The best momo in London comes in three main styles, steamed, fried, and jhol (soup momo), with South East London spots like Palungo in Brockley known for authentic, handmade versions of all three.
If you have spent any time in London's food scene lately, you have probably noticed momo popping up everywhere. From street food stalls to sit down restaurants, this little Nepali dumpling has quietly become one of the city's favourite comfort foods. I have eaten a fair few plates of momo across London over the years, chasing that perfect bite where the filling is juicy, the wrapper is thin, and the dip actually has some kick to it.
So I wanted to put together a proper guide to the best momo in London. Not just another list of restaurant names copied from Google, but something that actually explains what momo is, the different styles you will come across, and where to find the good stuff, especially if you are in South East London where Brockley's own Palungo has quietly become one of the best momo restaurants London has for the real, home-style version of the dish.
What Is Momo? A Quick Answer for First-Timers
Momo is a small steamed or fried dumpling from Nepal, usually filled with minced chicken, buffalo, or a mix of vegetables and paneer, and served with a spiced dipping sauce.
Momo is the national dish of Nepal, though most people in the UK first come across it thinking it is Tibetan or Indian food.
Where Momo Comes From
The dumpling actually traces back to Tibet, brought over the Himalayas through trade routes centuries ago. Once it landed in Nepal, especially around Kathmandu, it evolved into something distinctly its own. Nepali cooks added their own spice blends, their own style of dipping sauce, and their own way of folding the dumplings. So while the shape might remind you of a Chinese dumpling or a Tibetan momo, the flavour is a different thing entirely.
Momo vs Dumpling: What Is the Difference
Many people wonder whether momo is essentially a more sophisticated name for a dumpling. Well, in a generic way, momo is indeed a kind of dumpling. But what distinguishes the latter from the former is the specifics: momo features a thinner wrapper with a slight chewiness and a filling that contains Nepalese spices such as timur pepper, ginger, garlic, and coriander. As for the dipping sauce, an authentic Nepalese achar made of tomatoes, sesame, and chilli is far from the usual soy sauce.
Types of Momo: Steamed vs Fried vs Jhol
That's where it gets exciting, and to be honest, many momo guides available on the Internet don't touch upon it. So, there are three types of how momo is cooked in London, and each variation offers its unique eating experience.
Steamed Momo
Steamed momo is the traditional classic version, which is cooked in a steamer basket until the wrapper becomes soft and slightly transparent..
Texture and Cooking Method
Because there is no oil involved, the wrapper stays light and a little chewy. The filling inside stays juicy since all the moisture gets trapped rather than cooked off.
Best For
If you want something lighter, or you are trying momo for the first time, steamed is the way to go. It lets you actually taste the filling and spices without any extra richness getting in the way.
Fried Momo
Fried momo is steamed momo finished in a hot pan or deep fryer, giving it a crisp, golden shell while the inside stays soft.
Texture and Cooking Method
The outside becomes crunchy, while the inside remains soft, making it possible to feel the contrasting textures of the same food in one bite. Pan-frying after steaming differs somewhat from deep-frying uncooked.
Best For
If you are after something a bit more indulgent, or you are ordering momo as a proper starter to share, fried momo tends to win. It also holds up well with spicier dips since the crispy edge balances out the heat.
Steamed vs Fried Momo: The Real Difference
The main steamed vs fried momo difference is texture and richness. Steamed momo is soft and light, fried momo is crispy outside and richer overall.
Jhol Momo
What Is Jhol Momo
Jhol momo is steamed momo served in a warm, tangy soup made from sesame, tomato, and Himalayan spices, rather than with a side dipping sauce.
Instead of dipping the momo, you get a bowl where the dumplings sit in the broth, so every bite comes with that soup already soaked in. This is the one most people in London have not tried yet, and it might just be the best of the three.
What Does Jhol Momo Mean
Jhol is simply the Nepali word for soup or gravy. So jhol momo translates roughly to soup dumplings, though that undersells just how flavourful the broth actually is. It is tangy, a little nutty from the sesame, and has a gentle heat that builds slowly rather than hitting you all at once.
How Jhol Momo Is Served
It usually comes in a bowl rather than on a plate, with the momo half submerged in the broth. Some people eat it with a spoon to catch every bit of the soup, others prefer to pick the dumplings up and dip them piece by piece. Either way works. At Palungo in Brockley, jhol momo is actually the signature dish, served the traditional way with the broth made fresh rather than from a shortcut paste, which honestly makes a noticeable difference in flavour.
Chicken Momo vs Veg Momo: Which One Should You Try
Both versions are worth ordering, but they suit different moods.
Chicken Momo
Chicken momo tends to have a richer, deeper flavour since the meat holds onto the spices well during steaming. It works particularly well in the fried or jhol style, where the extra richness of the filling pairs nicely with the sauce or broth.
Veg Momo
Veg momo, usually filled with a mix of cabbage, carrot, paneer, and sometimes tofu, is lighter but still packed with flavour thanks to the spice blend. It is a solid choice if you are vegetarian or vegan, and most good Nepali restaurants, Palungo included, make sure the veg and vegan options get just as much attention as the meat ones rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Which One Is Right for You
Regarding chicken momo vs veg momo, it is safe to say that the former works best for anyone craving something rich, while the latter works perfectly well for everyone who prefers the spices to dominate the dish. The safest decision is to order a platter of both.
Best Momo Restaurants in London
London has no shortage of places doing momo well, but if you are hunting for the best momo restaurant London has to offer, the scene actually splits fairly clearly by area.
Best Momo in South East London
Quick answer: For the best momos South East London has to offer, Brockley's Palungo stands out for its handmade steamed, fried and jhol momo, all made fresh rather than bought in.
