Mountain Restaurant: Scaling New Heights with Indian & Nepalese Flavors in Pyeongtaek!
- Melissa Edwards-Whittington
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
By: Mini DeLamarter-Lefebvre and Melissa Edwards-Whittington
Nestled in the heart of Pyeongtaek, within walking distance of AK Plaza, Mountain Restaurant is the place for authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Since opening its doors in 2017, this restaurant has become a beloved gathering place for locals, expats, and tourists. Founded by Sujan Kumar Shrestha, Mountain Restaurant is a heartfelt homage to his homeland of Nepal and a celebration of rich culinary traditions.
A Journey from Nepal to Korea
Born and raised in Chitwan, Nepal, Sujan grew up surrounded by breathtaking mountains, rivers, and the warmth of a close-knit community. His passion for cooking and his background in marketing fueled his dream of opening a restaurant where he could share the flavors of his childhood. Korea provided the perfect opportunity with its dynamic and diverse food culture.
“I came to Korea on a tourist visa, but this country gave me the opportunity to build a life here,” Sujan shares. “I saw the potential in Pyeongtaek, a place where both Koreans and foreigners come together. It felt like the right place to introduce Indian and Nepali cuisine.”
The restaurant’s name, “Mountain,” pays tribute to Nepal’s towering peaks, including Mount Everest, while serving as a simple, memorable name that resonates with customers.
A Menu that Captures the Essence of Tradition
At Mountain Restaurant, every dish tells a story of tradition and home-cooked goodness. The menu is a carefully curated blend of Indian and Nepalese specialties, with flavors that cater to a wide range of palates and spice levels. Mountain Restaurant imports some spices to keep the flavors true to its roots. Fresh herbs and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala are essential to creating authentic Indian and Nepali flavors.
The Barbecue Momo is one of the standout dishes at Mountain Restaurant. This smoky, spiced delight, a Nepalese dumpling, has quickly become a customer favorite. In addition to the momo dumplings, the Thali Set offers a well-balanced meal with rice, lentils, vegetables, and curry. Those looking to experience the flavors of Nepal will be delighted with these authentic dishes.
If you are new to Indian and Nepalese cuisine, Sujan recommends starting with the giant Naan and pairing it with one of the traditional curries on the menu. Enjoying the giant Naan and curry is a flavorful introduction to the region’s bold spices and comforting textures. For those looking for vegan and vegetarian options, the restaurant offers many dishes to experience and enjoy.
A Warm and Welcoming Dining Experience
Here at Mountain Restaurant, the goal is not just to provide delicious food but also to create a home away from home. “We want our guests to feel like they are part of our family,” Sujan explains. The restaurant has incorporated décor featuring hand-embroidered fabrics from India and Nepalese cultural elements that immerse diners in a truly authentic atmosphere.
Whether you are enjoying a meal with family, catching up with friends, or introducing someone to the rich flavors of Nepalese and Indian cuisine for the first time, Mountain Restaurant provides a warm and inviting ambiance that makes every visit special.
Building a Community Through Food
Witnessing how the local community has embraced Nepalese and Indian food is one of the most rewarding aspects of running Mountain Restaurant for Sujan. “When we first opened, many people were unfamiliar with our food. Now, it has become a regular part of their meals,” Sujan reflects.
Due to the beautiful blending of cultures and experiences, the restaurant attracts a diverse mix of locals, expats, and tourists. Mountain Restaurant has actively engaged with the Pyeongtaek community through social media and local food groups. By engaging with the community through social media, they are fostering connections and organizing events that bring people together.
Sujan explains, “Our guests come from all over the world, of all ages. My proudest moment is when children, especially those under 15, love our food and encourage their families to return. I have a deep fondness for children, and seeing them happy brings me immense joy, as I believe they are a true blessing.”
Mountain Restaurant is proud to have been voted by the community as Best Indian Restaurant (2022, 2023, and 2024) and Best Family Restaurant (2023) in the Best of Pyeongtaek annual polls by South of Seoul. Residents can support the people and places that make Pyeongtaek unique by voting in the Best of Pyeongtaek poll every year.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future
While owning a business presents many challenges, being an immigrant in Korea introduces many additional hurdles. For Sujan, one of the biggest obstacles was the language barrier. While he focused on his passion for food and creating a wonderful dining experience for the customers, this helped him to navigate the hurdles he faced as an immigrant business owner.
While the restaurant has not drastically changed over the years, they have adapted to the customers’ growing needs and stayed true to its mission. Having an experienced chef from Nepal who has worked in five-star hotels in India and Nepal, the business has focused on innovating the menu while maintaining the authenticity of the food.
Sujan’s goal for the future of Mountain Restaurant is to be the destination for authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine in Korea. The focus for the future is to expand the menu, introduce health-conscious options, and continue to create beautiful dining experiences for the customers.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The road to success has never been travelled alone, and Sujan expresses his deep gratitude to those who have supported him. “I owe everything to my family—my parents, Mr. Laxman Shrestha and Mrs. Sushila Shrestha, who have always believed in me; my wife, Mrs. Ishwori Shrestha, who has stood by me through all the ups and downs; my brother-in-law, Mr. Rajesh Shrestha, for his unwavering help in Korea; and of course, my children, Ishu and Ishan, who bring me endless joy and motivation.”
An Invitation to Experience Something New: Indian and Nepalese Restaurant in Pyeongtaek
If you are new to Indian and Nepalese cuisine, Sujan has a simple message: “Our food is healthy, flavorful, and made with love. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you just might find your new favorite dish!”
Whether you’re craving the smoky richness of Chicken Tandoori, the comforting warmth of a steaming cup of chai, or the bold flavors of a perfectly spiced curry, Mountain Restaurant promises an experience that will transport you to the heart of Nepal and India.
Visit Mountain Restaurant in Pyeongtaek and discover a place where great food, culture, and community come together. One meal at a time, Sujan and his team are bringing the spirit of Nepal to Korea, creating lasting memories for all who walk through their doors.
Getting There: Location, Parking, and Accessibility Map]
Mountain Restaurant offers a cozy and inviting dining experience, but guests should plan ahead when it comes to parking and accessibility. While there is no dedicated parking lot for the restaurant, visitors can find both free and paid parking options in the surrounding area by utilizing parking garages and street parking. Those with mobility concerns should note that the restaurant is located on the second floor of the building and is only accessible by stairs, as there is no elevator available. Unfortunately, this means that Mountain Restaurant is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. However, don’t let that stop you from ordering takeout from this fabulous restaurant.
Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily
Mountain Restaurant
46-1 Pyeongtaek-dong Pyeongtaek-si Gyeonggi-do
경기도 평택시 평택동 46-1
Instagram: mountain_restaurant_
Facebook: Mountain Restataurant
Check out videos from KimchiRednecks about Mountain Restaurant:
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