Located in a humble strip mall in Voorhees, near the former Echelon Mall, Mount Masala (300 White Horse Rd E #1) is turning heads and delighting taste buds. What appears, at first glance, to be a typical suburban eatery turns out to be a noteworthy destination for Himalayan-style cuisine that goes well beyond “Indo-Chinese.” It’s a deep dive into an Asian fusion food that seamlessly blends influences from Nepal, India, and China. The result is palate-pleasing dishes that showcase spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
There is also a genuinely unique story behind the restaurant. Owners and spouses Gyatri “Gigi” Giri and Bharat Bist bring more than just cooking skills to the table. Giri, from the hills of Bandipur, raised in Chitwan, and shaped by the hustle streets of Kathmandu (with a couple of years spent in Amsterdam in between Nepal and the U.S.) and Bist, who studied hospitality and culinary arts in Nepal and Manhattan, crafted the restaurant to share their Nepali culture and cuisine while adapting to life in America. Prior to moving to South Jersey, they briefly lived in New York, where Bist worked in restaurants and Gigi worked in the fashion and jewelry industries, but they sought a simpler life to raise their family.
“Every step in my life has shaped who I am today,” Gigi proudly stated to South Jersey Food Scene.
A remarkable journey from the rugged, rural terrain of Nepal to the suburban landscape of South Jersey illustrates that a dream, combined with determination, can lead to a life of chosen happiness and higher purpose. They are where they want to be now settled in Voorhees, raising their two young children. Their eldest child, a five-year-old daughter, is learning to help in the kitchen, demonstrating the importance of passing down Nepali culture and traditions to the next generation.
Since its opening in 2016, the restaurant has become one of the few Himalayan-centric eateries in the region. It celebrates culinary traditions from Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan while incorporating recognizable elements from Indian and Chinese dishes, slanting slightly more towards Indian-style. One visit tells you this is not your typical Indian or Chinese restaurant rolled into a mish-mash of cookery—but rather its own, with innovative spins on identifiable aspects of both cuisines.
Among the standout dishes I had upon a recent visit:
- The Sizzling Momo: crescent-shaped ravioli-like dumplings, served on a smoking hot platter in a deep red chili sauce so thick it clings as you lift the dumplings out. Every single foodie in South Jersey must seek out these spectacular sizzling Momos! More about them and a video below.
- Chicken tikka masala sauced Momos. Not presented on a sizzling platter, but incredibly flavorful and satisfying dumplings nonetheless!
- Momo ko Thukpa Soup – a fresh noodle soup made with veggies, bold Himalayan spices and herbs, featuring delicious momos for a taste of mountain comfort.
- Kima Roti – a stuffed flatbread filled with ground chicken or vegetables, melted cheese, and Himalayan herbs, prepared in the traditional Himalayan way.
- Salt and pepper shrimp. A good introductory dish to break in even the pickiest eaters to Nepali food.
- Himalayan beef and vegetable curry served with Goldenya fried rice (rice seasoned with tumeric).
- Nepali-style lychee and mango ice creams. A denser, richer version of ice cream, traditionally made with Yak milk.
- Beverages: Spice-centric Himalayan tea and refreshing lychee lassi
Sizzling Momos in South Jersey, be still my heart
Ah, sizzling momos—where have you been all my life? Of course, halfway around the world! Consider me an instant member of the Sizzling Momos fan club, a stan, if you will. There’s something irresistibly enticing about a dish that announces its arrival with a sizzle you hear before you see. You just know it’s going to be good. My senses were on full alert, and the first bite delivered a flavor and sensory experience both excitingly new and comfortingly familiar.
The extensive and diverse menu offers a wide selection of both meat and meatless dishes. Vegetarians and those following a plant-based diet will find plenty of satisfying options, including tofu as a protein, a variety of noodles, and an abundance of fried rice, with over 20 varieties available. Each fusion-focused dish reflects the culinary influences of the Himalayan, Nepali, Indian, and Chinese traditions. However, pork is not available on the menu since the restaurant is halal.
Despite the unassuming storefront, Mount Masala delivers an experience that visitors have flagged as one worth traveling for. From the “smoke show” of sizzling platters of momos to the lingering, flavor-packed sauces that awaken the palate, the restaurant elevates every dish into a feast for all the senses.
Tips for Visitors
- The restaurant is BYOB. By all means, bring your own!
- If you’re heat-averse, try the “Hakku Bakku” style—which means “not hard” or lightly seasoned. Either way, they will accommodate your spice level (especially if you’re like me with an extremely sensitive tummy!)
- They’ll make every attempt to accommodate any dietary needs or restrictions. As noted, there are plenty of meatless options alongside meat dishes. While they can’t promise complete freedom of cross-contamination, they will do what they can to ensure feeding you. For example, I have an allergy to fresh garlic, and they were able to omit that from any dishes it was featured in.
- Be ready to explore: the extensive menu might overwhelm, so consider asking your server for their favorite standout. They are more than happy to answer your questions!
- Ask Gigi about her handmade jewelry. She’s so multi-talented!
Nepali Cuisine in South Jersey
In summary, Mount Masala is a reminder that exceptional and adventurous dining often hides in plain sight. With its roots in Himalayan and Nepali cuisine, enriched by Indian and Chinese influences, this Voorhees spot serves bold, hearty, and soulful dishes and tells an inspirational story of immigrant ambition. For food lovers and culinary explorers in South Jersey, Mount Masala offers a dazzling and delicious trip to Nepal without leaving Camden County.
Don’t believe me? Maybe you’ll trust Craig LaBan who raved about Mount Masala in 2023. Other food critics have also left glowing reviews. Trust them.
South Jersey Food Scene Exclusive Discount
Mount Masala also proudly takes part in the SJFS Frequent Diner program. Take your card, present it to the server, and you’ll receive 15% off your check. You’re welcome!
SJFS is dedicated to food, dining, restaurants, and drinking in South Jersey. Got a news tip? Email southjerseyfoodscene@gmail.com.