Located just a short walk from the Ilikai Hotel, Namaste Indian & Nepalese Cuisine offers a fresh and flavorful dining option in Waikīkī’s Discovery Bay. Opening in August 2024, the restaurant took over the space formerly occupied by Bombay Palace. While still offering a familiar menu of classic Indian dishes, the new owners have infused the menu with authentic Nepali flavors, introducing a unique blend of cuisines that’s hard to find elsewhere in Hawai‘i.
Namaste offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Ala Moana Boulevard. It overlooks the traffic and crowds but is easily accessible through the parking lot behind the building. With validation from the restaurant, customers can enjoy up to four hours of free parking—plenty of time to enjoy a full meal.
Meet the Team Behind Namaste
The team behind Namaste is led by two passionate individuals: Amrit Shrestha, the head chef, and Kuber Gurung, the front-of-house manager. Gurung, also the owner of the popular farmers market stand Neha’s Kitchen, oversees the daily operations at Namaste, ensuring the authenticity of the Nepali dishes. Shrestha, who works tirelessly in the kitchen, brings his deep knowledge of both Indian and Nepali cuisines to the restaurant.
Their journey together began during the height of the pandemic when both worked at Himalayan Kitchen, and it wasn’t long before they discovered they shared a connection: both hail from the same village in Nepal. Though Indian cuisine is well-known in the U.S., Shrestha and Gurung are eager to introduce authentic Nepali dishes to the Hawaiian islands.
A Diverse and Flavorful Menu
The menu at Namaste is vast, offering something for every palate. Customers can choose from an array of appetizers, curries, vegan and vegetarian dishes, biryani rice, tandoor barbecue plates, and, of course, naan. A special treat is the dessert menu, which features pista kulfi, a homemade pistachio ice cream that’s a perfect way to end a hearty meal.
For those who love spice, each dish allows you to customize the heat level to your preference, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meal just the way they like it.
Starting Off with Appetizers
We began our meal with two standout appetizers: papadum ($3.99) and chicken jhol momo dumplings ($12.99). Papadum, a crispy chickpea snack, is a staple in Indian cuisine and is served here with a zesty cilantro sauce that’s impossible to resist. The jhol momo dumplings, a signature Nepali dish prepared by Gurung, come in a comforting sesame-tomato broth. This dish is a true taste of home for Gurung and a delicious introduction to Nepali flavors.
The Curries: A Fusion of Flavors
For the main course, we ordered a variety of curries: chicken tikka masala ($19.99), lamb coconut curry ($22.99), and dhaniya chicken curry ($19.99), all served with a bowl of basmati rice. Each curry was thoughtfully prepared, with tender meat and rich flavors.
The chicken tikka masala stood out with its smooth, sweet sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, which was tender and juicy—an important factor for any curry. Namaste’s attention to meat quality was evident across all dishes, with tender, well-cooked proteins in every bite.
However, the real highlight was the dhaniya chicken curry, recommended by Gurung himself. Made with cilantro (dhaniya) as its base, this curry also features ginger and garlic, creating a rich, complex flavor profile. The cooked cilantro adds a deep, earthy note that complements the curry’s bright, spicy elements. Paired with fluffy garlic naan ($4.99), it was a dish that had us going back for more.
Drinks and Desserts
To complement our meal, we ordered a mango lassi ($5.99). Thick, refreshing, and full of fresh mango flavor, it was the perfect way to cool down after the spices. Though we were too full to try dessert, the pista kulfi on the menu is highly recommended for anyone with room to spare.
The Heart Behind Namaste
Throughout the meal, Gurung’s passion for Nepali cuisine and hospitality was evident. With a background as the fine dining manager on the Star of Honolulu cruise, Gurung brings a wealth of experience to the restaurant’s front-of-house, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
He introduced Amrit Shrestha as his “brother,” a title they share not by blood, but through a bond forged by shared roots in Nepal and a love for home-cooked food. Though the two are not related by family, their connection through food and culture has made Namaste a true labor of love.
A Taste of Home in Hawai‘i
Namaste Indian & Nepalese Cuisine is a welcome addition to Waikīkī, offering both Indian and Nepali dishes in a warm, inviting setting. Whether you’re craving familiar Indian curries or looking to explore the rich flavors of Nepal, Namaste has something to satisfy every craving.
As more and more people discover this gem in Discovery Bay, the restaurant is poised to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, delivering not only great food but a taste of home for those far from Nepal.
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