Contact
464 1st Street East
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 996-1161
About the Restaurant
Taste of the Himalayas is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a unique culinary experience. With a menu that boasts a blend of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian dishes, this restaurant offers a truly authentic taste of the Himalayas.
From the moment you step into the restaurant, you’ll be transported to a world of warm and inviting ambiance. The decor is inspired by traditional Himalayan culture, with colorful prayer flags and intricate wood carvings adorning the walls. The dim lighting and cozy seating make for an intimate dining experience that is perfect for a romantic evening or a special celebration.
But the true star of the show is the food. The menu features a handpicked selection of favorite dishes from different regions of Nepal, Tibet, and India. From the savory momos (dumplings) to the flavorful curries and hearty soups, each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. You’ll be able to taste the unique blend of spices and flavors that make Himalayan cuisine so special.
And let’s not forget about the drinks. Taste of the Himalayas offers a wide selection of wine and beer, as well as specialty cocktails that are infused with Himalayan flavors. The mango lassi is a must-try, with its creamy texture and sweet and tangy taste.
The Food
Daal
Daal is one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Himalayan cuisine, and at Taste of the Himalayas, it’s truly a standout dish. This hearty lentil-based dish is a staple in Nepal, Tibet, and India, and Taste of the Himalayas offers a version that is sure to delight your taste buds.
First, the daal at Taste of the Himalayas is made with a blend of lentils that are cooked to perfection. The lentils are simmered with fragrant spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which gives the dish a complex and robust flavor. The lentils are then finished with a tempering of ghee or oil, cumin seeds, garlic, and dried red chili, which adds a rich and smoky flavor to the dish.
But what truly sets the daal at Taste of the Himalayas apart is the attention to detail and the use of fresh ingredients. The lentils are cooked slowly over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together, and the dish is served piping hot, so you can enjoy it at its best. The dish is also often garnished with fresh cilantro, which adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the warm and comforting lentil stew.
Garlic Naan
Garlic naan is a popular and delicious dish in Himalayan cuisine, and at Taste of the Himalayas, it’s prepared to perfection. The naan bread is made from scratch, and the dough is allowed to rise before being rolled out and brushed with a garlic butter mixture.
First, the naan bread is cooked in a traditional clay tandoor oven, which gives it a crispy exterior and a fluffy, tender interior. The high heat of the oven also allows the garlic to infuse into the bread, giving it a delicious and aromatic flavor.
But what really sets the garlic naan at Taste of the Himalayas apart is the attention to detail and the use of fresh ingredients. The garlic butter mixture is made with real garlic that has been finely minced and sautéed in butter, which gives it a rich and savory flavor. The mixture is then brushed generously onto the warm naan bread, ensuring that every bite is bursting with garlic goodness.
When you take a bite of the garlic naan at Taste of the Himalayas, you’ll be met with a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the soft and chewy bread. The garlic is not overpowering, but rather enhances the flavor of the naan and leaves a pleasant aftertaste. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any curry or dal dish, and it’s a crowd-pleaser for those who love garlic.
Chicken Tikka Masala
A classic dish in Indian and Himalayan cuisine, and at Taste of the Himalayas, it’s an absolute delight. The dish is made with succulent pieces of marinated chicken that are cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce that is bursting with flavor.
First, the chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, which infuses it with a tender and juicy flavor. The chicken is then cooked in a traditional tandoor oven, which gives it a smoky and charred flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
The sauce itself is made with a blend of tomatoes, cream, and a variety of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The result is a creamy and complex sauce that perfectly complements the chicken, and leaves you wanting more with every bite.
The chicken tikka masala at Taste of the Himalayas is prepared with care and attention to detail, ensuring that each component of the dish is perfectly balanced. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the sauce is creamy and bursting with flavor. The dish is often served with a side of rice or naan bread, which helps to soak up the rich and flavorful sauce.
Lamb Tikka Masala
The lamb tikka masala at Taste of the Himalayas is a delicious and satisfying dish that is quite different from the chicken tikka masala, but equally delightful in terms of taste and texture.
The lamb is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, much like the chicken, but its unique flavor and texture give the dish a distinct character. The lamb is a rich and flavorful meat that lends itself well to the bold and complex flavors of the masala sauce. The lamb is often cooked in a tandoor oven or grilled, which gives it a smoky and charred flavor that perfectly complements the spices in the dish.
The masala sauce used for the lamb tikka masala is very similar to the one used for the chicken tikka masala, with the addition of some extra spices to complement the stronger flavor of the lamb. The tomato-based sauce is creamy and aromatic, with a perfect balance of spices and herbs that make it a true standout. It’s a perfect match for the tender and juicy lamb, and the two work together in perfect harmony.
Final Thought
Taste of the Himalayas is an exceptional restaurant that brings a unique and flavorful twist to Nepalese, Tibetan, and Indian cuisine. The menu is a carefully crafted selection of dishes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of the Himalayan region, and each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail.
From the perfectly cooked garlic naan to the rich and flavorful chicken and lamb tikka masala, every dish at Taste of the Himalayas is a delight for the taste buds. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with a cozy and intimate atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion.
The staff at Taste of the Himalayas is friendly and attentive, always willing to offer recommendations and guidance on the menu. Their passion for the cuisine is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the quality of the ingredients to the presentation of the dishes.
Overall, if you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience that brings together the flavors of the Himalayan region in a beautiful and authentic way, Taste of the Himalayas is the perfect destination. With delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s an experience that is not to be missed.
