Dechenling Garden of Joy

Dechenling Garden of Joy Restaurant
Kesharmahal Road, Thamel
Kathmandu, Nepal
441-2158

I crave this taste-sational food at least once a week. Although Dechenling Garden of Joy has a diverse menu, I always order the Bhutanese and Tibetan entrees, which are indescribably exotic and delicious. The atmosphere is a superb mix of quiet, spacious outdoor seating and lovely, intimate indoor tables. Set back from the Tridevi Road, midway down the alley-like Kesharmahal Road, and hidden behind a walled gate, Dechenling feels miles away from its Thamel local. Although it is off the well-worn streets of Thamel, and could easily go unseen, Dechenling’s steady stream of foreign and Nepalese patrons is testament to its fine reputation.

During the warm post-monsoon evenings, the lush garden was sweetly scented with blossoms dripping from the many trees and vines sprinkled amid the lantern lit tables. With the arrival of cool weather and down right cold nights, the kind where your breath hangs misty in the air long after you have spoken, the colorful indoor tables have become more popular. Nevertheless, fires warm a half-dozen or so of the courtyard tables. To get one of these toasty seats, however, you must call ahead with reservations. Otherwise, bundle up.

My favorite Bhutanese dishes include Erma Dhatsi, Kewa Dhatsi, and Maru. Erma and Kewa Dhatsi are fairly similar, both incredibly mouthwatering. Erma Dhotsi is a creamy cheese, mushroom, and chili dish served with a heaping bowl of steamed rice. Along the same lines, Kewa Dhatsi is velvety, buttery cheese dish served with potato and savory onions instead of mushroom and chili again with a heaping bowl of rice. Meanwhile, Maru consists of your choice of meat (chicken, beef, pork, or buff), mixed with grilled onion, garlic, black mushroom, and Phing (ie. glass noodles) all served in a thick moderately spicy broth. If you are heat sensitive, be sure to avoid eating the peppers; they will get you! These dishes range from 250 Npr to 280 Npr.

Ting Momo, a large, soft, yielding steamed Tibetan bread, which resembles pull-apart rolls in appearance, is a great accompaniment to any meal and come four to an order for 100 Npr. Chicken Mushroom Phing Curry is another delectable Tibetan dish. It resembles Maru in that it is served with glass noodles, chicken, and black mushroom yet the broth is more delicate and not at all spicy. Chicken Mushroom Phing Currry runs about 190 Npr.

For the ultimate Dechenling dining experience, gather a group of four or more friends and make a reservation for Gyokok—the Tibetan Hot Pot. At 650 Npr per person, this is definitely meant for celebratory moods or true Foodies. Gyokok is served with seven appetizing side dishes and makes for a great dining experience.

I’ve always been too full to try the deserts but I hear they too are great. However, I have tried some of the alcoholic beverages and can highly recommend the Garden Punch and Garden Tea. Served hot, the Garden Punch is made from spicy rum with fresh lemon and honey. Varying only slightly, the Garden tea uses brandy instead of spicy rum. Alcoholic drinks will cost you 250 Npr.

For reservations or directions, call Dechenling Garden of Joy at 441-2158.