Balancing Festive Flavours with Healthy Eating

Dashain brings traditional flavours, family gatherings and a variety of festive dishes to Nepali kitchens. But experts say the celebrations should also focus on healthy eating, balanced nutrition and reducing food waste.

Nepali kitchens serve a variety of dishes during Dashain, including meat, beaten rice, pickles, vegetables, lentils, yoghurt and traditional sweets.

These dishes reflect Nepal’s culinary heritage while carrying religious, cultural and family significance.

Chef Shyam Lama said, “Nepali cuisine stands out for its diversity of flavours and originality.”

Food researcher Sharda Gyawali, who is also an author and editor of books on food and cuisine, says vegetarian dishes should have as much importance as meat-based food in the Dashain kitchen.

Vegetarian dishes should be given equal importance alongside meat-based dishes during Dashain.

From a health perspective, doctor Sudip Bhandari recommends eating a balanced variety of foods that provide essential nutrients during the festival.

He says people should pay attention to portion sizes and dietary diversity while continuing regular physical exercise.

Dr. Sudeep Bhandari highlighted an importance to maintain a balanced diet, control food portions and continue regular physical exercise during Dashain.

Reducing excessive food purchases and preventing food waste during festivals are equally important.

Food and cuisine experts say the joy of Dashain can be extended by storing food properly, using it wisely and distributing it according to need, while remembering communities affected by natural disasters and those facing food shortages.

Dashain cuisine, therefore, is about more than taste and tradition. It also highlights the importance of health, balanced nutrition, culinary heritage and social responsibility.