Electric Pagoda, Kathmandu, Nepal

Electric Pagoda
Thamel - Kathmandu, Nepal
Chicken Burrito, 320 Rupees (less than $4)
www.electricpagoda.com

Price: 9
Size: 6
Presentation: 8
Flavor: 7
Freshness: 8
Ingredients: 6
Originality: 6
Construction: 7
Quality: 7
Overall Experience: 8

Bonus Points: Amazing Patio +1
Hot sauces: Fresh salsa, homemade.
Come back? Yes I would.

Final Score: 73% C-

Electric Pagoda is a great place to escape the chaotic streets of Thamel. Located on a corner, the restaurant mainly consists of a very large and inviting garden patio. There's also a smaller indoor area with a funky little bar. A little background info... Thamel is the main tourist district of Kathmandu, Nepal. It's stuffed full of little trekking shops, bars, restaurants, and just about anything you could imagine. The streets are very narrow without sidewalks, and the cars/motorcycles/rickshaws have the right of way over pedestrians. It can be a stressful and overwhelming place to be, which is why Electric Pagoda has a perfect location which offers a sanctuary from the madness. Now for the burrito, it was pretty basic by american standards, but hey, burritos found in Nepal are few and far between. There was a fair amount of chicken, rice, and beans, but not a whole lot more. The portion was decent, good for a light lunch. Don't count on it filling your belly though. The ambiance is really what makes this place special. Check it out at night, all the tables are candle lit on the patio, very unique feel!

Chhomrong Cottage, Nepal

Chhomrong Cottage
Chhomrong, Nepal
Bean and Cheese Burrito, 380 Rupees (about $4)

Price: 6
Size: 8
Presentation: 9
Flavor: 10
Freshness: 9
Ingredients: 8
Originality: 8
Construction: 8
Quality: 9
Overall Experience: 8

Bonus Points: The Chocolate Cake +1
Hot sauces: Bottled Red Chili Sauce
Come back? I hope so!

Final Score: 84% B

The Chhomrong Cottage is a great place for dinner as well as a place to stay for the night. On a 25 day trek in the Annapurna area, the village of Chhomrong is found on the way to the Annapurna Base Camp. So guess what... They have a burrito on the menu! I have a really good feeling about it as the place was in TIME magazine for the "Best Chocolate Cake in Asia"! And so I made the assumption that the cook has some skills. The nice lady who runs the Cottage brings out my burrito and it looks delicous, especially after being on the trail for the past 23 days! The burrito was a nicely sized one, and as I slowly devoured it, the flavors were simple, but delicous. The cook said she puts in fresh ginger, garlic, kidney beans, yak cheese, and the tortilla, all home-made! This is definately THE most unique burrito experience I've had so far.

I must also share another burrito experience with trekker friends Simon and Katie and an interesting bean & cheese burrito. This unorthodox burrito was found at the lovely Hotel Milan in Ghandruk. Simon said it was a really good burrito, I had a bite and I must concur. It may not look like a burrito, but it sure tastes like one! Katie had the enchilada, which looked exactly the same as the burrito, a little confused by that, but it's all part of the Nepal dining adventure!