Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, family-owned Everest Cuisine has emerged as a leader in elevating Nepalese cuisine on the global stage. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Sagar, the restaurant is committed to nurturing cross-cultural understanding through food. They offer travelers a unique opportunity to immerse more deeply in Nepalese culture through their culinary work exchange program.
Those accepted into the month-long program will work closely alongside Everest Cuisine’s talented kitchen and service staff while learning crucial skills. In the kitchens, aspiring chefs can hone their craft under Chef Sagar’s tutelage, gaining hands-on experience with ingredient preparation, Himalayan cooking techniques, and menu development sourced from the restaurant’s local artisan partners.
For those wishing to learn front-of-house skills, the dynamic service team led by floor manager Lhakpa offers comprehensive training in hospitality, dining room operations, and incorporating cultural nuance into the guest experience.
In exchange for 25 hours of work each week, participants receive room and board at Everest Cuisine’s on-site guest house nestled among community gardens and heritage herb plots. This allows for an immersive cultural experience beyond the workplace. On evenings and weekends, work exchange alumni share their stories and expertise over communal family-style dinners, giving insight into Nepalese customs.
Excursions to meet artisan suppliers and experience hands-on cooking or craft classes further enrich our understanding of Nepal’s diverse foodways and people.
Those who complete the program not only gain invaluable skills but also lifelong connections within Everest Cuisine’s community network. Alumni consistently garner support for future projects in Nepal or recommendations for jobs within the thriving hospitality industry. For many participants, what began as a work opportunity evolved into a transformative cultural exchange nurturing personal and professional growth far beyond initial expectations.
“The culinary work exchange allowed me to follow my dreams of becoming a chef in the most authentic way possible – by immersing myself fully in Nepalese culture through food,” shared alumnus Michaela Jones. “I’m forever grateful to Everest Cuisine for opening their home and hearts to share their passion for hospitality.”
For food and culture lovers seeking an impactful volunteer experience, Everest Cuisine’s program offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse, learn, give back, and build lifelong connections across borders through the universal language of food.