Momo, the unofficial national food of Nepal, is set to make Australia its second home with “Momo Fest—Nepalese Dumpling Festival” begin organized at Coburg Cycling Velodrome in Melbourne from Mar 23-Mar 25. The three-day culinary extravaganza is expecting a bigger audience compared to last year’s 15,000 attendees, as the organizers gear up for one of the biggest festivals for Nepalis in Australia.
The Momo Fest 2018 boasts over 30+ varieties of momo—ranging from buff momo (a popular favorite in Nepal), to goat, lamb, beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and various vegetarian and vegan options. With entertainment divided between two stages, one can expect a full spectrum of eastern-influenced entertainment and grooves.
Momo Fest 2018 will have different concept for every day—Momo Dinner with Movies on Friday; Main Festival with Momo, live music, colors, multicultural performances on Saturday; and Momo Brunch with DJ music on Sunday. The main stage is headlined by internationally-acclaimed Nepali traditional folk band, Kutumba, whose combination of explosive high-energy percussion and mystical soundscapes—inspired by the spectacular Nepali landscape—will be one to watch. Adding to the vibrant entertainment will be popular local bands, workshop and performances in Latin moves, Bhangra beats, Hip hop dance, colorful Chinese lion dancers, energetic Nepali Lakhey Dance, and rhythmic Nepali steps.
“We want to share the joy of momo with the world,” says Raju Shakya, the organizer of the event. “Nepali cuisines have not been able to get international recognition. With this festival, we promote Nepali food, music and culture in the diverse Australian community.”
The festival will also see an exciting celebration of Holi colors, as a symbol of multiculturalism. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of new season, and a festive day to meet others, play and laugh.
Under a rainbow sky, the aroma of dumplings and the hustle and bustle of food trucks, M Festival 2018 is the ultimate love letter goodbye to another lazy Melbourne summer. “Momo Fest believes in celebration of life and culture through sharing love and giving back to the communities in need,” Shakya says. “We are aiming for 25,000 attendees this year. Melbourne is going crazy for momo right now.”