MOUNT Everest, on the border of Tibet and Nepal, is also known as Chomolungma, Goddess Mother of the World. And Chomolungma is the name of a new restaurant in Manuka that celebrates Nepali cuisine. It’s worth a visit.

The location is Palmerston Lane. The venue has changed hands several times over the past few years with subsequent owners not lasting very long. A big part of the problem seemed to be the structure of the restaurant. It was “odd” – divided into two, with one side closed off from the other and both dark and foreboding.

The new owners have ripped the place apart, opening up the venue, adding clear glass, brighter-coloured paint, better lighting and neutral brickwork. It works a treat and is much more inviting. Foodie friends introduced me to it – they had already been several times – and I’m delighted they did.

The menu at Chomolungma is small, but the food packs a punch and is not expensive by any measure. Except for the entrees, the mains are not designed for sharing. They are Thali-style and so come on metal TV-dinner-type trays with segments that hold your main meat, rice, soup, vegetables and condiments. One suggestion I have is to provide placemats to stop the trays from spinning about on the wooden table tops.

Although I’ve never been to Nepal, my bet is that the steamed momos (dumplings), which we shared at the start, are authentic tasting and would make Nepalese people proud. I bet they make head chef Raju Tamang proud, too. Options are chicken, pork and vegetables. The momos, soft on the outside, come with one bowl of clear soup, which isn’t easy to share but at least the momos were great ($12).

The menu features four chef suggestions, which you can order mild or hot. I decided in a flash to have the braised goat meat on the bone ($18), which came with a rich, spiced gravy, fluffy rice, dahl, some crunchy veggies and pickle. The meat was tender and full of flavour. I could have used a bit more, however.

Another of our party enjoyed the garlic chilli prawns ($20), also served with lentil soup, rice and other small dishes. The braised lamb was equally yummy.

Salads on offer include chickpeas with rice, lemon juice, onion, cucumber, chilli and coriander ($10) and a tandoori chicken with lettuce, onion, tomato and cucumber ($12). We didn’t go for the desserts but one day it would be fun to try the hot millet pancake served with banana, strawberry and honey ($9).

The service at Chomolungma is cheery and it’s the kind of place you can visit often without breaking the bank. BYO wine only (corkage $2 a  person).

Chomolungma, Palmerston Lane, Manuka. Call 0450 317346.