Sherpa Kitchen, the Valley’s first Nepali restaurant, has opened on the southeast corner of McQueen and Elliot in Gilbert.
It takes over the space next to Filiberto’s that formerly was home to Indian restaurant Curry Garden, which closed in September.
Owners Subash Yadav, a native of Nepal, and his wife, Chandra, introduced Valley diners to Nepali cuisine last year with the launch of their Everest Momo food truck.
So what is Nepali cuisine?
Given the country’s proximity to India and China, you’ll find influences of both on the menu, which includes noodle dishes, samosas, curries, and naan bread.
The signature menu items, though, are the dumplings, known as momo (pictured) throughout southern Asia. They’re filled with meat, cheese, and/or vegetables, and can be steamed or fried.
The restaurant, which is in its soft-opening stage, plans to roll out a fuller menu for its grand opening celebration in February.
Sherpa Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesdays.
