The Rise of Nepalese Cuisine in Ridgewood

Photo by Angely Mercado
Photo by Angely Mercado
While in Kathmandu was opened in 2017 by Bikash Kharel, the son of the owners of nearby Nepalese Indian Restaurant.
Photo by Angely Mercado
Daal, rice and roti from the lunch buffet at recently shuttered Fresh Pond Spice. It was the Kharel family's third restaurant before they sold the space to a Thai chef who Bikash says is "bringing some of the best Thai food to Ridgewood."
Photo by Angely Mercado
Bikash Kharel, the owner of While in Kathmandu, at his father's first restaurant in Ridgewood. He stands near the entrance wearing a Nepalese hat.
Photo by Angely Mercado
Bikash used the foods he enjoyed while growing up in New York City to inspire dishes like the bacon, egg and cheese on lentil or buckwheat bread, masala wings and masala fries.
Photo by Angely Mercado
Recently closed, Fresh Pond Spice was the Kharel family's third restaurant in Ridgewood.
Photo by Angely Mercado
According to the Ridgewood Nepalese Society website there are now around 2,000 Nepalese residents in Ridgewood. Many Nepalese immigrants have opened restaurants and groceries with both Indian and Nepalese fusion food, selling seasonings and other ingredients so people can make food that reminds them of home.