Himalayan tastes float along the Alps

Bern, Switzerland, June 25: Even after acquiring the citizenship of a new country, individuals often retain a deep affection for the culture and customs of their country of origin. Heera Gurung and Yukta Kumari Gurung, Swiss citizens originally from Pokhara, Nepal, have embraced their Nepali culture by opening their own restaurant in Bern, Switzerland. Their restaurant, called Pokhara Nepali Kitchen, aims to bring the taste of Nepal to Bern with the motto “Taste the Love of Nepal.”

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted with a sense of being in Nepal, as the walls are adorned with photographs showcasing iconic sites like Pashupatinath and Lumbini, Fewa Lake and other cultural imagery. Likewise, the table covers of the restaurant also seem like clothes of the Nepali Gurung community. 

The Gurung couple, who left Nepal 28 years ago in search of a better future, now proudly showcase their originality and culinary skills through their restaurant. With a focus on serving Nepali flavours and dishes, the Gurungs have created a unique dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Heera shared that the initial concept for opening the restaurant stemmed from their observation that while Switzerland featured options from various countries such as Thailand, India, and China, Nepali food was not available. The couple believed that Swiss people would appreciate Nepali cuisine due to its salubrious and milder spice levels compared to other cuisines. 

Additionally, Yukta’s extensive experience in the hospitality sector, spanning two decades, further motivated them to open a Nepali restaurant. Prior to opening the eatery, the couple invited their Swiss friends to their home to introduce them to Nepali cuisine, and the positive response they received motivated them to pursue the business. 

Four years ago, in 2019, Pokhara Nepali Kitchen opened its doors in Bern, Switzerland.

While there are other restaurants in Bern and other parts of Switzerland operated by Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs), they serve cuisines from countries other than Nepal, according to Heera. At Pokhara Nepali Kitchen, they serve rice, momo (dumplings), and some other varieties of Nepali dishes. The majority of their customers are foreigners who have visited Nepal at least once, Gurung said.

The restaurant has also become a means for the Gurung couple to promote tourism in Nepal.  Heera explained that many customers inquired about the restaurant’s name and the photos displayed on the walls, and after brief explanations, they developed an interest in Nepal. Heera mentioned that the Swiss who visited Nepal particularly appreciate the country’s weather and many chose to visit during the winter season when Nepal is warmer compared to Switzerland’s freezing temperatures.

Heera emphasized that their primary motivation for running the restaurant is self-satisfaction rather than earning money. Currently, Yukta serves as the chef while Heera manages the overall operations. In addition to the couple, they have four employees working at the restaurant.

Yukta informed that they visit Nepal annually to purchase items such as dishes (charesko thal), spices, clothing, and other necessary products for the restaurant. While the cost of purchasing these items in Nepal and Switzerland may be similar, they believe that buying from Nepal could help the Nepali economy a little.

When discussing Nepali life in Switzerland, Heera mentioned that approximately 900 Nepalis live in various parts of the country, with around 300 holding membership in the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) organisation. Many Nepalis work in the service sector, said Heera.

Heera himself was a former chairperson of NRN Switzerland but not satisfied with the activities of NRN central leaders. He believes that the NRNA should remain a social organization with the objective of supporting Nepal’s economy, rather than being manipulated as a political tool by central leaders. According to him, the NRN community should prioritise serving the nation and supporting its development, rather than seeking personal gains.