For 30 years, I have not left the country except for Canada, if that even counts. Otherwise, international travel has not been my cup of tea.

Until recently. Encouraged to stay home for safety, forbidden to travel abroad, my wanderlust has flared up — an itch I cannot reach to scratch.

So when I learned that Niagara Falls was home to a restaurant serving dishes from Nepal, a cuisine I had never tried, it was expedition time.

Owner Kala Tiwari opened Taste of Nepal in June. When I arrived for lunch, the other tables were empty. In normal times, that would be a cause for concern, but this was 2021.

Broadly speaking, the menu is Indian-adjacent: tandoori meats, biryani, flatbreads, curries, dosas, chaat, samosas, and butter chicken. But the star? The momo.

The momo dumplings — steamed, fried, or served in a spicy soup — were stellar. The chicken version came with a fiery mustard-laced dipping sauce. But the veggie version? Even better.

I tried gundruk sadheko, Nepals national dish. It is not for the faint-hearted, made of fermented mustard leaves and other fibrous greens — vital in Nepalese winters. While divisive, it told a story of survival.

The rest of the dishes? Universally adored. Chicken chili was the best in town. Palung ko saag made spinach delicious. Bhindi masala was caramelized and bold. The tandoori meats were smoky and satisfying.

Bread highlights included paratha, especially the one stuffed with paneer. But the true dessert revelation was the lumbini dosa: warm, sweet, filled with coconut, cashew, and spices, and drizzled with honey. Magical.

By the end, I was not just full — I was transported. I want to see Nepal now. Until then, Kathmandu flavors at Taste of Nepal will do just fine.