The Kilroys of Kathmandu Journal
Stories, recipes, and reflections from Thomas and Arati Kilroy, founders of Kilroy’s of Kathmandu restaurant. Here we explore Nepali food, hospitality, and the experiences that shaped what was once a secret oasis in the heart of the city.
In protecting a culinary heritage we’re proud of, we’re also imagining what’s possible in this next chapter. Some entries revisit moments from the past. Others explore food, culture, and the everyday rhythm of life in Kathmandu.
Join us as we share insights and reflections, and retrace our way back to this magical land nestled in the Himalayas – a place we like to think of as home.
Namaste and welcome 🙏
🌐 Published from the United Kingdom, inspired by Nepal
Onto the stories…
The secret ingredient was never on the menu
What makes a good restaurant great? For some, it’s the food. For others, the room, the location, the reputation. As restaurants go, Kilroy’s of Kathmandu had all of those things working in its favour. And yet none of these elements in isolation - or even in the aggregate - explain why people kept coming back, and often bringing someone new with them…