.png)
One of the world’s largest festivals celebrating Nepalese cuisine is making its way to Dallas-Fort Worth this November: it’s the MoMo Festival, a lively one-day event dedicated to food, music, and culture. Held at the Levitt Pavilion in Arlington, this celebration on November 2 promises to bring the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Nepal to life.
The star of the show is the momo, a Himalayan steamed dumpling beloved in Nepalese cuisine, but the festival also features live music performances by popular artists like Pramod Kharel, a celebrated singer and judge on *The Voice Nepal*. Alongside these entertainment highlights, attendees will have the chance to explore Nepalese culture through food and meet a broader Nepalese community that has found a home in Texas.
The MoMo Festival, founded by Pradip Giri in 2022, has rapidly grown in popularity. Giri previously ran a gas station restaurant called MoMo To Go, which served authentic momos to a devoted following until its recent closure. Despite this, the festival itself has gained a tremendous fanbase. In 2023, it drew a crowd of 15,000, and Giri is optimistic that the number will only grow this year. “Texas has one of the largest Nepali populations in the U.S., competing with Newark, New Jersey—we may even be the top by now,” Giri explains. “Especially in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. We get a lot of people who come up from Houston, but also from Austin, Arkansas, and Louisiana. This year, I’ve even heard from some folks flying in from Washington state. With the food, music, and entertainment, it’s just a wonderful, fun gathering.”
The event will feature 50 vendors serving a variety of food, beverages, and merchandise. This year’s vendor lineup includes popular local spots like Bankhead Brewpub, Namaste Grill and Bar, Nanglo, and Everything Halal. Each vendor offers a unique twist on the classic momo, from chicken kothe to veg chili momos, catering to a variety of tastes. Attendees can also expect to find vegetarian and Halal options to accommodate dietary preferences.
In addition to the food, the festival has designed a lineup of activities for everyone. A VIP lounge and bar will elevate the experience for those looking for a premium experience, while live competitions and interactive exhibits will keep things exciting. This year, BBC *MasterChef* finalist and Nepalese chef Santosh Shah will make a guest appearance, giving festival-goers a taste of his culinary expertise at a booth where he’ll be showcasing his skills.
The entertainment lineup includes performances by both local bands and internationally renowned artists. The schedule is packed with family-friendly activities, including movie characters for children to interact with, a petting zoo, stilt walkers, and even life-size dinosaurs. Below is a sneak peek of the day’s schedule:
- **2–9 pm**: Food and non-food vendors open for browsing and purchasing.
- **2–7 pm**: Appearances from movie characters like Hulk and Iron Man for kids.
- **2–5 pm**: Performances from local bands, singers, dancers, and stilt walkers.
- **3–5 pm**: Petting zoo and interactive dinosaur experience.
- **5 pm**: Momo-eating competition with two rounds featuring 20 participants in each.
- **5:30–9 pm**: Mainstage performances from international artists, including Anju Panta, Pramod Kharel, and Phiroj Shyangden & The Beats Band.
General admission tickets start at $15, and parking is free, making the festival accessible to all interested in joining this cultural celebration. Several sponsors are supporting this year’s event, including the Nepalese Society of Texas and Walk for Nepal - Dallas, alongside other members of the Nepalese community. Trifecta Management Company will help oversee event logistics to ensure the festival runs smoothly.
Giri’s vision for the festival goes beyond introducing the momo to the general public. “Our goal is to introduce Nepalese and Himalayan food, especially the momo, to non-Nepalese audiences,” he explains. “We want to reach out to more of the non-Nepali crowd to enjoy the food and experience the Himalayan music.”
The MoMo Festival offers something unique: a chance to immerse oneself in the cuisine and culture of Nepal. With food stalls brimming with traditional Nepalese dishes, an eclectic lineup of music and performances, and family-friendly attractions, this year’s festival aims to provide an unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a food festival; it’s a cultural gathering, a celebration of community, and a testament to the growing presence of Nepalese culture in Texas.
For Giri and many attendees, the MoMo Festival represents a nostalgic connection to home, while for others, it’s an introduction to the warm, welcoming spirit of Nepalese culture. Whether you’re there to sample momos or to see an internationally acclaimed performer, the festival promises a full day of flavors, sounds, and experiences unique to the Himalayan region.
So, mark your calendar for November 2 and come hungry for more than just food. The MoMo Festival in Arlington is an opportunity to embrace the vibrant Nepalese culture, from its savory dumplings to its lively music, right in the heart of Texas.