Pokhara is probably one of the most relaxed town in Nepal. On the foot of the Annapurna mountain range, this is the start for many treks and climbing expeditions. You will recognize hikers and climbers on the hiking boots and distinctive trousers 😉
For non-climbers/trekkers there is also enough to do; rent a little boat and sail on lake Fewa, see the sunrise from Sarangkot or simply have a relaxing massage or joga lesson at Jiva. No matter what you do here, at the end of the day it is time for dinner.

Most of the restaurants are located on the Lakeside Road. The variety is enormous; from a simple pizza or chicken kebab sandwich to grilled meats and local cuisine. One of the larger restaurants is Moondance. Where this may sound like a shabby club from the 70’s, it is actually a lively place that is packed at night and serves very decent food.

Down the street there is the Olive Cafe, which has the same owners as Moondance. It is located in a more quiet part of the street. Like many other restaurants, it has a nice terrace on both ground floor and first floor. Cars passing on the street are sometimes noticeable but not to the extent that it becomes annoying. Like its big ‘sister’ Moondance, the Oliva Cafe is well-organized and clean. Although some of the staff are clearly still learning English, the friendliness of the staff is typically Nepalese. The kitchen is open and from what I have seen it looks clean.

Soon after the drinks are brought to the table, main course is served. Tandoori chicken it is….. This is probably the best tandoori chicken that I have ever had. Chicken is extremely tasty, moist and hot. All flavours are individually identifiable; spices and yoghurt in the marinade but I also get the chicken. There is plenty of food on the plate to not go back to the hotel hungry.

After the main course it was time for dessert. The waiter recommended the apple pie and although he isn’t really objective, we took his advice. One bite was all it took: Delicious warm with a crunchy top layer.  Only a scoop of ice cream could have made this better. Without a doubt the best pie I have eaten in a trip of weeks.

Food in Nepal is by no means expensive. Here and there are above average prices, but not at Olive Cafe. The quality is excellent and that makes the value for money excellent. What some will consider a negative point is the location, which is on the edge of the tourist center of town. I see this as a plus instead as this makes it more likely that you can sit down for dinner. Where this is not a place that locals visit for dinner, it feels less touristy than other parts of town. Great place that I would recommend to anyone who asks.