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About

Nepali Food Blog

A little bit about me

Namaste and hello! My name is Salina and I love making Nepali food that's delicious, healthy and straightforward. I was born in Nepal and grew up in England. I currently have the privilege of working as a doctor and my work hugely influences my belief in the power of food influencing all aspects of ourselves from the physical, mental, emotional and social.

I grew up in a family of food fanatics. The type who cook so well at home that going to restaurants usually ended up in disappointment. One cooking lesson that was instilled in me from a young age was that good Nepali food is all about balance and most of the time less is more.

Why did I create Junifoods?

Initially I created Junifoods for myself as a necessity. I had a bit of a crisis when I went off to university in London and had no idea how to cook Nepali food. Before this I was spoilt with delicious and healthy Nepali food everyday at home cooked by my mum and dad.

My parents had sent me off to uni with some basic Nepali cooking ingredients and vague instructions but I soon realised that my parents cooked using their instinct (as most Nepali cooks do) rather than any definable quantity of ingredients. The curries, chutneys, dumplings or lentils I was making tasted either bland or induced tears because they were too strong.

Ever since then I have carefully curated my personal file of Nepali recipes which I will now be sharing through Junifoods. I have constantly added and improved these recipes over many years of observing and learning from my family, friends and on travels to Nepal. My main aim always remained to find a way of making these recipes as simple as possible whilst preserving the flavours.

The reason I have chosen to share these Nepali recipes now is also because I feel Nepali food hasn't had its share of fame and love it deserves worldwide! Which is unfortunate because the beautifully balanced food you find in Nepal will no doubt tempt both the cautious and adventurous palate.

What can you expect from Junifoods?

The recipes you will find on Junifoods have been created with love, care and respect for both the traditional and the new.  I will share the traditional everyday Nepali recipes that I grew up eating. These recipes have now been passed down to me from my mum, dad, grandma and several talented aunts, uncles and friends. As well as new modern Nepali fusion recipes with ingredients and dishes borrowed from other cultures that complement traditional Nepali flavours.

The type of food you find in different cultures is shaped by so many factors. The local climate, terrain, religion, economy, politics are some factors to start with. Therefore I wholeheartedly believe that we should ofcourse respect traditional ways of cooking. However as the times change how we live in the modern days change, our food inevitably changes and evolves with it. No one should be shackled by recipes when it comes to cooking. Please use Junifoods recipe as a guide and I encourage making changes and getting creative! I would also love to see what you all create so don't forget to tag me!

What exactly is Nepali food all about?

The type of food you find in different cultures is shaped by so many factors. The local climate, terrain, religion, economy, politics are some factors to start with.

I have often heard 'isn't Nepali food just Indian and Chinese food?' or 'Nepali and Indian food are the same'. As Nepal is sandwiched between India and China there is no doubt about the influence both have had on Nepali food. Indian and Chinese food have captured the world's taste buds so you will find ingredients and flavours that are familiar to you. However you will find them to be used in a way that is uniquely Nepali.

I hope you get to know and love Nepali food as much as I do!

Let's get started with my favourite recipes