Who doesn’t love momos? With many cafes and restaurants offering these delicious dumplings from Nepal, the options are endless. But if you’re looking for that authentic taste, look no further than Momo Mero.
Momo Mero, loosely translated to “My momos,” not only offers authentic and fusion momos, but Nepali thalis as well.
You can savor a variety of Nepalese momos, from jhol momo (gravy) momos to shapale cones, right here in Dhaka.
“Momos are a healthy and affordable snack, and the people of Dhaka appear to love them but forget that they are supposed to be affordable. I am trying to give them a flavorful yet affordable experience,” said Mosi Uddin Ahmed Shezan, co-founder of Momo Mero.
Having lived in Nepal for an extensive period of time, Shezan had access to Nepali family recipes and this is what he brings to the restaurant.
Food
We began our meal with a plate of chicken skewers roasted in charcoal fire with green and red capsicums and a marinade of fresh herbs, black pepper, coriander, spring onions, and other spices.
These Nepalese skewers were simple yet enjoyable with a strong smokey flavour that you can relish.
The capsicum placed in between the chicken pieces also added a fresh crunch. Seasoned well, the skewers were delightful with a garlic infused sauce served on the side as a condiment.
The chicken skewers were served with a side of puffed bread. The puffed bread was a touch too crusty as an accompaniment and needed to be softer to pair well with the chicken skewers.
Then came along their shapale cone momo - a deep fried pastry filled to the brim with minced chicken and cheese. These stuffed cones are delectable from start to finish.
These cones alternate between having both a savoury crisp on the exterior and a soft cheesy, meaty richness inside, making them supremely delicious. Seasoned well, these were one of the day's top two dishes.
Finally, we had their fan-favourite jhol momos doused in a peanut-infused gravy and packed with chicken and a seasoned marinade.
Warm and soupy, these momos were soft yet sturdy with the lingering peanut gravy and umami tang that leaves you salivating for more long after you have finished them.
Although served with two different kinds of chili and mint green sauce, the lusciously thick gravied momo suffices all on its own, displaying strong flavours in both the momos and the peanut gravy.
The price range for a meal at Momo Mero is Tk200 to Tk500.
Ambience
Located at GH Heights in Dhanmondi, Momo Mero pays homage to Nepalese culture with its minimalist decor and simple seating arrangement in a dominantly red and wooden backdrop, with the wall hangings and ceilings giving you a sense of being in Nepal.
Challenges
The restaurant opened on October 1, and Momo Mero is in its soft launch phase. It previously operated as a food cart and gained traction, but it failed to accommodate everyone in that setup and was not able to serve the same chicken, as the chicken began to release excessive juices after a few hours.
“We made our momos on the spot, but we could not serve the same chicken after it starts releasing its juices after three to four hours and we would not serve after that. We prioritize quality,” he said
“People had to wait in long lines, which would create issues on the road if you are waiting on the street for food.”
The long wait times remained a hurdle as the food remains popular with the customers and the restaurant has limited seats.
“They wait to get seated and then get served 20 minutes later, which leads to agitated customers,” he added.
“A cart is a profitable business as it does not come with additional costs like a restaurant does.”
Shezan said that keeping food inexpensive and focusing on quality are two of their top goals.
“We are essentially serving at a loss right now, but keeping the food affordable is the goal and challenge for me. I started with that thought,” added Shezan.
Verdict
Their shapale cones and jhol moms make it worthwhile to visit Momo Mero. The price is also pocket friendly. However, go with extra time on your hands as the wait time promises to be longer than expected.