I'm usually a skeptic when it comes to restaurants located on the ground level of an apartment building, but this one was definitely worth visiting. Located at 37100 Fremont Blvd, Suite K, the benefit of the location is the attached apartment parking lot, usually with available visitor parking spots or street parking nearby.
The smells of this type of cooking pulled me into this restaurant and the option of dining inside or outside was also a nice touch. The friendly service and smiles of the person taking our order made me feel welcomed and appreciated, but the taste of the food has brought me back again and again.
https://momoandkebab.com/
Here are some of the things I've enjoyed.
Chicken Wings. I can only guess these were coated in a wet batter that included starch. These were deep fried and had a shatteringly crispy coating. The "secret" spice mixture was an absolute winner; amazingly flavorful, tongue numbingly spicy with hints of Szechuan peppercorn, cumin and an endnote of sweetness. Even if nothing else on the menu sounds good, one cannot go wrong with 10 orders of these.
Himalayan Akabare Chicken Wings. For a chicken wing option that really brings the heat, this is the same fried chicken wing, that was tossed in a thick, wet spice mixture full of brow-sweating akabare chili. Addictive all the same with the added bonus of sinus clearing abilities.
Mutton Momos. Each order of momos include your choice of filling, plus a customized cooking method. I opted for mutton and the steamed version this time, but other options included sizzling plate with noodles or a dunk in a spicy Szechuan pepper tomato sauce, among others. Not a lot of places use mutton and I'm not sure why, as it may sound scary, but it is so delicious. This meat was ground until fine and mixed with onion, tomato, cilantro, turmeric and gently steamed until plump and juicy. The satisfying taste of the spices paired very well with the creamy sauce.
Paneer Momos. This option was also steamed and filled with house made cheese, onion and cilantro. The paneer is not a melting cheese, but a bit firm, with a texture similar to curds and a great option for the vegetarian, as this can be used in place of meat. It was savory, spiced just right with a hint of sweetness from the onions.
Plain Naan. Also available with other flavors, I opted for the plain naan. This was a warm, crusty flatbread cooked in a tandoor oven. Crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, this worked wonders for sopping up sauces or snacking on later with cheese.
Nepalese Goat Curry. Another under-utilized protein that was prepared in a fantastic way. Slow cooked in a flavorful sauce until tender and falling apart. I love when some of the spices can be seen, such as the curry leaf. This was fragrant, hearty, comforting and was wonderful spooned over steamed basmati rice.
Lamb Shank in Gravy Sauce. This was another great dish to go with rice. Available in mild, medium or spicy, I opted for the medium level and had a perfectly seasoned, flavorful meal with just the right amount of heat for my taste. The lamb was cooked until falling-apart tender, with no knife required. It was also on the bone, which I love, for my bone marrow and tendon gnawing enjoyment. The sauce was rich, savory with spices and soul satisfying.
Egg Chow Mein. The Chinese influence was present in this dish. These chewy wheat noodles were wok tossed with cabbage, bell pepper and mild but aromatic Indian and Himalayan spices. Very delicious.
After I traveled to Nepal a few years ago, my curiosity and enjoyment of flavors from that part of the world continues to this day. I am very happy this restaurant landed in my neck of the woods so I can enjoy on a very regular basis.
