Soft, juicy, spicy, crispy, comforting — there is a reason momos have become one of the most loved dumpling dishes in the world.
If you’ve never tried a momo before, imagine a delicate dough wrapper filled with a beautifully seasoned filling, then steamed until tender — or cooked until golden and crispy.
Now add a spicy chutney.
That’s the simple version.
But once you start exploring momos, you quickly discover that there is much more to them.
At MOMOS, we love that versatility. That’s why our menu goes beyond the classic steamed dumpling, bringing together steamed, fried, Jhol and fusion momos with flavours designed for London food lovers.
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So, what exactly is a momo?
A momo is a filled dumpling made from a simple dough wrapper.
The wrapper is rolled thin, filled, folded and then cooked. Traditionally, steaming is one of the most common methods, although fried and other variations are now popular too.
The filling can be meat, vegetables or other ingredients, depending on the recipe and region.
And here’s where things get interesting.
There isn’t just one way to make a momo.
The filling, folding style, cooking method and sauce can all change the experience.
That’s part of what makes momos so much fun.
Where did momos come from?
This is where the story gets interesting — and there isn’t a single answer everyone agrees on.
Momos are closely associated with the Himalayan region, particularly Tibet and Nepal. Their exact origins remain debated, but historical accounts commonly connect their spread to trade and cultural exchange between Tibet and the Kathmandu Valley. Newar merchants who travelled between the two regions are frequently mentioned in accounts of how the dish became established in Nepal.
Once momos became part of Nepali food culture, they evolved.
Different fillings, seasonings, chutneys and cooking styles appeared.
Today, momos are found throughout Nepal — from street-food stalls and small local eateries to restaurants and family kitchens. Nepal Tourism Board describes momos as one of the country’s most popular snacks.
And that evolution is part of the beauty of momo.
It’s a dish with a journey.
🥟 Steamed momos — the classic
If you’re trying momos for the first time, steamed is a great place to start.
The dumplings are placed in a steamer and cooked until the wrapper becomes soft and tender while the filling cooks inside.
There’s no heavy coating and no frying.
Just the momo, the filling and the sauce.
For many people, this is the version that really lets you appreciate the texture of a good momo wrapper and a well-seasoned filling.
Nepal’s own tourism material lists both steamed and fried momos among the country’s popular foods.
🔥 Fried momos — when you want crunch
Then there’s the fried version.
Take the familiar momo and give it a crisp, golden exterior.
The contrast is fantastic:
crispy outside + juicy filling inside.
If you already love fried food, this is an easy recommendation.
And it’s one of the reasons momos work so well with modern street-food and fusion cooking.
🌶️ What are Jhol momos?
If you haven’t tried Jhol momos, put them high on your list.
“Jhol” refers to the sauce or broth in which the momos are served.
Instead of simply dipping a momo into chutney, the dumplings are served with a generous amount of flavourful sauce.
Depending on the recipe, Jhol can bring together things like tomato, chilli, herbs, spices and other ingredients to create something tangy, spicy and deeply savoury.
Nepal Tourism Board’s cuisine material specifically describes jhol momo as one of the variations that developed alongside steamed and fried versions.
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Our advice?
If you normally order steamed momos, try Jhol next time.
You might discover a new favourite.
🍗 Chicken momos
Chicken is an easy starting point if you’re new to momos.
The filling is familiar, but the momo wrapper and accompanying sauce make the experience completely different from an ordinary chicken dish.
At MOMOS, chicken is one of our best-selling choices, which makes it a natural starting point for anyone ordering for the first time.
Try it steamed for the classic experience.
Or go for a fried, spicy or saucy version if you’re feeling adventurous.
🐑 Lamb momos
Lamb brings a deeper, richer flavour to the filling.
If you enjoy lamb dishes, it’s worth trying a lamb momo alongside chicken and comparing the two.
The same basic dumpling idea can feel completely different simply because the filling changes.
That’s one of our favourite things about momos.
Small dumpling. Big possibilities.
🌱 Vegetable momos
Momos don’t have to contain meat.
Vegetable fillings can be packed with flavour, especially when combined with the right herbs, spices and dipping sauce.
They’re a great option for anyone looking for a meat-free dumpling and also make a fantastic addition to a mixed order.
❤️ Why do people love momos so much?
Maybe it’s the simplicity.
Maybe it’s the sauce.
Maybe it’s the fact that they’re easy to share.
Or maybe it’s because every momo is basically a little parcel of flavour.
In Nepal, momos have become deeply embedded in everyday food culture. They are enjoyed as snacks and casual meals and have become popular far beyond Nepal’s borders.
And now you don’t need to travel to the Himalayas to discover them.
You can find them right here in East London.
🇬🇧 Momos in Dalston, East London
At MOMOS, we’re bringing our own take on this much-loved dumpling to Dalston.
Our philosophy is simple:
Authentic Taste, Modern Twist.
We respect the character of the momo while also enjoying the freedom to experiment.
That means you’ll find different textures, sauces, fillings and flavours — from classic steamed momos to fried, Jhol, chilli and fusion creations.
Whether you’re already a momo expert or you’ve never eaten one before, there’s something fun about working your way through the menu.
📍 MOMOS
404 Kingsland Road
Dalston, London E8 4AA
❄️ Want momos at home?
This is where our frozen momos come in.
Sometimes you don’t want to order takeaway.
You want to open the freezer, get your momos ready and enjoy them at home.
Our frozen range makes that possible.
Choose your filling:
🥬 Vegetable
🍗 Chicken
🐑 Lamb
You can steam them, cook them according to the supplied instructions, and serve them with your favourite sauce.
They’re particularly handy when you’re feeding family, having friends over or simply get a serious momo craving at home.
🥟 Keep MOMOS in your freezer.
25 • 50 • 100 pieces
👉 ORDER FROZEN MOMOS
So, which momo should you try first?
If you’re completely new to momos, here’s what I’d suggest:
First visit:
🍗 Chicken Steamed Momos
Want something crispy:
🔥 Fried Momos
Love spice and sauce:
🌶️ Jhol or Chilli Momos
Prefer a richer filling:
🐑 Lamb Momos
Looking for meat-free:
🌱 Vegetable Momos
And once you’ve found your favourite…
try another one.
That’s how the momo obsession usually starts. 😄
🥟 Ready to discover MOMOS?
Whether you’re looking for momos in Dalston, a quick East London takeaway, something different to share with friends, or frozen momos to cook at home, we’d love you to try ours.
Steamed. Fried. Jhol. Fusion.
Authentic Taste, Modern Twist.
MOMOS — Dalston’s Signature Momo House
👉 ORDER ONLINE
👉 VIEW MENU
👉 SHOP FROZEN MOMOS
FRESH MOMOS & FROZEN MOMOS
❄️ FROZEN MOMOS
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