Shakpa, or Sherpa Stew made by a Legendary Nepalese Mountaineer: Wildberry Restaurant, Ashford, WA, USA
Shakpa, or Nepalese Sherpa Stew
by Wildberry Restaurant, Ashford, Washington, USA
Wildberry Restaurant, just outside of the headquarters of Mount Rainier National Park in Ashford, Washington is, despite its unassuming appearance, one of the best Nepalese restaurants in the United States. Owned and operated by a legendary Sherpa mountaineer, Wildberry serves traditional Nepalese food just outside the base camp of one of America's most famous mountains.
It was my very first time to ever try Nepalese food, and it just inspired me even more to someday visit Nepal, one of my bucket list destinations.
 |
| Sherpa stew at Wildberry Restaurant near Mount Rainier, Washington, USA |
I ordered the shakpa, or Sherpa stew. This rustic stew is a traditional hearty Sherpa dish served in a big bowl and made with green beans, carrots, red potatoes, celery, and chunks of tender stewed beef cooked in a rich, warm, flavorful, and mildly sweet, spiced broth.
I also tried the kukhura thali, a traditional Nepali platter built around chicken curry. The boneless chicken was simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy infused with spices like garlic, ginger, fenugreek, and timur (Sichuan pepper), giving it a deep, aromatic flavor.
The meal was was served alongside bhat (steamed rice), dahl (a mild lentil soup), and a selection of tarkari, or seasonal vegetables.
 |
| kukuara thali |
About the owner: Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa
On May 26, 2003, Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepalese base camp in just 10 hours, 56 minutes, and 46 seconds via the Southeast Ridge route. This remarkable feat broke the previous world record and still stands more than two decades later to this day. A corner of his restaurant is a mini museum dedicated to the history of his historic ascent.
Mr. Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa has summitted Everest more than ten times, Washington State's Mount Rainier nearly 100 times, and has also climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Cho Oyu (the world's sixth-highest mountain), and many other of the world's most famous peaks.
He personally delivered our food to our table but was very shy and humble when we asked him about his incredible world records. He just smiled and nodded and asked us how we were enjoying our meals.
 |
| a museum dedicated to the owner's mountain climbing career |
Location
Wildberry Restaurant is located at 37718 WA-706, Ashford, WA 98304, United States just a short drive from the Mount Rainier National Park headquarters.
Check out the menu on their official website here:
Comments
Post a Comment