On Chapel Street Thai food is dime a dozen, Vietnamese pops up everywhere. But one cuisine from the Asian region that is unexplored, and a quite a little unknown is Nepalese.
Location
In true honesty, I’m not quite sure what I expected before coming in. My idea of Nepal consists of trekking up Mount Everest or visiting a Tibet monk. I’d never averted my attention to their food, nor did I think it would be outstanding. But after dining at this sweet little eatery on Chapel Street, this totally changes my perception.
Walking in from the rowdy street, the interior is established yet not ostentatious. Slightly rustic, wooden tables exposed drop-down lamps and images of Nepalese leaders and stunning mountainous views I’ve only ever seen on National Geographic. It evokes a soft vibe with a calming ambience.
A start of spice
Being seated is inviting, as the menu staring at me, has a beautiful greeting of ‘Namaste’ and personalised with my name. I’m already chuffed before I’ve even glanced at the contents. Petite yet sufficient, the drinks list includes a Fiery Watermelon. A spiced mix of chilli infused tequila, with a little soft sweetness of watermelon juice and a cute cleansing curl of cucumber.
An unexplored territory of Nepalese cuisine
A fluffy balloon of thin crisp Nepalese bread has an accompaniment of an ‘untraditional’ spiced eggplant chutney. Each mouthful has pops of flavour, and we are told this recipe is directly from the owner’s mother.
The best way to describe a Momo is like a papadum and a dumpling made spicy love. A shiny plump green ball filled with an aromatic mince and a cleansing pickled fennel. Even the vegan version ain’t no plain jane with this tangy anchaar sesame and fiery chilli oil.
A standout dish is the curry. I’m used to slow cooked lamb, but Lah Bros shakes up the farm by using goat. And boy oh boy does this have depth. Sensing notes of cardamom, cinnamon, paprika, chilli and who knows. It’s like the chef has raided the spice cabinet to throw in with everything they could find, and somehow magically bind it together to create a succulent, soft, tender baby goat with a myriad of flavours.
Finishing off the meal with a Chiya tea brûlée is like combining a Chai tea and a big hug. Nourishing, warm, with a perfect balance sweetness that makes your lips curl happily.
The gracious host
Before we are head off, the highlight of the evening is a visit from chef and owner Rajeev. The man behind these wonderful dishes graces us with his presence. to explain his passion and enthusiasm for bringing Nepalese food to our city. Much like climbing an unexplored mountain, and navigating new territory, we hear his glowing explanations how humble and proud he is to bring his deep-rooted heritage and exceptional cuisine as a culinary experience to Melbourne.
Lah bro’s is modern, unique, and wholesome. If you thought Nepal was just about Himalayan peaks and Buddhist monks, then you haven’t sampled their food.
What we are addicted to?: Leaving Lah Bros with full hearts and curry bellies.
What we need to be more addicted?: While the wine list is short sweet, it only just scratches the surface and definitely room for expansion.
Lah Bros – 119 Chapel St, Windsor VIC 3181
Lunch – Thurs – Sun, 12.00 pm – 2.30 pm
Dinner Tues – Sun, 5.30 pm – 10.00 pm