Momo - the Nepali king of savoury dumplings - is having a grand party in Melbourne on March 17 at Coburg Velodrome.
In the words of Norgen Norboo, one of the organisers of the Momo festival, the dish is beyond a distinct meal.
"Momo for Nepalis can be breakfast, or one can enjoy it during lunch, have it as a brunch or an even for a pukka Aussie tea," he says laughingly.
Simply put, Momo is a Nepali style dumpling - with minced meat or vegetables mixed with ground coriander, ginger, turmeric, cumin and chilli inside a wrapper made of flour.
They come in all shapes, sizes and varieties - from fried to the ones immersed in mouth-watering soups, to ones that are partially opened, to ones that are wholly wrapped in beautiful flowery shapes.
Different types of momos (Image: Facebook) Source: Facebook
But still, a whole event dedicated to dumplings?
"They are just so immensely popular - they do deserve their place in the annual event calendar of Melbourne," says Norgen.
However, there is more to the story.
Norgen says the delicacy is an excellent way to promote Nepal to multicultural Australians.
"We always talk about Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) or Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha) when we have to introduce Nepal - but she has much more to offer that. We chose dumplings as food is a global language and it is not only quick to prepare, as we know, it is delicious as well," he says.
Momos - short for "Mo:Mo: Cha" is thought to have been introduced in the Nepa Valley (Kathmandu valley) by the indigenous Newars who went to Tibet for trade in historical times.
The Newars not only brought the dumplings to Kathmandu but also transformed it with locally available ingredients. For a long time, momos prepared in Kathmandu were mostly of water buffaloes.
If you have to draw comparisons to other forms of savoury dumplings such as gyozas, the most profound difference in momos is the use of spices and herbs.
Another factor that puts momos in a league of its own is the soup, chutney or dipping sauce it is predominantly served with. Like with momos, one can find varieties of these and Norboo promises people will not be disappointed at the festival.
Norboo says even vegans can now enjoy these little bundles of joy at the Momo Fest.
Source: Facebook
"We'll have tons of unique momos - we have encouraged stall owners to serve options such as gluten-free and vegan ones to dessert momos."
Norboo says there are a few musical performances and other entertainment aimed at both adults as well as the kids.
Around 20,000 people attended the festival last year over three days. They’re hoping for full capacity at this year’s one-day event on March 17.
"We are ready for 30,000 people this year, and I can assure they will not be disappointed!"
Source: Ben Dearnley
