Explore the flavors of Nepal and India at Turmeric House in Weymouth

WEYMOUTH – Turmeric House executive chef and partner Anand “Andy” Pokhrel wants to clear up some common misconceptions about Indian food.

Pokhrel said people often think Indian food will leave your mouth on fire, but not all Indian food is spicy.

“Our food is very mild. Unless people ask for the level of spices, we don’t add any spices at all,” Pokhrel said.

Turmeric House, which opened in 2019, specializes in Nepalese and Indian food. All four owners are childhood friends who grew up in the Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayan mountains in Kathmandu, Nepal, which is the capital and most populous city in the country.

The restaurant was founded by Suzan Magar, Pokhrel, Prabin Thapa and Mahesh Shahi. They had decided to pursue their passion and moved to the U.S. 20 years ago to explore the world of cuisine beyond their hometown.

Their roots in Kathmandu have inspired them to share the rich and diverse food and cultures that define Indian and Nepali cuisine. Pokhrel said the menu represents that passion and commitment to the flavors, spices and dishes from both countries.

Pokhrel said Nepal and India use the same spices, but the cooking techniques are a little different.

“In Nepal, our soil is fertile, so we use lots of fresh garden vegetables, all herbs and spices,” Pokhrel said.

The food is different in each region of India, Pokhrel said. In the southern part of the country, the weather is hot, and people eat dry spices and dishes with mustard, coconut milk and curry leaves, he said.

Turmeric House has an eclectic menu with traditional options from both countries.

Indian appetizers include vegetable samosas, which are turnovers stuffed with potatoes, green peas, turmeric and spices; and vegetable pakoras, which have potatoes, onions, carrots, spinach, chickpea flour and roasted spices. You can also get chicken pakoras.

Nepalese appetizers include momos, which are Himalayan-style steamed dumplings served with spicy tomato chutney and sesame peanut chutney, and chow mein, which you can get with vegetables or chicken.

Curry options include vindaloo, which is spicy curried stew cooked with tomato, red chilies, potatoes, vinegar and garlic. The popular korma is made from cashews, garlic, ginger and onion paste simmered with dry fenugreek and garam masala. The term “masala” means combination, Pokhrel said.

The Khasi ko Masu is a Nepalese entrée with bone-in goat curry cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes and spices. An Indian-style entrée is chicken madras with chicken cubes, coconut milk, curry leaves, mustard seeds and a spicy sauce.

The restaurant's tandoor grill is a clay oven that is used to bake bread and cook. The food cooked in the oven is known as tandoori.

The chefs grind and roast all the spices at Turmeric House, Pokhrel said.

He said his native country of Nepal, which sits between India and China, is very multicultural.

“If you looked at Nepal cuisines, our food is combined with everything together,” Pokhrel said.

Turmeric, which comes from the root of a plant in the ginger family, is a common spice found in Indian food. The main ingredient found in the plant is curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In India, people often drink turmeric with yogurt to ease pain.

Mohair Shetty, of Weymouth, stopped by Turmeric House to pick up her takeout. Shetty is from India and said turmeric has its own “healing powers.” Shetty ordered the vegetable entrée dal makhani, which has kidney beans, cream, cinnamon powder, ginger-garlic paste and makhana sauce.

She said the food at Turmeric House reminds her of home.

“No Indian restaurant other than this matches that. Even my 2-year-old loves it,” Shetty said.

Pokhrel said he wanted to create a family-oriented environment at Turmeric House. The large dining area is elegantly decorated with soft music playing in the background.

“I want them to feel like they’re eating at home,” Pokhrel said.

If you go

• What: Turmeric House

• Where: 428 Washington St., Weymouth

• Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. Closed 3 to 4:30 p.m.

• Contact: 781-331-0700, turmericweymouth.com

Reach Joel Barnes at jkbarnes@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Turmeric House in Weymouth offers Indian and Nepali cuisines