Monty’s of Kathmandu has been quietly seducing customers through its doors for many years now, but few people know about it. Why? Well, if you tell people, they might go and then how are you going to be able to get a table? This place will have you the moment you put the first forkful into your mouth.

In the heart of bucket slop Temple Bar, Monty’s serves up Nepalese food of a gloriously high standard and a gloriously low price. Plus, the service is spot-on – just attentive enough but not pulling up a chair. That not enough to convince you? Well get this, Monty’s is one of the most gay-friendly places in Dublin and has been since it was seen as ok to treat us quare folk like we should be ashamed. Back in the day, this was one of the only top class restaurants in Dublin where you could whisper sweet nothings to your love over a candlelight meal without feeling like you were a leper.

So far so politically correct, but a restaurant is all about food at the end of the day. Not sure what Nepalese food is? Think Indian but with the emphasis on a well-rounded palate not a burnt tongue. The tastes on offer are one of the reasons you’ll keep coming back as, when you order something, you’ll immediately have food envy of those around you. Everything on the menu needs you to taste it.

The last time I was there, my partner continued her obsession with potatoes by starting with Aloo Kerau Chat Pat or spicy potatoes and peas with fresh chillies, spring onions, ginger and coriander, served in a spicy papad bowl. I didn’t get a word out of her for ages, the only sounds were noises usually only I can elicit. Slight over-share? Well it’s true! She was all over that dish. Afterwards, with much shaking of the head she told me it was outstanding. The potatoes were cooked with just the slightest bite to them and the curry was perfectly balanced. The only downside was the peas. She’s not a pea fan.

My starter was Khukura Ko Chuso Masu, or medium spiced barbecued chicken wings, served on bed of salad. Chicken wings are one of those dishes that can make or break a meal for me. Too often they are done badly – too much vinegar, too gristly, not enough chicken and a plastic sauce. These guys were the real deal. Actual chicken with a barbecue sauce that was made by a person! Hallelujah!

For mains, the other half plumbed for Aloo Jeera, or spicy fried potatoes with cumin seeds and ginger. She’s all about the aloo. This is a side dish, but they gave her a main-sized portion. Her theme of perfectly-cooked potatoes, taken from the pot just as the moment before they began to fall apart, continued. Cue more embarrassing sounds.

My main was Sekuwa Chatpate Chicken, or spicy and tangy sekuwas cooked with onions, capsicum, chillies, lemon and chat masala. I had no idea what a sekuwa was so chose this one. it turns out that the are bamboo skewers, so now you know. The dish was just top class. It embodied every dish I’ve ever had in Monty’s – well thought-out, well constructed, the tastes perfectly balanced for the ideal result.

Next time I’m going to go for the Momo which requires you to give them 24 hours notice, but then there’s the taster menu which has to be experienced. Too many choices.

With naan bread and a bottle of white wine, or bill came to Eur67.

The only downside to Monty’s is its downstairs area. It’s a bit cramped so, if you’re booking, ask for a table upstairs.

Monty’s of Kathmandu on Menu Pages

Official website

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