Chinese Cuisine in Pokhara: What to Order with Dry, Saucy or Spicy Dishes

Chinese food is an option that is suitable for nearly any situation. You can have a plate of chowmein for lunch, eat fried rice that is very filling for dinner, order something spicy to share with friends, or just choose a familiar dish when you want something comforting.

In Pokhara's Lakeside area, Chinese food is now a common feature of the local dining options. Since both local residents and tourists are served by hotels, cafés, restaurants and bars, there are a wide variety of choices if you want noodles, fried rice, spicy chicken or something a bit different.

It's not merely a question of locating a restaurant that has "Chinese" listed on its menu when looking for good Chinese food; the location, the variety of dishes, the portion sizes, the atmosphere, and even the availability of delivery services can all have an effect.

There is one place that deserves consideration, Relax Kitchen & Bar in Hallanchowk on Lakeside. While Chinese food is included in its extensive multi-cuisine menu, this menu also features Indian, Thai, Nepali, sushi, pizza, burgers, momo, dimsum and seafood. The range of options can be very convenient when you are eating out with a group and all of them want different things.

Why Chinese Cuisine Works So Well in Lakeside

Lakeside is one of the most popular districts in Pokhara with regard to restaurants and cafés; people visit it having spent some time around Phewa Lake, after having explored the city, or simply because they are staying in one of the numerous hotels and guesthouses in the area.

Chinese food belongs well to that kind of setting since there is a great deal of variety.

For many people, noodles and rice are common choices and the meals available can vary from mild and simple to spicy and heavily seasoned. It is possible to order a number of dishes to be served at the table and have them shared, something that is especially suitable when dining with friends or family.

Another benefit of a place like Relax Kitchen & Bar is that you need not agree on a particular type of cuisine before you start eating. For instance, one person might order noodles, another could have fried rice, and a third person might select Thai food, Indian food, Nepali food or one of the other dishes on the menu.

If you're still unsure about where to eat in the area, our guide to where to eat in Lakeside, Pokhara will also assist you in finding places to go for different kinds of meals, such as breakfast and local food, as well as for group dinners and hotel deliveries.

What to Order for Chinese Food in Lakeside

Relax Kitchen & Bar offers a variety of dishes based on Chinese cuisine, including noodles, rice dishes, chicken preparations, wantons and fish dishes. Since the menu is subject to change, it's a good idea to check the current menu to see what is available and to find out the prices before placing an order.

The Chinese menu includes items other than noodles and rice. ​You can choose from dry and saucy chicken dishes, tofu, chicken wantons and a number of fish dishes; this provides you with greater flexibility according to whether you are looking for something crispy, spicy, saucy, light or appropriate for sharing.

Dry and Saucy Dishes

The saucy and dry section has a number of chicken dishes together with a tofu choice.

Fried Chicken with Bok Choy: This consists of stir-fried chicken together with bok choy and seasonings, and the fresh, slightly crisp texture of the bok choy goes well with the chicken.

Ma-Po Minced Chi Tofu: This is a tofu dish made with mince that has a chilli flavour and various aromatic seasonings; it is a suitable alternative should you wish to have something other than chicken.

Stir Fried Chicken: It is chicken that is cooked with vegetables and seasonings of a savoury kind using a simple stir-fry method.

Chicken Gizzard Chilli: This dish consists of chicken gizzard cooked in chilli and aromatic seasonings, resulting in a spicier dish which has a firmer texture.

Shredded Chicken: It is made up of shredded chicken mixed with vegetables and seasonings and can be especially suitable as part of a shared meal.

Roasted chicken: It is seasoned with a rich and savoury sauce and has a fuller flavour, which means it can be served as one of the main courses at the meal.

Kung Pao Chi Cashewnut: You get chicken cooked in the Kung Pao style together with cashew nuts, spices and savoury flavours.

Sichuan Chicken: This is a more robust and hotter variety using Sichuan-style spices and fragrant ingredients.

Chongqing Spicy Chicken: This is a dish that combines chicken with chilli and aromatic spices, suitable for those who enjoy a stronger level of heat.

Hot Garlic Chicken: It is chicken cooked with garlic and spicy seasoning so that it has a rich and savoury flavour.

Sweet and Sour Chicken: it comes with a sweet-and-sour sauce which combines tangy and sweet flavours.

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Manchurian Chicken: It is chicken prepared in a savoury Manchurian-style sauce with aromatic seasoning.

B.B.Q. Chicken: It has a smoky, savoury flavour due to being seasoned in the barbecue style.

Special Potato Chicken: It is a hearty mixture of chicken, potatoes and seasonings made with vegetables.

