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Apart from lakes and serenity of nature, Pokhara also boasts the fine dining competences that are capable of equaling, or even surpassing the capital’s food culture. The authentic taste of the ‘Thakali khhana’ there never disappoints anyone and also, the exotic styled dining too is very impressive. We take you to a couple of restaurants, one on the trendier place and the other on the quieter end.

Where ethnicity meets modern tradition

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“Byanjan” - the name itself suggests of an array of gastronomical delights the relatively new food junction at Pokhara’s Lakeside has for offering. From the typical Nepali fast-food favorites - momos and chowmeins - to the exotic Italian and continental delights, Byanjan flaunts a wide range of choices for fanatics seeking for a bon vivant showdown. The owner of the restaurant, Baibav Poudel explained, “The name – Byanjan - is an extract from the Nepali term ‘chaurasi byanjan’ meaning 84 delicacies, which is believed to sum up to a complete course. Our menu comprises international dishes along with the regular Nepali assortment which in a way represents the connotation of the Nepali term.” Further explaining about the merger of different feels inside the restaurant he added, “Like the food, that incorporates international as well as ethnic styles, the outlook too has various styles blended onto it.” He spoke giving a brief explanation on the settings.

A merger of the Nepali ethnic and Mediterranean panaches best defines the opulence the restaurant exhibits. The exterior has a classic Nepali architectural design that paves its path into a warm ambient dining area. Wooden table and chair seating and a set of more laid back loungers placed at one corner leaves its clienteles with the option of choosing to dine as per their comfort preferences in the sheltered indoors. The indoor space also regulates drinks to all parts of the restaurant from its vibrant bar lit up with more lively lightings. The first floor of the restaurant can prove to becoming an ideal place for photo fanatics. The panoramic view the 180 degree terrace setting provides is likely to entice shutterbugs into capturing the scenic magnificence Fewa Lake showcases.

Unlike the more traditional interior set-up, the exterior part sports a façade of added splendor. The pebbled ground comprising table and chair setting with a rustic feel lets the clients relish the gentle breeze swaying through the lake. Furthermore, to cater guests in need of a private space, Byanjan has a special dug out seating that is expected to provide space for about ten people. Poudel stated, “The seating is different from the rest and is the newest inclusion here. We have not thought of charging extra for the space at the moment but a pre-reservation would be a wise thing to do.”

A cozy setting

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The heart of Pokhara’s lake-side area is no less than any chic destination dazzling with lights and a never-ending parade of youth mass. The musical grooves drifting through the breeze keeps the city abuzz providing a jubilant ambiance on either side of a black-topped street that cuts through the town’s entertainment hub. However, as the road extends towards the more suburban part, the glitter seemingly deems up to a certain extend.

Silk Road, located at the further end of lakeside, due to its location at a calmer locality and the laid back ambiance it possesses gives its clients a rather unique experience. Personally, I would highly recommend the eatery for those seeking to spend time with friends or family, away from the loud thuds the rock bars the buzzing part of lakeside caters with. Nevertheless, you can still find folks jiving to acoustic music being staged live besides the bar that is equipped with an assortment of mind-altering spirits.

The beverages are in abundance and it’s up to one’s personal liking to choose a drink of their fondness. As for me, nothing would beat a bottle of beer – maybe two or even more – accompanied with a quality conversation at Silk Road. In case you’re in need of company, you are very much likely to find someone ready to give you company. Our conversation at Silk Road with the owner Lalit, Adam from Australia and a couple from UK added joys to our visit as everyone there seemed to be open even to strangers. And the aalu dam (boiled potato slathered onto herbs and spices) and sekuwa (fried marinated meat) that we were served with were also unique in its own way – with a lemony impression.

The seating option at Silk Road is presented in three forms. You can choose to dine inside, next to the game hub, in the lawn where the lush garden provides a shady ambiance. Then, there’s the bar where the action goes on till very late. The chair and table setting inside the bar provides a rustic feel whereas the outside seating, with a view of the street gives a more laid back feel. All in all, Silk Road is a destination where youths can be found relishing the calm setting the restaurant provides you with.