By Mike Rengifo
I just discovered an excellent Nepalese restaurant in a vibrant hub hidden in this southern Sydney suburb.
Shubhakamana’s menu specialties completely blew my mind, making the almost two-hour trip from Chatswood well worth it.
According to the 2021 census, Rockdale is the fourth most populated suburb by Nepalese residents. Nepali is the second most-spoken language and there are several Nepalese restaurants in the area.
Momo, a traditional Nepalese street food, is particularly popular among the residents. This Nepalese gem is a steamed dumpling made from delicate flour and filled with either seasoned meat or vegetables.
A couple of Nepalese friends strongly suggested I go to Subhakamana for its famous close-to-home-cooking momos.
When I arrived at the restaurant, it looked ordinary.
However, the Buddha water fountain at the front door and the paintings on the wall will transport you to the beautiful landscapes this incredible country has.
I’m new to this south-Asian cuisine, however the friendly waitress guided me to try their specialities, enhancing the overall culinary experience.
I kicked off this exploration with the buffalo momos. Their impeccable blend of flavours plus the tenderness of the meat were truly a work of art.
The subtle touch of spiciness prompted me to order a beverage so I accompanied this masterpiece with a cold Nepal Ice and later indulged in a Mustang premium beer.
After that I ordered a lamb biryani rice, where every bite was a flavourful journey.
The exceptional combination of spices, the well-cooked and separated rice grains, and rich aroma collectively created an indescribably joyful experience.
Subsequently, we went for the well-known butter chicken curry, perfectly paired with the Nepali version of naan bread.
This dish was truly a celebration of taste. The perfect balance of spices generated a succulent explosion of flavours on my palate.
After the taste of all these flavourful dishes, I was curious about the dessert options. But, due to the generous sizes of the dishes, I found myself unable to try any sweet treats.
However, I view this as an enticing excuse to explore the tempting Nepali desserts on my next visit.
In conclusion, my experience in this restaurant was special.
Maybe because this was my first time having Nepali food. Also the menu’s variety, the warm ambience, friendly budget and excellent customer service left a positive impression.
I strongly recommend this establishment if you are seeking to explore an authentic Nepali dining experience.
Shubhakamana is located at 508 Princes Hwy, Rockdale, NSW 2216, and it’s open from midday to 10pm Monday to Sunday.
Featured image: Experience a taste of Nepal in the south of Sydney. Photo: Mike Rengifo
