Welcome to Gorkhali Kitchen
At Gorkhali Kitchen, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Himalayan and Nepalese cuisine, bringing authentic flavors to Tampa, Florida. Nestled in a quaint strip mall, our restaurant exudes warmth and genuine hospitality, welcoming guests to explore distinctive dishes like momo dumplings and aromatic goat sekawa. Patrons rave about our vibrant use of spices, lovingly crafted to tantalize the palate. Each dish, from the comforting Aloo Bodi Tama soup to the crispy Gobi Manchurian, reflects our commitment to freshness and flavor. Join us at Gorkhali Kitchen for a culinary journey that honors tradition while delighting modern tastes. Your palate will thank you!
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10044 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647 Hotline: (813) 388-6404
Welcome to Gorkhali Kitchen, a hidden gem nestled in Tampa's Cross Creek Boulevard. This Nepalese and Himalayan restaurant offers a delightful blend of flavors that transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Himalayas. Whether you're a newcomer to this cuisine or a seasoned fan, Gorkhali Kitchen promises a culinary experience that stands out in a city brimming with diverse eateries.
As you approach Gorkhali Kitchen, you might not expect the explosion of flavors that awaits inside. Tucked behind a busy gas station in a modest strip mall, the unassuming exterior opens into a clean, cozy space adorned with subtle decor that evokes warmth and familiarity. A small parking lot may present a challenge during busy hours, but the food alone makes the drive worthwhile.
The menu bursts with enticing options, starting with appetizers that showcase the kitchen's expertise with spices and techniques. Standouts include:
- Gobi Manchurian - Crispy cauliflower tossed in a tangy sauce, a fan-favorite that often surprises newcomers.
- Bhanta Ko Tarua - Fried eggplant that delivers a unique flavor profile, rich in both taste and texture.
- Chicken 65 - A light and crispy delight that snakes a mild spice through your palate, perfect for those who enjoy a little kick.
Transitioning to the Nepalese small plates, Gorkhali Kitchen reveals an array of mouthwatering dishes that embody the essence of Nepalese culture:
- Nepalese Fried Rice - A fragrant dish that balances comfort and exotic spices.
- Chicken Choila - Grilled chicken marinated with a homey blend of herbs and spices, a must-try for meat lovers.
- Goat Sekuwa - For those adventurous eaters, this dish showcases tender goat seasoned to perfection, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Nepal.
Many patrons rave about the momos, a type of Nepalese dumpling that perfectly encapsulates the soul of Gorkhali Kitchen. Choices range from steamed chicken to spiced vegetables, often served with a dipping sauce that adds just the right amount of heat to every bite.
The steadfast dedication of the chefs is palpable in every dish, as reflected by customers who emphasize the passion behind the food. Reviews consistently commend the freshness of ingredients and the meticulous preparation that goes into each plate. One notably satisfied diner shared, “The depth of flavor in the soups and curries is astounding, indicative of a chef who knows the significance of spices.”
Service at Gorkhali Kitchen is friendly and attentive, although some diners have experienced delays during peak hours. However, the staff's enthusiasm and desire to share their culinary heritage more than compensate for any slowdowns. One visitor noted a heartwarming moment where the server connected with another Nepalese customer, demonstrating the restaurant's familiarity and deep community ties.
In essence, Gorkhali Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it is an immersive experience that offers a vibrant taste of Nepalese culture through food. Whether you're indulging in their famed butter chicken or sharing a platter of Himalayan Thaali, each visit promises new discoveries. As one excited customer remarked, “This place offers food that speaks for itself—loudly and clearly.”
If you find yourself in Tampa, make sure Gorkhali Kitchen is at the top of your dining list. You won't want to miss the unique flavors and warm atmosphere that turn a meal into a celebration of Nepali cuisine.
Visit them at 10044 Cross Creek Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647 or call (813) 388-6404 for more information. Your taste adventure awaits!
