In a delightful treat for fish enthusiasts, a new culinary destination named ‘Janakpure Fish House’ has officially opened its doors in Naxal, Kathmandu, with the aim of bringing the rich taste of Janakpur’s traditional fish cuisine to the capital. The restaurant was launched on Tuesday by BBC MasterChef finalist and celebrity chef Santosh Shah, who continues to champion Nepali and Mithila cuisine both at home and abroad.
A New Venture for Culinary Exploration
Located within the premises of Mithila Thali, another of Shah’s popular ventures, Janakpuri Fish House is envisioned as a specialized hub for authentic fish dishes, where visitors can indulge in a variety of traditional and innovative preparations inspired by the cuisine of the Mithila region.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chef Santosh Shah emphasized that the goal of the new restaurant is to replicate the flavors, techniques, and presentation styles of Janakpur’s iconic fish dishes, offering Kathmandu residents and tourists a chance to explore a lesser-known but richly diverse culinary heritage.
“We’ve brought the taste and tradition of Janakpur’s fish cuisine straight to the heart of Kathmandu,” said Shah. “My dream is to make this city feel like Mithila through food, vibrant, flavorful, and deeply rooted in culture.”
Grand Opening with Culinary Display
The official launch ceremony of Janakpure Fish House was graced by prominent figures from Nepal’s tourism and hospitality industry, including food critics, travel entrepreneurs, and local media. During the event, Chef Shah personally prepared and served an assortment of traditional fish items to the invited guests, showcasing the depth and variety of Mithila cuisine.
The menu featured signature dishes like Machha Tarkari (fish curry), Bhutwa (spicy fried fish), Machha Ko Jhol (soupy fish dish), and traditional fish fry, all prepared using authentic Mithila techniques and spices. These dishes reflect the deep cultural importance of fish in the culinary landscape of the Madhesh region.
Guests praised the effort as not just a new restaurant opening, but a culinary movement aimed at reviving and celebrating regional Nepali food culture, particularly one that has been underrepresented in mainstream dining spaces.
Chef Shah’s Continued Commitment to Nepali Cuisine
Chef Santosh Shah has long been known for his dedication to promoting Nepali gastronomy on global platforms. He gained international acclaim after making it to the finals of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals, where he won hearts with his inventive use of Nepali flavors and cooking styles.
Back home in Nepal, Shah has been busy translating that vision into real-life experiences. Janakpure Fish House is his fifth restaurant venture in the Kathmandu Valley, following the successful launch of four Mithila Thali outlets, which specialize in traditional Maithil vegetarian cuisine.
“I’ve always promoted Mithila cuisine when I’m in Nepal, and when I’m abroad, I promote Nepali cuisine as a whole,” Shah stated. “This fish house is an extension of that mission, to show the world the richness and diversity of our food.”
A Cultural Bridge Through Food
The restaurant is not just about fish; it’s about bringing Mithila’s cultural identity to the forefront of urban dining. Through its design, decor, and hospitality, Janakpuri Fish House aims to immerse diners in the warm, earthy ambiance of the Terai-Madhesh region. From Maithili wall art to traditional utensils and hospitality customs, every aspect of the restaurant tells a story.
Moreover, the ingredients used in the dishes are sourced with care to maintain authenticity. Many of the spices and herbs are brought directly from the Terai region, ensuring that the taste remains true to its roots.
Reviving Regional Cuisines in the Capital
With the growing popularity of fusion and fast food in Kathmandu, traditional regional cuisines often get sidelined. Chef Shah’s initiative stands as a countermovement, reviving and elevating regional Nepali food, one plate at a time. By doing so, Janakpure Fish House not only adds variety to Kathmandu’s food scene but also educates urban diners about the diverse food cultures that exist within Nepal’s borders.
The opening of this fish house also aligns with broader trends in Nepali tourism and gastronomy, where travelers, both local and international, are increasingly seeking authentic cultural and culinary experiences.
What Lies Ahead
Janakpuri Fish House is expected to become a go-to destination for fish lovers, food explorers, and anyone looking to dive into the flavors of southern Nepal. Shah hinted at further plans to expand the reach of Mithila and Nepali cuisine in other parts of the country and abroad, suggesting that this is just the beginning. For now, however, Kathmandu residents have a new hotspot to enjoy the savory and soulful flavors of Janakpur, all served with warmth, heritage, and the expert touch of one of Nepal’s most celebrated chefs.
