When Momo Fest launched last year, it was so popular that stalls ran out of its signature Nepalese dumplings before the end of the day. But fear not momo lovers, the Melbourne festival returns this weekend with double the number of vendors. And the event will now take place over three days, starting this Friday 23 March.
Pick your momo(s)
It’s believed that momos were brought to Nepal from Tibet. They are dumplings made with a simple dough (white flour and water) filled with meat, vegetables or cheese, mixed with any of these: onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, green onions, turmeric, cumin and chili.
They can be steamed, fried, deep-fried or served in a soup. The side that comes with them is also important. The most common, golbheda ko achar is a tomato chutney.
“In Nepal, momos are regarded as a very special food – everyone loves it from kids to grandparents,” explains Raju Shakya, one of the Momo Fest organisers. “It’s also a food that brings family and friends together. We have momo parties where everyone sits around, cooking, eating and having a good time.”
There'll be everything from buffalo momos to vegan varieties at the festival. Source: Momo Fest
Shabnam Maden, co-owner of Nepal Dining Room, will be at the festival this weekend. She’s a huge fan of momos herself. “It’s one of these dishes that takes you back to Nepal, it’s very emotional," says Maden. "People just go crazy about momos!”
Several other restaurants will be slinging momos at the Coburg Velodrome, including Magic Momo Kafe, Momo Station and Wild Yak Tibetan Restaurant.
It’s one of these dishes that takes you back to Nepal, it’s very emotional. People just go crazy about momos!
Of course, you’ll find meat momos: buffalo (a classic), chicken, pork and beef. Maden says not to miss the lamb momo from Nepal Dining Room: “Our signature lamb momo is quite rare, you don’t see that everywhere. It’s the one I recommend – it’s very juicy and tasty.”
There will also be seafood, cheese and vegan momos cooked in many different ways and accompanied by chutneys. Overall, you can choose from over 30 varieties of momos.
How many momos can you eat?
With Momo Fest, Shakya wants to introduce more Australians to momos. “We still find that not that many people know about them, that it’s not as popular as the Chinese dumplings or Japanese gyoza. We want to spread the love and joy of momo,” he says.
The festival starts this Friday evening with a dinner and movie. Saturday 24 March is the festival's main day, with performances by Nepalese folk band Kutumba and local musicians. There will also be dance workshops, a belated Holi celebration and entertainment for kids. The festival ends on Sunday with a momo brunch.
Holi celebrations are part of the festival program. Source: Momo Fest
And if you’re a true momo lover, there are two momo-eating competitions over the weekend, so make sure you turn up hungry!
At the Coburg Velodrome in Coburg, Victoria
Friday 23 March 5–10pm
Saturday 24 March 11am–10pm
Sunday 25 March 11am-5pm
