Episode 39: Momo Delight + Why NYC Loves Nepalese Dumplings
Momo photo credit: Teddy Wolf
Our first Nepalese guest, Fulpa Jangbu of Momo Delight—formerly known as food truck Momo Bros which won Rookie of the Year at the 2017 Vendy Awards—joins Lynda on our second to last episode of the year. They talk about Nepalese and Tibetan food, and why New Yorkers love the Nepalese dumpling, momo!
For those who are not familiar with this food, momo is a type of South Asian dumpling found in Tibet, Nepal, and parts of India. Fulpa and his brother, Pasang, were born in Tibet and grew up in Nepal - so they know their momo! Fulpa explains to us how momo isn't just a food in Nepal, it's part of their lifestyle. It's a food that all Nepalese people know and love. Whether it's a birthday, a wedding, or just a bad day that needs a pick-me-up, momo is the answer.
Starting Momo Bros, followed by Momo Delight, seemed like a natural series of events for the brothers. Not only did they learn how to make momo at a very young age, their father had been a chef in New York for several years and their mother is a great cook. As the brothers began to take their dumpling-making more seriously and making them for friends and family, their parents recognized their effort and encouraged them to start selling their momo. Though they are both college students, they also have the New Yorker work ethic and manage to balance running a small business with their studies.
“Many people know Nepal for having the tallest mountain in the world. But it’s not just that. Nepal has more than 130 different ethnic groups [...]. They have so many different varieties of ideas and cuisines...we would love to share that with the rest of the world. And we would like to start with sharing momo.”
To learn more about the different kinds of dumplings and sauces Momo Delight serves, why the brothers wake up at 4 a.m. to smash dough, and the difference between Tibetan and Nepalese momo, make sure to check out the episode above.
There's only one episode left of the season, so make sure you tune in for the last Feast Meets West interview of 2017!
