At a Nepali teahouse
You've trekked for five hours, walked into a teahouse, and dropped your pack. Here's the script — greetings, ordering, refills, paying — in the order it actually plays out at any teahouse from Lukla to Manang.
What to expect
- Most teahouses serve dal bhat all day; menus vary but dal bhat is always there
- Tea refills are usually free at the same teahouse — ask, don't assume
- Settle the bill in cash before bed, not in the morning when the kitchen is busy
- Saying 'mitho cha' (delicious) to the cook is the single best tip you can leave
The script
Hello / greetings.
नमस्ते।
Namaste.
Universal greeting; hands together is the cultural extra.
I'd like dal bhat, please.
मलाई दाल भात दिनुहोस्।
Malaai daal bhaat dinuhos.
The default trekking meal — lentils, rice, vegetables, often with refills included.
Tea, please.
चिया दिनुहोस्।
Chiyaa dinuhos.
Defaults to milk tea. For black tea say 'kaalo chiyaa'.
Without sugar.
चिनी बिना।
Chini binaa.
Is there hot water?
तातो पानी छ?
Taato paani cha?
Bring your bottle — cheaper than buying mineral water and safer than tap.
Delicious!
मिठो छ!
Mitho cha!
Cooks beam. Say this even if you only half-mean it — it's good trail karma.
Can I have more?
अलिकति थप्नुहोस्।
Alikati thapnuhos.
Dal bhat refills are usually free; rice and veg are refillable, meat is not.
I'm full, thank you.
पुग्यो, धन्यवाद।
Pugyo, dhanyabad.
Use this firmly or the cook will keep offering.
Bill, please.
बिल दिनुहोस्।
Bil dinuhos.
How much?
कति भयो?
Kati bhayo?
Goodnight.
शुभ रात्री।
Shubha raatri.