Wings Chilli: The dish consists of chicken wings tossed in chilli and a savoury seasoning. It's a good choice if you want to share them.

Dry Chicken Chilli: This is a dry-style chilli chicken which includes peppers, chilli and aromatic seasonings.

Chicken Wanton

Wanton is also an option if you are after something lighter or one that can be shared.

Wanton Fry: The wanton filled with chicken is fried until it is crisp, so that you end up with a crunchy wrapper and seasoned chicken filling.

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Wanton Soup: Chicken wantons are served in a warm soup together with vegetables and with aromatic seasoning; compared with fried wantons, this option is softer and more comforting.

Fish Dishes

The section on fish offers three different ways of preparing it, ranging from a lighter steamed dish to more rich and spicy ones.​

Steam Fish: Fish that has been steamed together with vegetables and fragrant herbs or seasonings; the simpler method of cooking means that the fish remains the main element.

Fish with hot garlic: To cook the fish, use garlic, chilli and a savoury seasoning so that it has a stronger and more aromatic flavour.

Sichuan Boil Fish: Fish is cooked in a spicy broth using chilli and aromatic ingredients. If you prefer stronger flavours and a lot of heat, then you should consider this dish.

Noodles, fried rice, choupsey, chicken, wanton and fish dishes are all on offer, so you can keep your meal simple or choose to have several items placed in front of you.

What should you pick, noodles or rice?

If you're finding it difficult to decide, ask yourself this simple question: are you in the mood for noodles or rice?

Chowmein is a good option for a simple meal when you're on your own and is suitable if you'd like something you know well.

Fried rice has a more substantial quality and is also easy to serve with other dishes.

There is no correct or incorrect choice; it all comes down to what you're hungry for and what else you intend to order.

It is also possible for each person to get a chance to try both kinds of food when you order one noodle dish and one rice dish while dining with friends.

If you'd like to find out more about the various kinds of Chinese food, our article on Chinese cuisine in Pokhara looks at the dry, saucy and spicy varieties in more detail.

Chinese Food for Groups in Lakeside

Chinese food is very convenient in situations when you are having meals with a group of people.

Rather than each person having their own meal, you could place a number of dishes in the middle of the table and have them shared. For instance, one person may prefer chicken, another may be interested in vegetables, and a third person might be looking for noodles or seafood.

The variety of cuisines on offer at Relax Kitchen & Bar means that this is even more convenient. As well as Chinese food you can also find Thai, Indian, Nepali food, sushi and maki, pizza, burgers, momo, dimsum and seafood.

It therefore eliminates the need for the group to choose a single type of cuisine; instead, you can select different dishes according to what each person would like to eat.

It would be advisable when dealing with larger groups to look at the full menu before placing your order so that you can plan the meal to match everyone's preferences.

Vegetarian Chinese Food in Lakeside

At Relax Kitchen & Bar, vegetarians have a number of options. Among the choices are Veg Fried Rice, Veg Pad Thai, vegetarian snacks, momo and other dishes.

It is particularly useful in situations where you are eating with a mixture of people. Since everyone can choose at the same restaurant, there is no need to give up on the kind of food they prefer.

It would be best if you spoke to the restaurant before placing your order if you have a particular dietary requirement or need to avoid some ingredients so that the kitchen can then give you advice about what to order.

Why Location Matters in Lakeside

When you travel, convenience matters.

Relax Kitchen & Bar is situated in Hallanchowk, Lakeside, Pokhara, which makes it convenient for those who are staying in the central Lakeside area or near Phewa Lake.

Even if you're already spending your day in Lakeside there's no need to go across to Pokhara just because you want to eat Chinese food.

Its location also makes it suitable for having a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner or a meal eaten late at night.

Chinese Food Throughout the Day

Chinese food needn't be something you only have for dinner.

A plate of chowmein is quite sufficient for an easy lunch, whereas fried rice or a number of shared dishes is better suited to an evening meal.

Relax Kitchen & Bar is open from 6 AM until 2 AM, and food delivery is also available from 2 PM to 2 AM.

Late hours can be of use to people whose circumstances do not match the standard lunch and dinner schedule.​

You could also arrange for food to be ordered online, by phone, or via WhatsApp if you don't wish to leave your hotel or accommodation.

For the delivery options that are currently available, you can look at the restaurant's ordering page.

Would you like to eat in or order Chinese food online?

Both choices make sense depending on your plans.

By eating at the restaurant you get the opportunity to sit down with friends, order a number of dishes and appreciate the atmosphere surrounding Lakeside.

