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    Restaurant Review: Everest Cuisine in Worthington

    Momo Ghar’s popularity launched a mega momo craze in Columbus over a year ago. Earning national attention and accolades from pretty much everywhere, a whole new local appreciation for Tibetan and Nepali foods has emerged in its wake.

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    To meet the epic demand, a new joint, Everest Cuisine, has entered the marketplace in Worthington. It’s inside the cavernous digs at the corner of 652 High St. While the address has housed several operations over the years, it seems especially suited for an Everest-themed adventure (keyword: “cavernous”).

    Everest has a mountainous menu of edibles. Alongside Tibetan and Nepalese fare, guests will find many familiar offerings from Indian restaurants: tandoori, curry. That said, if momos are your jam, it’s not hard to find what you’re looking for: the menu includes distinct sections with Tibetan and Everest headers.

    So, without further ado, about the momos: they are good enough to get you excited about momos all over again. We took the Jhol Momo ($9.99) for a whirl. (Pictured up top.) Served with the iconic seasoned tomato broth were a multitude of plump dumplings stuffed with “soybean, mashed potato, cabbage and spices.” If ever there was an unappetizing sounding combo, that one sure hits the mark. That said, the sum is greater than the parts, far greater. The tiny chips of vegetables and seasoning blend harmoniously to create a sturdy, savory concoction packaged in tender wraps.

    The aforementioned momos can be found in the Tibetan section of the menu, along with other options such as Chicken Momo and a couple of chowmein options. Branching out, the section also offers Chicken Thukpa ($9.99): a predominantly noodle soup stewed with carrots, onions and cilantro. It’s spicy, but one-dimensional, with little else going for it. Also, the chicken did not seem like chicken. Stick with the momos.

    Meanwhile, undeniably chicken is the Chicken Choila ($6.50), from the “Everest” section of the menu: an order delivers chopped chunks of tasty chicken marinated with garlic and ginger and served with bits of onion. The onion offers a little crunch and zip to the zesty grilled chicken.

    Wandering through other sections, there is the irresistible option of ordering a Boiled Fried Egg ($6.99). Although it might seem like some sort of editing error, the dish is, in fact, an egg that is both boiled and fried. In essence, modestly-sized boiled eggs are peeled and given a blistering grilled finish. The eggs are seasoned and served halved with more crunchy onions. The dish is not particularly fancy, but it was a hit table-side because it’s plain ol’ fun.

    Naan is obligatory whenever the option presents itself. The house makes appropriately toasty soft rounds in lots of flavors. The Garlic and Basil ($2.99) version was recommended and arrived densely covered with sweet basil, delivering both savory and herby elements. There’s a sweet version of Naan too, Kashmiri Naan ($2.99), distinguished by something on the lines of sweet old-fashioned jelly between its layers For those who always wanted to put jam on their naan, that one’s for you.

    For those seeking Indian food, the Chicken Tikka Masala ($13.99) hits the spot, with a generous supply of both chicken and creamy, full-bodied masala sauce.

    Before Everest, the bar scene was once a feature of the digs, but it’s less emphasized at this new operation, where more focus is placed on the edibles. Go for the momos, and you’ll leave happy and full.

    For more information, visit everestcuisinecolumbus.com

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    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
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