South East London has quietly become one of the better spots for genuine Nepali food, and it does not get nearly enough credit for it.
Palungo, Brockley
Palungo sits on Malpas Road in Brockley, just a short walk from Brockley station, and it has become something of a local favourite for anyone chasing authentic Nepali momo London locals actually recommend to each other. The restaurant serves momo three ways: steamed, pan-fried, and jhol style, all handmade rather than bought in. Alongside the momo, the menu covers Thakali Thali, Chatpatey, Dal Bhat, and Mustang Aloo, a spiced potato dish tempered with mustard oil and timur pepper. What makes Palungo stand out is how seriously the kitchen treats vegan and vegetarian diners too, with a proper vegan momo platter and a vegan version of the Palungo house special that regulars keep coming back for. If you are in Brockley, Lewisham, New Cross, or Deptford and want to try momo that actually tastes like it does in Kathmandu rather than a westernised version, this is the place.
Other Notable Spots in South East London
Woolwich also has a couple of solid options for anyone craving momo further along the river, though the flavour profile can vary quite a bit from place to place depending on how traditional the kitchen keeps things.
Best Momo in Central and North London
Central London has some well-known names too, like Great Nepalese near Euston, which has been around long enough to become something of an institution, and a few spots around Dalston and Hackney that do a more street food-style momo aimed at a younger crowd. These are worth trying if you are already in the area, though the newer South East London spots often give you a more home-style version of the dish.
Recommended read: Best Nepalese Restaurant Near Greenwich: Where to Eat Real Nepali Food Near Greenwich and Blackheath
Where to Eat Momo in London: A Neighbourhood Guide
If you are working out where to eat momo in London based on where you live or where you are visiting, here is a rough breakdown.
Momos Near Brockley
Brockley itself is home to Palungo, and honestly, it is worth the trip on its own if you are after momos near Brockley that taste properly homemade. The area has grown into a proper little food destination over the past few years, with Brockley Market on Saturdays adding to the appeal if you want to make a day of it.
Nepali Restaurant in Lewisham
Lewisham residents do not need to travel far either. If you have been searching for a nepali restaurant Lewisham locals actually rate, Palungo sits right on the border and is an easy trip whether you are coming from Lewisham town centre or further out.
Momos Near New Cross and Deptford
New Cross and Deptford locals often make the short journey over to Brockley for their momo fix, and given how close the areas are, it barely counts as travelling.
How to Order Momo Like a Local
A few small things make a big difference once you actually sit down to eat.
Momo Dipping Sauce, or Achar
The dip is not an afterthought; it is basically half the dish. A good achar mixes tomato, sesame, and chilli into something tangy and a bit smoky. Always ask for extra if you finish it before the momo runs out, because that happens more often than you would think.
Spice Level Guide
The majority of the restaurants will ask you about the level of spiciness, and it would be wise to tell the truth about your preferences. Chilli sauces used in Nepal build their spiciness gradually, and thus something which seems quite mild on the first bite might become spicy in the fifth.
Also learn on "What Is Thakali Thali? Nepal's Iconic Set Meal, Explained"
Why Palungo Serves Some of the Best Momo in South East London
Palungo started life as Blue Taj back in 2024, but the team behind it realised fairly quickly that their real passion was Nepali food, specifically the kind of home cooking you would find on the streets of Kathmandu or in the kitchens of Dharan. That shift in focus shows in how the menu is put together, and it is a big part of why Palungo keeps coming up whenever people ask about the best momo in London on this side of the river.
The Steamed, Fried, and Jhol Momo Menu
You can order the same base momo in all three styles here, which makes it a genuinely good spot to try the difference for yourself in one sitting rather than hunting across different restaurants. Full pricing and the Item list, menu is available online.
Handmade Daily Using Family Recipes
Nothing on the momo menu is mass-produced. The dumplings are folded by hand and the jhol broth is made fresh rather than relying on a shortcut base, which is part of why regulars say it tastes closer to what they remember eating back home.
Book a Table or Order Online
Palungo is easy to find, just a five-minute walk from Brockley station and reachable via the London Overground. You can book a table or check opening hours here, or order a Momo Comfort Box for delivery and collection online. Whether you fancy dining in or getting food delivered, it is worth adding to your list next time momo cravings hit. If you are making a day of it in the area, our guide to things to do in Brockley is worth a read too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is jhol momo?
Jhol momo is steamed momo served in a warm, tangy soup made from sesame, tomato, and Himalayan spices, rather than with a side dipping sauce.
What is the difference between steamed and fried momo?
Steamed momo has a soft, light wrapper and lets the filling take centre stage, while fried momo gets a crispy golden shell from being pan fried or deep fried after steaming.
What does jhol momo mean?
Jhol is the Nepali word for soup or gravy, so jhol momo means soup momo, dumplings served sitting in a warm, spiced broth rather than dipped on the side.
Is jhol momo spicy?
It has a gentle, building heat rather than an instant kick, thanks to the timur pepper and chilli in the broth, though most places can adjust the spice level on request.
Chicken momo or veg momo, which is better?
It comes down to preference. Chicken momo tends to be richer, while veg momo is lighter but still full of flavour thanks to the spice blend used in the filling.
Where can I get authentic Nepali momo in London?
Palungo in Brockley is one of the best momo restaurants London has for authentic Nepali momo, serving handmade steamed, fried, and jhol momo alongside other traditional dishes like Thakali Thali and Dal Bhat.
What is the best momo dipping sauce?
One of the traditional achars made from tomato, sesame, and chilli is believed to be the best combination.