Located in a strip mall behind a gas station that's a couple of miles away from most other New Tampa/Wesley Chapel spots. It's a small parking lot comparative to the number of shops here, parking can be a small issue. The interior is clean with some decoration. It's nice enough. Service can be slow. They are friendly and helpful, just sometimes can be slow. The food is fantastic. Lots of spices and depth. Whoever is in the kitchen gives a damn about what they serve. The soups, the momo, the Nepalese dishes as well as the Indian dishes are all rounded, deep and flavorful.
You can taste the freshness of the ingredients , the care and attention of how it's prepared. Excellent service by some of the friendliest ppl. Very clean!
The gobi Manchurian and the jhol (soup) momo WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. The amount of spice the chefs use in the back is such a nice surprise and you can tell they're passionate about the spice they put into their food. Side note: our waiter was helping the neighboring table and recognized they were Nepalese too and gave him his personal phone number. How sweet is that?! We will 100% be returning customers!
Maybe the best Nepalese Indian food combo in the area? Been on my radar as a Michelin honorable mention. From the outside G Kitchen is very unassuming. Just another eatery in a shopping plaza but on the inside the food totally speaks for itself and it's screaming loud and clear that this is a place you do not want to pass on. I would describe the staff as authentic and genuine. They knew I did not know how to order or pronounce most of the dishes, but our polite server escorted me through the features. Tried a little bit of it all. My favorite app was the chicken 65. Light and crispy with a kiss of spice like the slightest touch of the tip of a flame. Portions are big but so was the appetite. Also had to try the momos. A dumpling authentic to Nepal. Many types, but the chicken was a sure bet and again the sauce was flavorful and just ever so slightly spicy at the mild level. Venture up the heat scale if you dare. Fan of goat? They feature it in at least half a dozen dishes and make it the true greatest of all time. The goat curry did have some bone in the meat. Added flavor but surprised me when I bit down on it. Safest bet is the butter chicken. If this is your first time in this cuisine it is as safe a bet as ordering a cheeseburger at a Red Robin but still packs an orchestra of completely new spices to my American palate. Ended the lunch with a dessert recommendation which I would describe as donut holes in syrup. All house made of course. I believe the dough was fried milk. Super creamy texture and balance with the not too sweet cane sugar syrup. Could have dusted a few bowls of this alone. Appropriately priced and worth the drive from start to finish.
Never before would I have imagined that there would be a Nepalese restaurant in the Tampa area. But here it is, and I'm glad it's here :) While from a first glance, you would think that you went to an Indian restaurant, but a closer look shows subtle variations that make it distinctively Nepalese. The food really is such an interesting blend of Indian and Chinese influences. I tried the Khaja Set and really loved the various types of appetizers that came with it. The standouts were definitely the crispy soy beans and the chilled grilled chicken. Both had lots of spice and kick to really wake up the palette. The servers working here are friendly, but service can be a bit slow at times. But overall, don't be thrown off by the non-descript location in a small plaza. This place offers unique food that you should definitely try :)
Second time we had the chance to visit. Everything that we've tried is excellent, flavorful and delicious. I definitely want to try their tandoori next visit. The restaurant is small in a shopping center and worth the drive. My husband proclaimed their butter chicken to be one of the best he's had. I'm a dumpling girl and their momo's are so good and a must try. Their service and food presentation is also on point. It's clear why they received a bib gourmand rating. If you're looking for unique flavors, delicious warm/spice melding in your mouth. Make your way here.
WOW this meal was absolutely fantastic. Been wanting to come here for a while and it did not disappoint. We came in on a Saturday night and it was packed, but only ended up waiting 5 minutes for a table. It's not a huge place, but the decor is warming and the staff was super friendly. We tried the steamed chicken momo and gobi manchurian to start and both were insanely delicious. So much flavor packed into both. The gobi manchurian took us by surprise with how good and crispy the cauliflower was. It almost tasted like chicken, never had cauliflower that tasty before. For entrees we went with the goat fry and gorkhali chicken with a side of garlic naan. The goat was crispy and well seasoned. The chicken was also really good, but I wish the sauce was a bit thicker. It was more of a broth consistency, but the chicken was tender and it was also delicious nonetheless. Prices were very fair for the portion and how good everything was. I highly recommend it- can't wait to come back and try more of their menu!
