Momos popular fast food in the Indian mega-cities.
Momo is a type of steamed bun with some form of filling. Momo has become a traditional delicacy in Nepal, Tibet and among Nepalese/Tibetan communities in Bhutan, as well as Sikkim state and Darjeeling district of India. It is one of the most popular fast foods in Nepal. Momos have also spread to other countries like United States (some parts), UK and India. MoMo used to be particularly part of cultural and traditional cuisine among the Newar community specially among Tuladhar and their related clans. Till mid 90s or some years after the Jana Andolan, MoMo was a popular cuisine only among Newars and Kathmanduites. Mo:mo used to be home-cooked cuisine, only among Newar communities before mid 90s. At that time, only buffalo mince meat was used, which restricted expansion among Brahmin and Chhetri population. However, due to increased internal migration to and from Kathmandu, increased eating out culture, and freer economy, mo:mo spread across Nepali cities and has been one of the most loved cuisine among Nepali diaspora. According to older generation of Newars, Mo:Mo might have been introduced by Newar merchants doing trade in Tibet. It is believed that mo:mo got its name for being a steamed dish (in Newari/Nepal Bhasa, Mo means steam, mo:mo - implying steam steam), as per oral history. Till mid 2000s, mo:mo was only limited among Nepali and Tibetian diaspora in India. However, by 2017, it has spread as one of the popular fast food in the Indian mega-cities.