Backpacking India 64/129: Buying Chicken to Cook Thai Food for Nepali Guests at Nepali Homestay

Backpacking India 64/129: Buying Chicken to Cook Thai Food for Nepali Guests at Nepali Homestay

This India trip of mine, mr.hotsia, was filled with memorable moments when I had the opportunity to visit a Nepali homestay in a rural area not far from a big city. Wanting to do something different from typical backpacking trips, I decided to buy fresh chicken from a local market to cook Thai food for the Nepali people here.

Before telling you about that day, I must say that traveling to this homestay was not easy because there was no clear city name on the map. I had to rely on locals and small buses to reach the destination, similar to experiences I had inTraveling to Darjeelingwhich required familiarity with the routes and locals for safety.

That morning, I started at the fresh market of a nearby village. The lively sounds of vendors and the mix of spices with the scent of fresh chicken created a bustling atmosphere. I carefully selected fresh chicken and met a vendor who spoke a mix of local language and simple English, helping me get a large chicken at a fair price.

After buying the chicken, I continued to the Nepali homestay where the hosts were a genuine Nepali family. They warmly welcomed me with a friendliness rarely found in big cities. I witnessed the lifestyle of Nepali people in India blending their own culture harmoniously with Indian ways of life.

At this homestay, I used a simple traditional kitchen equipped with everything needed to cook Thai food. I intended to prepare familiar dishes like Tom Yum Chicken and Stir-fried Chicken with Chili Paste, using ingredients I sourced and seasonings the hosts helped find. The aroma of Thai spices and herbs beautifully connected the two cultures.

While I cooked, the villagers and the host family helped by preparing vegetables and sharing stories about rural life. The warmth of cultural exchange deeply impressed me. Despite being far from the big city, the friendliness and sincerity of the people made me feel at home.

This lunch became a very special moment for me and the Nepali people here. The Thai food I made surprisingly pleased them, especially the spicy flavors and herbal aromas that differed from their daily meals. I also learned from them about simple yet rich Nepali cooking methods, which paired well with the local Indian dishes I had experienced.

In the afternoon, after a satisfying meal, I explored the small village around the homestay. I found that most villagers still lived traditionally—growing kitchen gardens, weaving cloth, and crafting local handicrafts. Some went to the market early to sell goods. The atmosphere reminded me of peace and simplicity rarely found in big cities.

Speaking of scenery, this place is not as steep as locations I have visited likeWater Chi Touror mountainous and dense forested areas, but it has its own charm with fields and traditional houses that bring smiles to travelers like me.

For travelers who want to truly experience Nepali life in India, I, mr.hotsia, recommend visiting a homestay like this. It’s not just tourism; it’s cultural exchange and a heartfelt connection between Thai and Nepali people through food and hospitality.

If you have followed me on trips likeBackpacking BangaloreorBackpacking Mumbaiyou will see that I focus on local stories and real experiences rather than superficial sightseeing. This time is no different—I want you to feel the warmth and simplicity I found at this Nepali homestay.

Finally, if you want to watch a video clip of that day’s atmosphere, you can viewBackpacking India 64/129: Buying Chicken to Cook Thai Food for Nepali Guests at Nepali Homestayto see live footage and feelings from the field with me, mr.hotsia.

This journey taught me that wherever you go, the most important thing is to open your heart to learn and share. I hope this article inspires you to travel and discover wonderful stories waiting in every corner of this world.