Nepali Momo Café: Small Space, Big Dreams, No Fat

From Uber Wheels to Momo Meals: Nepali Momo Café

Hari Ghartipun’s Nepali Momo Café in Jackson Heights doesn’t claim to be a 5-star restaurant. And, that’s exactly the point. It’s a small, no-frills place focused on authentic, home-style Nepalese cooking made with care and simplicity.

Since moving to the US from Nepal in 2016, Hari has worked tirelessly to build this café from the ground up. Before opening the café, Hari drove for Uber, but the sedentary hours left him restless. He much prefers the constant motion and energy of being on his feet in a busy kitchen.

Hari is deeply connected to the Nepalese community in Jackson Heights, but admits his reach doesn’t extend much beyond it yet. His goal is clear: he wants more people to discover his food. He dreams of opening multiple locations to share Nepalese flavors with a wider audience. Next door is a bustling Indian restaurant. It's full of not just locals, but also Americans. Watching that, Hari often thinks, “Why not us?” He’s determined to build the same kind of energy and crowd for his own place. Hari works long hours every day, fueled by a practical vision and deep dedication.

At first, the café seems unassuming. It's a modest spot with just a few tables upstairs. But slip through a narrow corridor and you’ll find more seating downstairs, a tucked-away space that adds to the café’s humble charm. Hari talks about one day renovating the basement into a brighter, more welcoming space; a physical upgrade to match the big dreams he’s cooking up upstairs.

If you’re looking for real Nepalese food without any pretense, Hari Ghartipun’s momo café in Jackson Heights is a hidden gem worth seeking out. The chili momos and aulu dum come highly recommended. Hari refuses to cook with any fat, yet his momos come out perfectly crisp; proof that flavor and texture don’t need extra grease to shine.