Momo Ghar – Spiciest Dish in Columbus Series

A local legend, Momo Ghar recently opened an additional location in Dublin.

Starting off in a stall in Saraga International Market and rocketing their way into the hearts and mouths of folks all around Columbus, Momo Ghar has made quite the name for itself around the city. With a feature in Food and Wine, and an appearance on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, Chef and Owner Phinsto Lama has made a big impression on the food world.

We’re a few days removed from being fully vaccinated, so looking forward to eating at restaurants in the near future, but in the short-term it’s still delivery and takeout for us. Snagging the signature Jhol Momo, Bodi, and Gyathuk Ngopa, we carefully prepped the momo to make sure we got the full experience.

The Gyathuk Ngopa is a dish of pan-fried noodles topped with stir-fried vegetables with chicken (or beef). Lots of veggies including fresh spinach and a fairly equal ratio of noodles to veggies if not leaning in the veggie direction. Add a bit of the side sauce and ooo boy, it adds a nice little kick.

Personally, I was not of a fan of the Bodi, the black-eyed pea cold salad tossed and coated with a mix of spices and herbs (Newari style), but it was a dish that The Lady of the Farm enjoyed quite a bit. The spices were a unique combo for me, but I’ve never been a black-eyed pea fan (except Elephunk, that album was a classic). Less a knock on the dish and more a knock on me for not liking those peas (which are actually beans).

Folks have been telling us for quite some time that we needed to figure out where Momo Ghar sits on our list. We consulted with Limon Lindsay (her pepper name) to ensure we were getting the proper experience and the whole heat that Momo Ghar could provide. By now we all know how well renown this Columbus legend has become, but how spicy is it?

Sitting down with the Jhol Momo, we sampled the jhol first. A gentle heat that allows the other ingredients, somewhat earthy, sweet, and tangy altogether to roll around with the dumpling innards. Familiar flavors of cilantro, garlic, and potentially some cumin play with the spiciness, which is present, but never overwhelming. Using a half-eaten momo as a cup and getting more of the jhol in the next bite the statements already made stayed consistent, something we’ve come to appreciate over time. Handmade, but keeping consistent ratios of flavors can be tough to do, but especially from a spicy perspective, the Jhol Momo pulls it off.

As was recommended, we snagged some of the spicy sauce that is also housemade. In a thimble-like container that begs to be sipped, we poured two of the cups into the remaining jhol and then slathered the combo over the remaining momo. The spicy sauce by itself is pungent and bitter but has an intense snap of pepper heat, likely from the density of peppers used in the sauce itself. As sauce alone, it’s not much to write home about, but adding it to any of the dishes? Oh my. Our impression is that the sauce is as pungent and bitter as it is because it should never be used alone and is best when added to the other sauces that come with the various momo. The added heat sent warm tingles to my cheeks and had an addictive quality with the slightest of numbing. There’s also a slight linger from the added sauce that has you remembering the spiciness and the momo long after they’re gone.

Trying to not let my enjoyment of momo and dumplings in general cloud my rating here, but with the added sauce and the extra spark of heat it provides, we’re placing Momo Ghar at #40, just before Wing Snob’s Hot AF sauce and right after Fried Chicka Bang’s Ghostface sandwich. It will overpower those that aren’t prepared, but it’s a great lunch-time spicy for mid-range heat-seekers. It’s definitely a sauce that accentuates the food it becomes a part of and we definitely appreciate that.

You can find Momo Ghar at the following locations:

• North Market – 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
• Saraga International Market – 1265 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
• Dublin – 2800 Festival Ln, Dublin, OH 43017
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Look below for more on our spiciest dish in Columbus series and hit us up if you have any suggestions that are not already on our list!

Recently featured in the Spiciest Dish in Columbus Series:

• Min-Ga [Bethel Rd.]
• Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace [Downtown]
• Huli Huli [Powell]
• Little Palace [Downtown]
• Stadium: Hella Habanero [Gahanna]

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