Chhoyla Recipe: The Newari Community's Spicy Grilled Meat Dish

What Is Chhoyla?

Chhoyla is a beloved dish from the Newari community of the Kathmandu Valley — meat that's first grilled or fried, then tossed in a fiery mix of chili, ginger-garlic, and oil. It's typically served as a snack alongside chiura or bara, or as part of a samay baji platter. It might sound involved, but it's genuinely something you can make at home within an hour.

What You'll Need

• Meat (buffalo or pork) — 500g, cut into pieces
• Cooking oil — 3 tablespoons
• Ginger-garlic paste — 2 tablespoons
• Chili powder and fresh chili — to taste
• Timur (Sichuan pepper) powder — half a teaspoon
• Onion — 1, chopped
• Fresh coriander, salt — to taste
• Lime juice — 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Grill or Fry the Meat

Cook the meat either directly over an open flame or by frying it thoroughly in oil. Grilled meat should have a lightly charred exterior with the inside fully cooked. Either method works fine — if you don't have a way to grill over open flame at home, frying in a pan gives a very similar result.

Step 2: Cut the Meat

Let the cooked meat cool slightly, then cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Mix

Heat oil in a pan and fry ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, and timur powder for a minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cut meat to the spice mix and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated. Mix in the chopped onion, fresh chili, and salt.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, add lime juice and fresh coriander, and mix well. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Flavour

• Some charring on the meat is expected — that's exactly what gives chhoyla its distinctive smoky flavour
• Add the lime juice only at the end — adding it too early can soften the meat's texture too much
• If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of chili used

How to Serve It

Chhoyla is typically served with chiura, bara, or as part of a samay baji platter. It's also a popular pairing with a cold beer or local spirits.

Fresh meat is available from sellers on FoodSansar — make this traditional Newari dish at home today.