As an explorer of cuisine, I recently had the pleasure of trying the great Indian food Gorkhali Kitchen. The experience was absolutely amazing. Sharing my review with fellow food enthusiasts. The menu offered a wide variety of dishes, representing the diverse flavors of India. From traditional favorites like butter chicken and biryani to regional specialties & dishes from Nepal was something for everyone. For the main course, We opted for the classic butter chicken. The tender pieces of chicken were simmered in a luscious tomato-based gravy, infused with aromatic spices. The dish was rich, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor. Paired with a fluffy Garlic naan bread, OMG amazing..we ended up ordering another order of naan bread. We also tried their version of Stew Goat super flavorful. Not only was the food delicious, but the service was also exceptional. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and eager to share their passion for Indian cuisine. Overall, my experience exploring Indian @gorkhalikitchen was extraordinary. The restaurant was clean .Please indulge in the wonders of Indian food.#tampamichelinstar . . . . . . #TasteOfTampa #FoodieFindsTampa #TampaEats #FoodieParadiseTampa #TampaFoodieAdventures #FlavorsofTampa #FoodieHeavenTampa #TampaFoodieExperience #TampaFoodieScene#weshleychapel#tampafooodie# #indianfoodtampa#butterchickencurry.
This place specializes in Nepali/Himalayan cuisine, with some overlap with Indian dishes. Chili Momo: Momo resembles dumplings, and in the past, my friends brought a bunch of tools from home to make them. You can choose chicken or veggie filling. The chili is genuinely spicy, so if you're cautious with heat, be careful. They seem to be pan-fried, and they're best eaten hot for a crispier texture. Himalayan Meal/Thaali: rice, veggies, cold potato salad (tangy), yogurt, and your choice of veggies/chicken/lamb, served in multiple small bowls on one platter, which looks quite fun. Gorkhali chicken and Himalayan Jimbu chicken, are quite popular here. They claim the main difference is the addition of herbs, but I couldn't discern much variation. Personally, I find it quite similar to Indian masala/curry dishes. Perhaps I'd prefer lamb curry; sometimes chicken at Indian or Southeast Asian restaurants lacks flavor or tends to be dry. Rabri: A milk pudding flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It might be a bit sweet, but it's quite tasty. Today's highlight. The restaurant is pretty clean, and the service is good, but it's odd how they kept staring at me for a tip.
On Monday, 8/28, I discovered this hidden gem in Tampa. I am a foodie who has been to Nepal numerous times. Gorkhali may very well be the best Nepali food one can find in the US. Arrived around 1130 AM for an early lunch. Our waitress was most kind; however, a tad impatient as we took our time figuring out what we wanted to eat. Decor is basic, nothing special. That's fine with me as I came here for food. Kwati Special $5 Traditional Nepalese soup made with beans accompanied by ginger and Nepali herbs. This delicious Himalayan soup took me back to Nepal. The combination of bens, lentils, ginger and herbs resulted in a delight. I was shocked at how good it was. If I lived in Tampa, I would stop by for this soup every week. HIMALAYAN MEAL / THAALI Original family recipe from Nepal (veg/chicken/goat) 20 / 23 / 25 A traditional Nepalese meal served with choice of curry, basmati rice, black dal (lentils), potatoes, sauteed mixed greens and achar Had a traditional Nepali Thaali plate with their Mixed Vegetable Curry. It was amazing. The dal was packed with texture and flavor - wow. The achar (peas/potatoes) served cold were authentic and delicious. The mixed vegetable curry was the star. They included a cup of yogurt to tone down any heat. The mixed greens were spinach. LOVED the spinach. The potatoes were fried shoestring potatoes, went well with the other dishes on the plate. Tons of delicious food for 20 bucks. Bhindi Masala $14 The okra served with basmati rice was fantastic. Okra is a tough vegetable to get right. Fortunately, these folks know what they are doing. The okra was light, tender and not slimy like many okra dishes. Loved the masala flavoring, cooking method. We had a delightful lunch, took home tons of leftovers as their portions are most generous. Will definitely be returning.