NYC Jackson Heights Nepali Restaurant Adds Nutritious Millet Momos to Traditional Menu

Delhi Heights, a popular Nepali restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens, has introduced a new dish to its menu: Millet Momo. Known for its traditional Nepali cuisine, the restaurant now offers this nutritious and flavorful option in three varieties—Steam, Jhol (soup), and Fry. Customers can choose between chicken and vegetarian fillings, making it an appealing option for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Millet, the star ingredient of the new momo dish, is a highly nutritious grain with numerous health benefits. It is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as niacin and beta-carotene, which contribute to overall well-being. Millet’s high fiber content is especially beneficial for those looking to regulate blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes.

Additionally, the grain contains antioxidants and soluble fiber that help lower cholesterol, promoting cardiovascular health. Millet also supports digestive health by aiding in digestion and preventing constipation. Being naturally gluten-free, it is suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, offering a healthy alternative to the restaurant’s menu.

Mohan Baruwal, the owner of Delhi Heights, expressed his excitement about the new addition. He stated, “We are thrilled to introduce Millet Momo to our customers. Millet is not only nutritious but also adds a unique flavor to our traditional momo. We hope our patrons will enjoy these new varieties as much as we enjoyed creating them.”

By incorporating millet into a traditional dish like momo, Delhi Heights continues to blend health-conscious ingredients with authentic Nepali flavors, offering customers both the taste of home and the benefits of modern, nutritious choices.

However, Millet Momo is not the first millet-based item to grace the Delhi Heights menu. Last year, the restaurant reintroduced the traditional millet beverage, Tongba, in celebration of the International Millet Year.

Tongba, a fermented millet alcoholic drink, made a comeback after several years of absence from the menu. Originally introduced in December 2014, Tongba was discontinued due to difficulties in importing millet from Nepal to the U.S. just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the restaurant’s owner Baruwal, the high cost of millet in the U.S. has been a significant challenge in maintaining its availability. Nevertheless, after nearly three years, the restaurant resumed selling Tongba, offering patrons a unique taste of the high Himalayas.

Traditionally served in wooden vessels, Tongba is now presented in easier-to-clean pots at Delhi Heights. For $18, customers can enjoy a pot of Tongba, which can fill up to three thermoses with hot water. Tongba holds deep cultural significance in Nepal, particularly among the Limbu community, and is commonly enjoyed in the high Himalayan regions.

The reintroduction of Tongba coincides with the United Nations’ declaration of 2023 as the International Millet Year, an initiative led by the Government of India and supported by 72 countries. As the world’s largest millet-producing country, India grows nine varieties of millet, contributing 20% to global millet production. The return of Tongba to Delhi Heights’ menu not only celebrates this international recognition of millet but also provides locals in Jackson Heights with a chance to savor a traditional drink from the Himalayas.

This year, Delhi Heights marked a significant milestone by celebrating its Sweet 16 in February. The restaurant has become synonymous with authentic Nepali and Indian cuisine, attracting food enthusiasts from across the region. Over the past 16 years, Delhi Heights has established itself as a culinary haven in Jackson Heights, delighting patrons with its rich flavors and consistent quality.

The success of Delhi Heights is deeply intertwined with the dedication and vision of its owner, Mr. Baruwal. Known for his humility and gentlemanly demeanor, he has been the driving force behind the restaurant’s steady growth and popularity.

Mr. Baruwal’s journey is a testament to the American dream, reflecting resilience, perseverance, and a passion for offering an exceptional dining experience. Arriving in the U.S. in 2006 with a dream to create a restaurant that would capture the essence of Nepali and Indian flavors, Mr. Baruwal has turned Delhi Heights into a celebrated institution over the years.

Before establishing Delhi Heights, Mr. Baruwal and his team successfully operated Sagarmatha Restaurant in Woodside and Namaste Momo Restaurant in Jackson Heights, both of which laid a strong foundation for their culinary expertise and dedication to excellence. These earlier ventures helped Mr. Baruwal and his team develop the consistency and quality that now define Delhi Heights.