It is more convenient to have your food delivered if you have been travelling all day, if you're tired from having explored Pokhara, or if you just want to have dinner at your hotel.

Delivery at Relax Kitchen & Bar is available from 2 PM until 2 AM via the online ordering system, by phone, and through WhatsApp.

When you are staying at a hotel, the guide on food delivery in Lakeside, Pokhara lists the details you might need to have ready when placing an order for delivery, such as the name of the hotel, its contact number and its location.

What Makes a Good Chinese Meal?

It's not just a matter of selecting the item on the menu that is most familiar.

It is also important to consider the details: noodles should get on well with the other ingredients, fried rice must have sufficient flavour of its own, and the sauces should match the main ingredients rather than entirely dominate them.

Certainly, taste is a matter of personal preference.

There are those who prefer a lot of chilli and strong flavours, while others like things to be milder. Some people will choose chicken or seafood, whereas others prefer a vegetarian dish.

That is why it can be useful to have a varied menu since it allows you to make your choice according to your mood rather than restricting you to one particular style.

A Simple Way to Order at Relax Kitchen & Bar

If you're there for the first time and the menu seems a bit overwhelming, there's no need to worry about it too much.

For someone Chicken Chowmein or Chicken Fried Rice is a simple thing to begin with.

Those dishes based on chilli are worth trying if you enjoy spicy food.

When there are two or more people, it would be a good idea to order one noodle dish, one rice dish and one other course to share; the dry and saucy chicken dishes, the wanton and fish dishes can all be served in the middle of the table.

Those who are vegetarian may begin their meal with Veg Fried Rice or look at the other vegetarian options listed on the full menu.

That wouldn't really be a problem if your group can't reach a decision about what kind of food to eat, since Relax Kitchen & Bar offers a variety of cuisines and thus you can combine Chinese dishes with Thai, Indian, Nepali or other kinds of food.

It's a good idea to look at the current menu before going there to see what the latest dishes are and how much they cost.

Chinese Cuisine Near Phewa Lake and Central Lakeside

For people who are visiting and staying in Lakeside, the location is often just as important as the food itself.

Relax Kitchen & Bar is in a central position in Lakeside, which makes it convenient for guests who are staying at hotels and guesthouses nearby.

If you're looking for a quick meal while you're exploring Pokhara, dinner following a day spent around the city, or a late-night meal that is delivered to your lodging, remaining in the Lakeside area will make everything much easier.

If you're looking among different places where you can eat, our Lakeside food guide will assist you in finding some that suit the kind of meal you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of Chinese food can I order at Relax Kitchen & Bar in Lakeside, Pokhara?

The Chinese-style menu at Relax Kitchen & Bar features Chicken Chowmein, Chilli Chicken Chowmein, Chicken Fried Rice, Chilli Chicken Fried Rice and Veg Fried Rice; it also has available American Choupsey, seafood noodles, dry and saucy chicken dishes, chicken wanton and fish preparations.

Does Relax Kitchen & Bar have food for vegetarians?

Correct. The vegetarian dishes available are Veg Fried Rice, Veg Pad Thai, vegetarian snacks, momo and other dishes.

Is it possible for me to have Chinese food delivered to Lakeside?

Yes, Relax Kitchen & Bar provides delivery between 2 PM and 2 AM and you can place an order using its online ordering system, by phone or via WhatsApp.

If you want to know more regarding hotel deliveries, refer to our guide on food delivery in Lakeside, Pokhara.

What time does Relax Kitchen & Bar open?

Relax Kitchen & Bar is stated to be open from 6 AM until 2 AM, and food delivery is available from 2 PM to 2 AM.

Is Relax Kitchen & Bar merely a Chinese restaurant?

By no means is it a multi-cuisine restaurant, café and bar. The menu features Chinese, Indian, Thai, Nepali, sushi, pizza, burgers, momo, dimsum, seafood and other food and drink choices.

Final Thoughts

Chinese food is suitable in Lakeside since Relax Kitchen & Bar in Hallanchowk offers Chinese food along with a more extensive menu, which results in a great deal of variety. If you want to keep it simple you can have chowmein or fried rice, for something spicier try Sichuan Chicken or Chilli Chicken, ask for wanton to share, or have one of the fish dishes.

For those who stay in Lakeside, convenience is also an aspect of the experience. Relax Kitchen & Bar in Hallanchowk combines Chinese food with a more extensive menu, so that individuals, couples and groups can find something they like without having to go to a number of restaurants.

The late opening hours and the delivery service are also of use to travellers whose itineraries do not fit neatly into conventional lunch and dinner times.