Old Durbar is more than a spot to grab dinner, It’s a little pocket of Nepal dropped into the heart of town, where you walk in and everything hits you at once. The warm smell of roasting spices. The soft hum of conversations. The sound of something sizzling on a hot pan. It’s the type of dining experience that wraps around you before you’ve even opened the menu.
Nepalese cuisine at Old Durbar celebrates food with proper care. Nothing feels rushed or overdone. You can tell the kitchen team respects tradition and wants you to taste the food the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. The cooking style is honest. You won’t find unnecessary twists or overly fancy plating here. Instead, you’ll find flavours that take you straight to the streets, homes, and mountains of Nepal.
A Warm Welcome That Feels Like Home
The first thing you’ll notice is the friendliness. The staff greet you like you’re visiting someone’s home rather than a restaurant. There’s this easygoing charm that just relaxes you. They’re happy to explain dishes, share a bit of background, and throw in small suggestions if you’re unsure where to start. It makes the whole experience feel personal.
The atmosphere is simple but full of character. Wooden tables, warm lighting, a few pieces of décor that nod to Nepalese heritage. It doesn’t try too hard. It’s comfortable and inviting. You can sit back with a cold drink, chat with your mates or family, and know that good food is on the way.
Traditional Cooking That Speaks for Itself
One of the things that sets Old Durbar apart is how the food is cooked. The grilled dishes are done in a proper tandoori oven. Not the electric kind or a shortcut machine. A real tandoor. You can taste the difference in every bite. The smoky edge, the tender texture, the spice that works its way through the meat without overpowering it. When the skewers hit the table, that aroma alone is enough to make you sink into your chair.
For pan-fried dishes, the team uses a large open-fire stove. You can often hear the sizzle from the kitchen. It’s honest cooking. Flames, pans, and fresh ingredients. Nothing hidden. You can smell the spices warming up in the hot oil and know something good is coming. There’s something comforting about it. It feels like food made with intention.
Everything is cooked from scratch. You don’t get that sense of reheated dishes or something rushed out of a packet. The flavours are layered and balanced. Every bite feels alive.
A Menu That Carries the Heart of Nepal
The menu is stacked with familiar favourites and traditional dishes that deserve to be better known. If you’re new to Nepalese food, Old Durbar is a great place to start because the dishes are presented in a way that’s approachable but still true to their roots.
Momo are, of course, a must. These little dumplings are soft, warm, and filled with flavour. The chilli chutney on the side gives just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. They’re addictive. Most tables order them as a starter and then somehow end up ordering another round.
The tandoori chicken is a crowd favourite. Juicy, smoky, tender. The spices cling to the meat beautifully, and the char from the tandoor adds that extra bit of magic. It’s the sort of dish that you pull apart with your fingers because you can’t wait for cutlery.
Their goat curry is another standout. Slow cooked until the meat falls apart, rich with spices that warm you from the inside. It’s rustic and comforting. Nepalese curries are usually less creamy and heavy than Indian curries, and you can taste the natural flavours more clearly here.
Then there’s the thali set, which feels like a complete journey on a single plate. You get rice, lentils, pickles, veg sides, and your choice of meat or veg curry. It’s balanced, wholesome, and the perfect way to experience Nepalese home-style cooking.
An Experience That Goes Beyond the Food
What makes Old Durbar special is the way everything comes together. The food, the atmosphere, the warmth of the staff. You’re not just eating. You’re experiencing a little slice of Nepal.
There’s a rhythm to the place. A kind of slow, relaxed pace that feels refreshing. Even when the restaurant is busy, you don’t feel rushed. You can take your time, enjoy your dishes, ask questions, and soak up the ambience.
The staff share stories about the dishes. Not long lectures or anything formal. Just small insights that help you understand what you’re eating. It creates a connection. You begin to appreciate the food not just for its taste but for its cultural meaning.
Perfect for Family Meals, Casual Dates, or Group Catch-Ups
Old Durbar feels comfortable for all kinds of occasions. Bring your family for a feast. Bring your partner for a cosy dinner. Bring your mates for a relaxed night with good food and drinks. The vibe suits everyone.
You can order a mix of dishes and share everything around the table. That’s honestly the best way to do it. Nepalese food shines when enjoyed together. The mix of curries, grilled meats, dumplings, rice, and breads creates a satisfying spread. There’s always something for everyone.
A Taste of Nepal Worth Coming Back For
Dining at Old Durbar feels like discovering something special. The flavours are bold yet comforting. The ingredients taste fresh. The cooking is honest and full of heart. You get the sense that the team takes pride in every dish they serve.
This is the kind of place you come back to when you want food that feels real. Food that tastes like it has a story behind it. Food that’s cooked with tradition, skill, and a genuine love for flavour.
If you’re after an immersive dining experience that goes beyond the usual, Old Durbar is worth the visit. You don’t just eat here. You feel the culture. You taste the heritage. You enjoy a meal that stays with you long after you’ve left the table.
It’s a celebration of Nepalese cuisine, and it’s done beautifully.
