pastries and pies (apple are a favorite)
- Brownies, croissants, and cookies
- Chocolate bars and energy bars
- Popcorn (a surprising but common snack!)
Drinks on the route
At high altitudes which is key are these:
Boiled Water: Safe to use; most trekkers top up at the teahouse.
Tea: Black tea, lemon tea, mint, masala and ginger teas are popular.
Coffee: Mostly what you get is instant coffee; at some teahouses that do offer espresso it comes at a higher price.
Hot Lemon or Honey Lemon: At high altitude they are real medicne.
Hot Chocolate: A warming drink which is perfect for cooler evenings.
Soft Drinks and Juices: Available yet pricey at high altitudes.
Local Drinks: Tibetan butter tea (salty and creamy) also at times we see local rice beer (chhyang) or Raksi (alcohol), but they aren’t really recommended for when you are at high altitude.
Vegeterian Based options
In the Everest Trekking regions, you will also get many veg options as well.
- Vegetable Dal Bhat
- Veg momo or Thukpa
- Fried rice/noodles with vegetables
- Cheese toast, chapatis, and porridge
Veg has good options also, it’s best to tell your teahouse staff exactly.
Food Safety and Quality
Food in the Everest area is usually safe when you stick to well-known teahouses. Also consider this which:
- Always eat freshly cooked food.
- Steer clear of raw and uncooked vegetables past Namche Bazaar.
- Boil water or use water purification tablets.
- Pack some fuel in the form of trail mix, nuts, protein bars, or chocolate for extra energy.
Final Thoughts
Food along the trails of the Everest region is simple and fresh out of the local teahouses which do it with love. We may not offer you luxury or fine dining, but we do present to you each dish with care and warmth.
Trying out local foods enhances the cultural experience, at “Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour” which is not just a phrase but the energy that keeps trekkers going.
