Where to Find the Best Newari Khaja Ghar in Kirtipur (2026)

Kirtipur is one of Kathmandu Valley’s most historic towns, deeply rooted in Newar culture and cuisine. For food lovers seeking authentic Newari khaja sets, choila, chatamari, yomari, and local delicacies, this UNESCO-style heritage town offers an array of Newari Khaja Ghars — from long-established eateries to family-run spots serving home-style flavors. Newar cuisine is an intricate culinary tradition with hundreds of distinct dishes, and places in Kirtipur let you experience it in its most traditional form. 

In this guide, we explore the best places in Kirtipur to enjoy authentic Newari khaja, including local favorites, cultural hotspots, and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss in 2026.

What Makes Newari Khaja Special

A Newari khaja or feast combines multiple traditional Newar dishes — including choila (spiced grilled meat), chatamari (rice crepe), bara (lentil patty), yomari (sweet rice dumplings), samay baji, and local beverages — typically served together as a set. The cuisine represents centuries-old cultural practices of festive meals and communal sharing, very different from a typical restaurant experience. 

Best Newari Khaja Ghars in Kirtipur

1. Newa: Lahana – The Cultural Newari Experience

4.0
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Restaurant
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Open

Why It’s a Must-Try:
Newa: Lahana is arguably the most iconic Newari dining experience in Kirtipur, known for its authentic Newari khaja sets, traditional décor, and cultural ambience. Dishes here — like chatamari, choila, samay baji, and yomari — are often served with customary Newar hospitality and local ingredients. 

Best For:
Full Newari khaja set, traditional beverages like aila, and classic Newar desserts.

Tips:
Visit during lunch or dinner hours to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a slow, traditional meal.

2. Sasaa Da Newa restaurant – Popular Local Spot for Newari Classics

3.7
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Restaurant
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Open

Why It’s Great:
Sasaa Da Newa is a well-loved local restaurant with a substantial number of reviews for authentic Newari dishes and friendly service. Its menu includes several classic Newari staples at affordable prices, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Best For:
Choila, chatamari, Newari khaja sets, and flavorful traditional rice dishes.

Tips:
Pair your meal with traditional Newari condiments and ask for local drink recommendations to complete the experience.

3. Kwacho Khaja Ghar and Restaurant – Budget-Friendly Traditional Eateries

4.2
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Restaurant
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Open

Why It’s Worth a Visit:
Kwacho Khaja Ghar is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on authentic flavors. Loved for its hearty portions and local taste, it’s ideal if you’re exploring Kirtipur without breaking the bank.

Best For:
Quick Newari meals, snacks like bara and chatamari, and local comfort food.

Tips:
Stop by earlier in the day to beat the lunchtime rush and enjoy freshly prepared dishes.

4. Pasa Newari Khaja Ghar – Hidden Gem for Local Delights

4.0
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Restaurant
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Open

Why It’s Popular:
Pasa Newari Khaja Ghar is a quieter local favorite with a modest but loyal following. It offers classic Newari items in a simple setting, perfect for travelers who want a more casual and genuine community vibe.

Best For:
Newari choila, sukuti, and rice dishes.

Tips:
Ideal for a relaxed meal after exploring Jal Binayak Temple or the narrow heritage streets of Kirtipur. 

5. Maharjan Newari Khaja Ghar – Local Favorite for Home-Style Cuisine

4.2
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Restaurant
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Open

Why It’s Worth Trying:
Maharjan Newari Khaja Ghar attracts diners looking for home-style Newari cooking in a humble setting. Though smaller and less frequented than some bigger restaurants, its flavors reflect traditional cooking styles cherished by locals.

Best For:
Home-style Newari plate sets, choila, and samay baji.

Tips:
Perfect for food explorers looking for genuine local taste away from busy restaurant crowds.

6. Newari Khaja Ghar and Restaurant – Classic Village-Style Eatery

3.5
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Family restaurant
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Open

Why Go Here:
Offering traditional dishes in an unpretentious environment, this khaja ghar is ideal for casual diners who want authentic Newari fare without fuss. While reviews are modest, locals appreciate its flavor and affordability.

Best For:
Basic Newari khaja sets and local specialties.

Tips:
Visit during regular meal hours for the freshest offerings.

7. Brothers Newari Khaja Ghar – Quick & Tasty Local Option

4.0
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Restaurant
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Open

Why Visit:
A smaller khaja ghar with straightforward service and good local reviews, it’s great for travelers or locals on the go who want Newari bites without waiting.

Best For:
Take-away options and quick Newari snacks.

8. Newari Khaja and Cafe – Highly Rated Hidden Café

5.0
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Restaurant

Why Try It:
Though lesser-known, this highly rated local café combines traditional Newari flavors with a relaxed café vibe — ideal for those who want a lighter Newari meal paired with tea or coffee.

Comparison Table – Newari Khaja Ghars in Kirtipur

Restaurant Authenticity Best Dishes Average Price Ambience

Newa: Lahana | Very High | Full khaja set, choila | Rs 500–1,000 | Traditional
Sasaa Da Newa | High | Choila, chatamari | Mid | Casual
Kwacho Khaja Ghar | Medium | Bara, snacks | Low | Local
Pasa Newari Khaja Ghar | Medium | Teppan favorites | Low–Mid | Casual
Maharjan Newari Khaja Ghar | Medium | Home-style set | Low–Mid | Local
Newari Khaja Ghar & Restaurant | Basic | Khaja set | Low | Simple
Brothers Newari Khaja Ghar | Basic | Quick snacks | Low | Informal
Newari Khaja and Cafe | Good | Light Newari + drinks | Low | Café

Tips for Enjoying Newari Khaja in Kirtipur

Go With an Appetite

Newari khaja sets include multiple dishes and side plates — come hungry to taste the full spread. 

Pair with Aila or Local Drinks

Many places serve aila (traditional Newari rice liquor) and other local beverages that pair beautifully with rich, spicy Newari food. 

Visit with a Local Guide

Kirtipur’s narrow lanes hide many community-run khaja ghars — asking locals often reveals hidden favorites not always listed online.

Best Times to Go

Traditional khaja ghars can get busy around lunch (12:00–14:30) and dinner (18:30–20:30) — aim for slightly earlier or later slots to enjoy meals without the crowd.

FAQ – Newari Khaja Ghars in Kirtipur

Q: What is a Newari khaja set?
A: It’s a traditional Newar meal with multiple dishes such as choila, chatamari, bara, samay baji, yomari, achar, and often local drinks. 

Q: Is Newari food spicy?
A: Many dishes like choila and chatamari are spicy, but you can request milder versions based on preference.

Q: Can I find vegetarian Newari options?
A: Yes, many khaja ghars offer vegetarian alternatives like bara, chatamari with veggie toppings, and samay baji with plant-based elements.

Q: Do these restaurants accept digital payments?
A: Most khaja ghars in Kirtipur are cash-centric, though some larger establishments may accept mobile or digital payments.