Nepali Times

For dinner, we went Chinese at Sunflower Travellers Lodge, which was definitely a better pick than our lunch option. Owned and run by Chinese who speak fluent, endearing Nepali, this place takes its ‘authentic’ tag seriously. The menu is extensive and you have to place your order and pay at the front desk before you seat yourself in the dining room on the second floor or if weather permits at the rooftop terrace on the third floor.

We ordered chicken kothey (Rs 180) for starters, the manager said it was a hit among Nepalis and for the main course we had chicken hot pot (Rs 380) and Kung Pao chicken (Rs 220) accompanied by a bowl of plain rice (Rs 50).

The eight pieces of kothey are definitely some of the best we have tried. They were deep fried but not heavy, no onions and the meat masala was barely traceable. The hot pot, however, was the highlight of our meal.

Meant for two, it is big enough to be shared among three and is a wonderfully light, healthy yet delicious concoction of cauliflower, broccoli, black mushroom, Chinese spinach, and tofu in chicken broth. The broth was bought to us in a pot and a small candle at the bottom kept the soup warm and nice throughout the evening.

When our massive plate of Kung Pao arrived, it was a delight for our eyes and bellies. The diced marinated chicken stir fried with peanuts, onions, carrots, zucchini, crushed green pepper flakes, and peppercorns was the right amount of juicy, tangy, fresh and a perfect way to conclude a pleasing meal.  

There are no frills at Sunflower, the dining area is very simple, but the efficient service and excellent food more than make up for the lack of fanciness. Our favourite part is definitely the generous portions which means a group of three can eat for less than Rs 400 each.

How to get there: From the Lumbini gate at Mahilwar (Vishnupura) road, walk towards Parsa chok, after ten minutes you will see Sunflower’s three-storey red brick building on your right.