Momos are Nepal's answer to the dumpling — thin pastry wrapped around a spiced filling, steamed or fried, and served with a fiery tomato achar. In Perth, a tight cluster of Nepali restaurants has turned the city into one of Australia's best places to eat them.
What is a momo?
A momo (मम:) is a steamed or fried dumpling from Nepal and Tibet, made with thin unleavened dough filled with minced meat or vegetables. Unlike Chinese dumplings, Nepali momos are typically spiced with ginger, garlic, coriander and sometimes timur (Sichuan pepper), then served alongside a punchy tomato-sesame dipping sauce called achar. They are as central to Nepali street food culture as pho is to Vietnam.
Types of momo you'll find in Perth
- →Steamed momo — the classic. Juicy and light, best for first-timers. Chicken, veg, buff (buffalo) or lamb.
- →Fried momo — deep-fried to golden-crispy perfection. More indulgent, great contrast of textures.
- →Jhol momo — steamed momo submerged in a warm sesame-tomato-coriander broth. A Kathmandu street food staple.
- →Chilli momo — stir-fried momos tossed with capsicum, onion and chilli sauce. Closer to Indochinese style.
- →Kothe momo — pan-fried on one side, so you get a crispy bottom and soft top. The best of both worlds.
- →C-momo — pan-fried in a C-shape with a seared crust. A specialty you'll find at Momo Planet.
Tasty Momo Restaurant — West Dianella
59C Walter Road, West Dianella. The name says it all — Tasty Momo is the go-to dedicated momo house in Perth, a fixture in the Nepali community since opening. The menu is built around momos in every form: steamed chicken ($14–$16), buff fried ($15–$17), steamed veg with paneer ($12–$14), and jhol momo in a rich sesame-tomato broth ($16–$18). The jhol momo here is one of the best in Perth — warm, deeply flavoured broth with momos that hold together perfectly. Phone: (08) 6114 6708.
Order the jhol momo and the buff fried momo as a pair — the contrast between the silky broth version and the crispy fried version is one of Perth's best momo experiences.
Momo Planet Perth — Victoria Park
315–317 Albany Highway, Victoria Park. Momo Planet is Perth's newest dedicated momo restaurant, and it's already packed on weekends. The menu spans steamed chicken momo ($15), jhol momo, chilly garlic momo tossed with onion and capsicum ($18), and a full range of Indochinese and Bhutanese dishes. Live music runs daily, making it as much an event as a meal. The Nepalese, Bhutanese and Indochinese triple focus gives you more variety than most. Phone: 0469 790 795.
Namaste Kitchen — South Perth
A quieter neighbourhood option in South Perth, Namaste Kitchen serves reliable, home-style momos. The chicken momo ($14–$16) is made fresh daily and served with tomato chilli achar. Jhol momo ($16–$18) is also on the menu, along with a solid supporting cast of dal bhat, thukpa and curries. A good choice if you're in the south of the city.
Himalayan Nepalese Restaurant — Victoria Park
On Albany Highway, Victoria Park — the same strip as Momo Planet. Himalayan Nepalese serves veg and chicken momos (steamed or fried, small 8pc or large 12pc, $14–$19), alongside a broad Indian and Nepali menu. If you want momos plus a full dinner with multiple curries and thalis, this is the place to settle in for the evening.
Little Nepal Restaurant — Currambine
If you're in Perth's northern suburbs, Little Nepal in Currambine is the pick. Their chicken momo, vegetable momo and jhol momo are all on the menu, with verified items up to $16–$18. Website: littlenepalrestaurant.com.au.
How much do momos cost in Perth?
- →Steamed or fried momo (8–10 pcs): $12–$16
- →Jhol momo: $16–$18
- →Chilli or kothe momo: $14–$18
- →Momo platter (mixed styles): $28–$36
- →Buff or lamb momo (premium fillings): add $2–$3
Most Perth momo restaurants offer takeaway — momos travel well if eaten within 20 minutes. Ask for the achar separately so it doesn't make the pastry soggy.
See full menus, hours and contact details for all Perth Nepali restaurants
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