On a rainy afternoon, I reached Temple View Restro and BBQ in Kirtipur. As I entered the place, I was greeted by the friendly and ever-smiling owner, Bhailal Maharjan. His warm welcome instantly put me at ease and set the tone for what would ensue.

The restaurant is spread across three floors, allowing customers to pick where they’d like to sit. You can go for a private room indoors or choose the rooftop area for an outdoor experience. I opted for the rooftop. As I settled into my seat, I was greeted by the beautiful Uma Maheshwar temple right in front, and on my left was Kathmandu—draped in misty rain clouds that hushed its usual commotion.

The restaurant’s ambience was welcoming and serene, with prayer flags gently swaying in the slow breeze. Soon, a delicious meal arrived, signalling the start of my journey through Newa cuisine. Before me lay a spread of six delectable dishes.

Grilled Chicken

Rs500

As the grilled chicken was brought to the table, I couldn’t help but notice how aesthetically pleasing it looked. A sizable piece of chicken is placed in the centre, accompanied by colourful and nutritious steamed broccoli, naturally sweet carrots, juicy tomatoes, and lettuce.

The chicken is tender but lacks the smokey grilled-in-the-fire flavour we associate with the dish. The accompanying fries were great—crisp to perfection. The fresh and healthy veggies—broccoli and carrots—balance out the dish, making it a perfect harmony of flavours and textures.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Rs325

The presentation of this dish is a feast for the eyes. Perfectly cooked chicken is wrapped inside the bacon’s shiny shell and served atop a fresh, green lettuce bed.

As I took my first bite, the bacon’s crunchy exterior revealed the juicy tenderness of the chicken inside, providing a satisfying contrast of textures. This is best eaten when lettuce is intertwined with the bacon-wrapped chicken, as the freshness of lettuce blends nicely with the crispiness of the bacon-wrapped chicken. This was my definite favourite out of everything I tried at Temple View.

Buff Newa Khaja Set

Rs350

Buff Khaja Set is my go-to snack on any given day. The chewy buff chhoila was a delight to have. It was well-marinated and flavourful. The potatoes and radish pickles are perfect for those who love some extra kick in their food. The spinach, beans and chiura (flattened rice) add more layers to the texture of the dish. A steaming gravy of Aloo Tama (a stew made from potatoes and bamboo shoots) in a sizable bowl is also served with the Khaja Set. The gravy softens the crunchy and chewy elements of the Khaja Set. Overall, it is a satisfying experience for both enthusiasts of Nepali cuisine and those new to the flavours.

Plain Bara

Rs90

Though the Plain Bara has a simple appearance of golden-brown disc with a moderately crisp exterior, its straightforward elegance sets it apart. When you bite into a slice, a delightful textural contrast greets you—the mild crunch on the outside gives way to a smooth, pillowy interior.

Subtle hints of cumin and other spices blend with the nutty flavours of the lentils, and a dipping sauce is also provided for the adventurous mouth. Plain Bara is a subtle reminder that good food doesn’t always require complicated ingredients.

Mix Chatamari

Rs175

Mix Chatamari appears to be a work of culinary art at first glance. The thin and pancake-like base serves as the canvas for an array of toppings. The dish looks inviting and doesn’t disappoint with its taste, either.

Made with egg, buff keema (mince), and chicken keema, the Mix Chatamari explodes with flavours on the first bite. The crispy base contrasts nicely with the texture of the meat.

BBQ Chicken Wings

Rs425

Temple View’s BBQ Chicken Wings is another visual delight—the glistening chicken with the white sesame seeds sprinkled on top. Although the skin of the chicken was soggy, the tender meat within was chewy and juicy. The addition of sesame seeds, while visually appealing, doesn’t add much to the dish taste-wise. I do miss the smoky flavour of BBQ here, too; however, the dish, with its sweet aftertaste, is decent.

If you love a bit of experimentation on regular dishes, then this could be for you.

Temple View BBQ and Restro

Location: Kirtipur, Lalitpur

Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Parking: Not available

Price: Inclusive of all taxes