Bara: A Traditional Nepalese Classic at Dé Buddha
Nepalese cuisine is rich in heritage, flavour, and artistry, and bara is undoubtedly one of its most beloved classics. Deeply rooted in tradition and adored for its comforting taste, bara is more than just a meal—it’s a true celebration of Nepal’s culinary spirit. At Dé Buddha Restaurant, we honour this timeless favourite by crafting it with care, patience, and a thoughtful approach that honours its roots.
What Is Bara?
Bara is a beloved traditional Nepalese pancake made from lentils, celebrated for its crispy outside and soft, flavourful inside. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, bara has a special spot in Nepalese homes and during festive celebrations. When made just right, its simplicity brings out delightful layers of warmth, texture, and taste.
The Traditional Bara-Making Process at Dé Buddha
At Dé Buddha, we believe that true authenticity starts right in the kitchen. Our bara is crafted from a thoughtful mix of three types of lentils—white, green, and black. We wash these lentils thoroughly and let them soak overnight, which helps them soften naturally and really brings out their rich flavours.
The next morning, we take those lentils and blend them up with fresh garlic, ginger, coriander, salt, and our special Dé Buddha spices. This creates a smooth, aromatic batter that truly captures the essence of our bara.
Slow Cooking for Perfect Texture
Once the batter is all set, batter is gently poured onto a warm pan with just a few drops of extra virgin olive oil. Carefully it’s spread into a nice round shape, and then covered with a traditional clay lid. This slow-cooking technique ensures the bara cooks evenly, sealing in all that delicious flavour while creating a perfectly crisp golden crust.
As it’s turned with care and cooked patiently, the bara transforms into a lovely golden on the outside, while staying soft and tender on the inside—just the way it’s meant to be.
Taking Bara a Step Further at Dé Buddha
We truly appreciate tradition, but we also enjoy adding special touches that enhance the overall experience. For those who love meat, we elevate our classic bara by topping it with tender, flavour-packed chicken, resulting in our beloved signature Chicken Bara.
For those who crave something even richer, we finish it off by gently cracking an egg on top, creating our delightful Chicken Bara with Egg—a perfect blend of textures and flavours.
No Bara Is Complete Without the Perfect Accompaniment
A great bara deserves a bold companion, and at Dé Buddha, we’ve got just that! Our bara comes with a choice of either our Special Goat Meat Sauce—rich, aromatic, and utterly satisfying.
These really elevate the meal, bringing in layers of flavour and contrast that make each bite unforgettable.
Why Bara at Dé Buddha Stands Out
What truly sets our bara apart is the love and care that goes into making it. From soaking the lentils overnight to the slow cooking process under a clay lid, each step showcases our dedication to tradition, quality, and flavour. It’s a dish crafted with patience, respect, and a whole lot of love—values that are at the heart of Dé Buddha.
Whether you’re diving into the world of bara for the first time or revisiting a beloved classic, our version brings you an authentic taste of Nepal in every single bite.
Why Bara at Dé Buddha Stands Out
I came across this small spot on social media and decided to give it a try. The meal began with a thoughtful welcome: a subtle but excellent apple chutney, accompanied by a complimentary homemade drink that immediately hinted at the care behind the food.
We started with a pancake served alongside goat curry sauce, and a plate of tempura prawns. Both were spot on. The pancake was light and comforting, made all the better by the depth and warmth of the curry sauce, while the prawns were crisp, clean, and delicately fried without any heaviness.
On the waitress’s recommendation, I chose the goat curry for my main, with my partner opting for the monkfish. Both dishes were superb. The goat curry was deeply flavoured and slow-cooked to tenderness, and the monkfish was perfectly judged, firm yet succulent. Portions were generous enough that I couldn’t quite finish mine.
It’s an unassuming place doing things properly: confident cooking, well-balanced flavours, and genuine hospitality throughout. I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for quality without pretence.
-Johnny Wright
Experience Traditional Bara at Dé Buddha
If you’re on the hunt for some genuine Nepalese bara in Johnstone, we’d love for you to check out Dé Buddha—where tradition and careful craftsmanship come together beautifully.
- Address : 12 Collier Street, Johnstone, Scotland
- Fine Dine Only
- Hours : Daily, 12 PM – 10 PM
- Reservation : Booking Online
👉 Visit our Menu and Book a table today.
A Taste of Nepal, Served with Care
Bara serves as a beautiful reminder that when you treat simple ingredients with care, they can transform into something truly remarkable. Here at Dé Buddha, we take pride in sharing this traditional Nepalese dish with our guests—slowly prepared, served with warmth, and meant to be enjoyed.
Come and enjoy our bara, crafted with love, cooked with tradition, and served at Dé Buddha, where authentic Nepalese flavours make every bite feel like home.
✨We look forward to welcoming you.
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