Tucked along Kingsland Road in the heart of Dalston, The Laughing Yak is a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant dedicated to bringing the authentic flavours of Nepal to East London. Founded with a genuine passion for Nepalese culture and cuisine, it is one of the most characterful and warmly run dining rooms in the area, with a colourful, stylish interior that reflects the personality of the team behind it.
The à la carte menu spans the breadth of Nepalese cooking, drawing inspiration from the snow-capped Himalayas to the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Small plates offer a great introduction to Nepalese cooking: kinema achar pani puri shots, beetroot and vodka cured salmon dungri with saffron mascarpone, and Colchester oyster bhaji with grapefruit and samphire. Momos, the beloved Nepalese dumplings, are a must, available steamed or crispy and in a range of fillings from pork and chicken to fermented soya and smoked aubergine.
Larger plates include chatamari, a fermented rice and lentil pancake topped with curries and mozzarella, alongside hearty thukpa noodle broths and slow-cooked curries served with rice, roti and all the trimmings. The thali platters, available in veggie, seafood and meat options, offer a generous spread for those who want to try a little of everything.
For the full experience, the six-course tasting menu is the way to go, taking guests on a considered journey through the kitchen's best work, with a vegetarian version available alongside the meat and fish option. Staff are notably knowledgeable and enthusiastic, taking time to guide guests through each dish.
To drink, indulge in one of the refreshing lassis - think mango and cardamom or lychee and lemongrass - or choose from a selection of teas, beers, wine and cocktails.