Food · Devdaha
Sel roti breakfast in a Devdaha bazaar
Start the Devdaha day like a local: sel roti fresh from the pan, spiced potatoes, curd and sweet tea at a small family shop in a bazaar founded by settlers from the hills.
Many of Devdaha's families came down from Palpa, Gulmi and Syangja in the second half of the 20th century, and they brought hill food with them. In the morning, small shops in Devdaha's bazaars fry sel roti, rings of rice-flour batter that turn crisp and golden in hot oil.
We sit at a bench with sel roti, aloo tarkari, a bowl of curd and a glass of milky tea. It is a cheap, filling breakfast, and the shop owner will likely ask where you are from and where you are going.
From here it is a short drive to Bhawanipur and Kanya Mai, so breakfast becomes the first stop of the Devdaha circuit.
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Questions
What is sel roti?
Sel roti is a ring-shaped Nepali bread made from soaked, ground rice mixed with sugar, ghee and sometimes banana, then deep-fried. It is crisp outside and soft inside. It is made at home for Tihar and family celebrations and sold in bazaars every morning.
Is sel roti vegetarian?
Yes. Sel roti is made from rice, sugar, ghee or oil and sometimes banana or spices, so it is vegetarian. It is not vegan if made with ghee or milk. It contains no wheat, but shared frying oil means it is not suitable for strict gluten-free diets.
Where else can I try sel roti in the Lumbini region?
Sel roti is sold in morning tea shops across the hill towns and bazaars of the region, including Tansen, Butwal and the roads up to Palpa. It is also widely made at home during Dashain and Tihar in September to November, when you may be offered it as a guest.
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