Tracing the worldward journey and growing popularity of Nepali ‘chatpate’
Summary
Nepali chatpate, a popular spicy snack with origins tracing back to Kolkata's jhal muri, has gained global popularity among Nepali diasporas and beyond, evolving uniquely with local ingredients like instant noodles and sukuti.
Key Points
- Chatpate originated from the Bengali snack jhal muri, which was popularized in Kolkata during the Second World War.
- Nepali chatpate evolved by adding raw instant noodles and unique spices, giving it a distinct identity from jhal muri.
- Wet and dry varieties of chatpate exist, each with distinct preparation methods and regional preferences within Nepal.
- Chatpate has gained international popularity among Nepali diasporas and non-Nepalis in multiple countries including Australia, the UK, and the US.