NEPALI & INDIAN CUISINE

Salt Lake City may be best known for its mountains and skiing, but nestled among its urban streets is a culinary gem: Himalayan Kitchen. For two decades, the restaurant has been serving dishes infused with the vibrant, complex flavors of Nepal, India, and Tibet. Yet, beyond the flavorful curries and handmade momos lies an even richer story — that of Surya Bastakoti, a man who epitomizes resilience, dedication, and the spirit of an immigrant in search of a better life.

From Gorkha to Salt Lake City: A Culinary Legacy

Surya Bastakoti's journey began far from Utah, in the foothills of the Himalayas in Gorkha, Nepal. As a young boy, Surya learned to cook alongside his mother, who passed down more than just recipes — she imparted a deep respect for the earth and its produce. “We had a garden where we grew everything fresh,” recalls Surya. His mother taught him the importance of using only the freshest ingredients, a principle that remains at the heart of Himalayan Kitchen’s menu today.

In the mornings, young Surya would head out to pick vegetables for the day’s meals. He learned quickly that there were no shortcuts in his mother’s kitchen. When he once picked spinach the night before, his mother admonished him: “You always pick it fresh the day you eat it.” This lesson stayed with him, forming the backbone of his culinary philosophy: “freshness and quality above all.”

A Treacherous Path to Safety

Surya’s culinary journey was anything but straightforward. Before he became a beloved restaurateur in Salt Lake City, he was an entrepreneur in Nepal, leading a successful trekking company that guided adventurers through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Himalayas. But Nepal’s political landscape in the early 2000s was far from stable. Following a coup d’état by King Gyanendra, the country plunged into martial law, with violent crackdowns becoming common. Surya, along with many others, found himself in the crosshairs of a brutal regime.

In a harrowing turn of events, Surya was kidnapped and held hostage in a bunker. “I was kept with dozens of other prisoners,” he recalls. For weeks, he endured beatings and torture, pressured to give up the savings he had accumulated from his trekking business. When he finally agreed, his kidnappers left him on the streets of Kathmandu with nothing but a cell phone. It was then that he made a call to his sister, a call that marked the beginning of his escape.

Fleeing Nepal, Surya arrived in New York City with little more than hope. He had friends in the city, but the hustle and bustle of New York were a far cry from the serene valleys of his homeland. During a previous visit to Utah in 2003 to learn paragliding, Surya had fallen in love with the Wasatch Mountains. Their resemblance to the mountains surrounding Kathmandu made him feel at home, and he knew this was where he needed to rebuild his life.

Building a Home Away from Home

Utah’s diverse landscape became a place of solace for Surya. He missed certain traditional dishes made from barley and millet, ingredients hard to find in America. Yet, he found comfort in the mountains, the kind smiles of local Utahns, and the opportunity to share a piece of his heritage through food.

In 2004, he opened Himalayan Kitchen, bringing the flavors of Nepal, India, and Tibet to Salt Lake City. The restaurant quickly became known for its commitment to authentic, high-quality cuisine. Unlike many Indian restaurants that rely on pre-made spice blends, Himalayan Kitchen toasts, grinds, and blends its spices weekly. It’s a labor-intensive process, but one that pays off in every bite. Each dish — from the goat curry, made with grass-fed goat meat, to the aromatic methi curry — is crafted with care and attention to detail.

Surya’s success didn’t come without challenges. The restaurant industry is notorious for its high failure rates, and Himalayan Kitchen faced its biggest test during the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns and restrictions, Surya feared he would have to close the doors for good. “Food costs skyrocketed, and so did rent and utilities,” he says. Yet, with the support of loyal customers and the local community, Himalayan Kitchen managed to stay afloat. Surya refused to cut corners, insisting on the same quality ingredients despite the rising costs.

 A Testament to Immigrant Resilience

Surya’s story is one of many in Utah’s vibrant immigrant community, where tales of overcoming adversity are common. From refugees who fled persecution to entrepreneurs seeking better opportunities, these stories are woven into the fabric of the state. Surya’s journey stands out as a testament to the strength and resilience of immigrants who have found a way to thrive despite the odds.

He is quick to acknowledge that his success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community. “When a mom and pop restaurant closes, it’s not coming back,” Surya says, emphasizing the importance of supporting small, independent businesses like his. It’s a reminder that the true heart of a city lies in its local establishments and the people behind them.

Celebrating 20 Years of Himalayan Flavors

As Himalayan Kitchen celebrates its 20th anniversary, Surya remains as committed as ever to his craft. He continues to experiment with new dishes and flavors while staying true to his roots. The restaurant has become a beloved staple in Salt Lake City, known not just for its food but for the warmth and hospitality that Surya and his team offer every customer.

It’s been a long journey from the hills of Gorkha to the streets of Salt Lake City, but Surya’s story is far from over. With his infectious smile and unwavering dedication, he looks forward to many more years of sharing the flavors of his homeland with Utah.