Meet Kamala Rai: The Heartwarming Soul Behind Reeti Riwaz Griha, Nepal's Cozy Corner in Jordan

This article is written by Imama Dawood

In the vibrant pulse of Jordan, Hong Kong, where neon lights flicker like distant stars and street vendors call out their wares, a hidden treasure awaits food lovers craving a taste of the Himalayas (Nepal). Reeti Riwaz Griha, meaning "Traditional Culture House,” isn't just a restaurant; it's a warm embrace of Nepalese street food traditions, dished up with love by owner and Chef Kamala Rai. Located at87 Battery Street, this unassuming spot invites you to pull up a stool, sip spiced milk tea, and let the flavors whisk you away to the bazaars of Kathmandu.

A Journey from the Mountains to the Melting Pot

Kamala's path to Hong Kong reads like a well-spiced adventure tale. She first arrived in the city in 1997, right as waves of new cultures were crashing into its shores, blending with the familiar hum of dim sum and duck. But the real magic unfolded during her two decades in Singapore, where she not only mastered local cuisines but also discovered the love of her life amid the hawker stalls and humid nights. 

Upon returning to Hong Kong, she sharpened her skills alongside acclaimed chefs like Kyle Lee (Executive Chef at Honjo), immersing herself in Japanese precision, Italian warmth, and French finesse. Yet, through it all, her soul stayed tethered to the earthy, bold flavors of Nepal, the kind that linger on the tongue like a fond memory.

"Food is my way of carrying home with me," Kamala says with a smile that lights up her kitchen. At Reeti Riwaz Griha, she's turns that nostalgia into a daily ritual, using ingredients sourced from Hong Kong’s lively wet markets to create authentic food magic in Kowloon.

Staying True to Roots in a Fast-Paced City

What draws you in at Reeti Riwaz Griha? It's the authenticity that hums through every bite. Every single morning, before the sun fully rises over Jordan, Kamala is already at work, handcrafting plump momos and snacks with fresh ingredients handpicked from local markets. Her signature vegetarian momos, a steamy pocket of dough stuffed with spiced lentils and greens, served steaming hot with a tongue-tingling spicy sauce, that dances on the edge of too-hot-to-handle  are pure joy on a plate. Wash it down with a frothy cup of traditional Nepalese milk tea, rich, infused with cardamom and ginger, for a  “hug in food form” that feels both exotic and familiar.

The name "Reeti Riwaz Griha" isn't just poetic; it's personal. It honors her family's traditions, a way to preserve and pass on Nepalese culture in a city that never sleeps. "I want to share the rhythms of Nepal here, where life moves so quickly," Kamala shares. "It’s about staying true to yourself, even in a city that reinvents itself every day." Pop in, and Kamala, ever the friendly neighborhood chef, will greet you with a smile and stories from her travels, turning a quick bite into a heartfelt connection.

Why Hong Kong? Because It's a Melting Pot of Dreams

Kamala could have set up anywhere, but she chose Hong Kong for its vibrant energy and endless inspiration. "This city welcomes new foods, new cultures, it's alive with possibilities," she says. Yet, like many small businesses, visibility is her biggest hurdle. In a sea of options, getting the word out to locals and travelers alike has been tough. That's why places like Reeti Riwaz Griha need our love, they're the hidden sparks that keep Hong Kong diverse, exciting, and real.

But let's be real: building a dream like this hasn't been all smooth sailing. In a commercial whirlwind where many small restaurant businesses struggle, as big chains dominate the spotlight, Kamala grapples with the quiet challenge of visibility. 

"It's tough navigating the market when people don't yet know the magic of momos or the warmth of our tea," she admits. "But every new face who tries it and comes back smiling? That's the fuel." Her resilience is a reminder that true flavor comes from persistence and heart.

A Call to Savor the Unfamiliar

Kamala's story is a gentle nudge to us all: stay rooted, but branch out. In her words, "Life's too short for bland plates, dive into the new, the spicy, the stories waiting at your table." Whether you're a lifelong Hong Konger or just passing through, embracing places like this isn't just about eating; it's about opening your world a little wider. Kamala's story is one of passion, resilience, and the simple power of good food to bring people together.

So, next time you're near Jordan or near West Kowloon, follow the scent of fresh momos and spiced tea to 87 Battery Street. Grab some vegetarian delights with that addictive spicy sauce, sip on Nepalese milk tea, chat with Kamala, and discover why this "Traditional Culture House" is another heartbeat of the neighborhood.

Support local businesses, celebrate diversity, and discover the rich flavors of Nepal right here in Hong Kong. If you want to hear more about the amazing founders we're featuring? Reach out anytime at info@guidefong.org. Stay tuned for more stories!