00:00Do you know that momos are so popular in Delhi that there is a momo stall at an average of every 500 meters?
00:13WowMomo sells more than a million momos all over India every week.
00:18From paneer, chocolate to Nutella, many stores sell momos with more than 50 types of fillings.
00:30So friends, in Nazaria's Khao Gali, we have reached Indian Food History's Marvel, at your favorite momos stall.
00:49Hey, momos are momos.
00:52Oh, yes, whether it is singular or plural, momos are momos, not momos.
00:59If you are from the millennial or Gen Z generation, then you must have tasted momo's uprising and exploration with your eyes and tongue.
01:12I am sure many times you must have been scolded by your family for being too much invested in this Himalayan delicacy.
01:18Now, whether it is your local momo stall, an exclusive outlet or a famous desi restaurant, you will get momo's availability everywhere.
01:27But you will not get this decade-long journey of momo from Bhuja.
01:32Don't worry, my team and I will trace this dramatic journey to fame for you.
01:38The momo yatra.
01:39The story of momo's origin goes through many ups and downs.
01:44It is believed that dumplings had evolved in Nepal and Tibet till the 14th century.
01:49By the 17th century, these dumplings had become a staple snack in Tibet's Lhasa.
01:54Strong trade relations between Tibet and Kathmandu have played an important role in bringing momo to you and me.
02:02There are two very interesting theories that factually trace momo's further entry.
02:07Firstly, in the 1960s, during the China-Tibet conflict, Tibetan communities in India were resettled in Ladakh, Dajling, Dhamshala, Sikkim and Delhi.
02:18These areas became momo's first hotspots.
02:21Another theory says that momo was introduced to India by Nepal's Neva traders.
02:26In Newari, one of the oldest languages of Nepal, momay means cooking by steaming.
02:31It is very much possible that momo came to us from both ways.
02:35It is not necessary that there is only one way to reach anywhere.
02:38People of Dajling also say that momo was an elite delicacy in the early 70s and 80s, which was only available in restaurants.
02:47India, a nation of momo lovers.
02:50If you ever come to Delhi, you will find that momo is omnipresent.
02:54You will definitely find a momo stall at every corner of the street.
02:58Momo has become a prominent part of Delhi's food culture.
03:01Whether you have gone out with friends for a drink or on a special date, momo will always be there by your side, making the evening a little more spicy.
03:10Majnu's teela, Dolma Aunty in Lajpat Nagar and Yeti's Himalayan momos are Delhi's most favorite spots.
03:17Similarly, momo references are found in many Bollywood movies.
03:21There is even a character named Momo in a movie called Circus.
03:26After the year 2000, momo has become a niche street food in tier 1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore.
03:33This industry was further grown in organized food chain brands.
03:37Wow Momo, which started in Kolkata in 2008, today has more than 350 outlets in India.
03:44Brands like Dim Sum Cafe, Momo King, Momo Company, Momo Mong and Momo Factory flourished a lot after 2010.
03:52After entering the popular domain in 2010, the population of momo lovers has increased rapidly.
03:57In even smaller tier 2 and tier 3 cities like Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, etc., you will find momo at every street corner.
04:05Once someone comes to India, his hospitality is full.
04:10Along with that, we also color it in our own color.
04:13The momos that used to be made with beef, pork or tibetan style yak meat and was served with soup and pickle,
04:20we have put our own desi tempering in its fillings and making style.
04:25Fried momo, Jhol momo, Tandoori momo, Gravy momo, Kote momo, Chilli momo and even Chocolate momo.
04:31I have not tried this chocolate momo.
04:34Tell us in the comment section below, how do you like this chocolate momo?
04:38Vegetarian momo has its own world.
04:41In the styles that I have told you earlier, you will find a lot of veg options.
04:45You will easily find vegetable, paneer and soya options in maximum places.
04:51Now this makes you think, why have momo become so popular across India?
04:56Is it just the taste or is there something deeper?
04:59Well, our opinion says that it's a mix of both.
05:03Momo are adaptable.
05:05They can be steamed, fried or even tandoorified.
05:08Whether you like chicken or paneer, spicy chutney or creamy mayonnaise,
05:13there is a momo for everyone.
05:15We are all momo lovers.
05:17But even today, the communities that bring momo and their many cuisines for us,
05:23face racial discrimination every day.
05:26If a delicacy like momo starts being used like racial slurs,
05:30then what is the use of this cultural exchange and evolution?
05:34Let's together make sure that we and our friends and their families
05:38respect all cultures in the same way.
05:41And with healthy cuisines, healthy fun continues.
05:44I, Ashish Atrey, will continue to serve you stories of more amazing dishes from Nazariya's Khao Gali.
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06:08In the comment section, do share your favorite momo variety with us.
06:12I will meet you in the next video.
06:14Till then, keep living life, keep sharing love.
06:18Goodbye!
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