Anchorage, Alaska – In a remarkable effort to promote Nepali national cuisine worldwide, three young Nepalese individuals have embarked on a culinary journey to the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. This initiative began on International Mount Everest Day, May 29, with their first stop at Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America.
The team comprises renowned chef Suresh Basnet, also known as the “Food Guru” from California, restaurant entrepreneur and culinary artist Ram Thapa from Virginia, and Nepali American travel journalist Sanjok Acharya from New York. Together, they organized the Seven Summit Himalayan Food Festival in Anchorage, engaging with the local community and showcasing ten traditional Nepali dishes. The festival aimed to introduce and popularize Nepali cuisine, featuring dishes such as Dhendo, Gundruk, Su Chya, Momo, Thenduk, Reldok, Tingmo, and Dhungre roti.
As part of their promotional activities, they carried a banner symbolizing Nepali food to the Mount Denali glacier. Travel journalist Sanjok Acharya emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Now is the time to promote Nepali food worldwide.”
Following their successful event in Alaska, the team plans to continue their journey to the highest peaks of each continent, including:
- South America: Aconcagua (Argentina)
- Australia: Mount Kosciuszko (Australia)
- Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
- Europe: Mount Elbrus (Russia)
- Asia: Mount Everest (Nepal)
- Antarctica: Vinson Massif (Antarctica)
Acharya mentioned, “We started from Anchorage and will bring the Seven Summit Himalayan Cuisine to each peak destination. Our goal is to promote Nepali national food, which is highly regarded in the Himalayan region.”
The initiative not only highlights the culinary richness of Nepal but also aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding through food. Each event at the summit of these peaks will serve as a platform to introduce local and international communities to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Nepal, thus creating a global appreciation for their national cuisine.