Pumpernickel, Kathmandu, Nepal

It came as a surprise to Leibspeise that each Nepalese country village had nearly as many “German bakery” signs as a small town in Germany (see pictures). Hence, it was quite a challenge to find a German bakery that truly is German and doesn’t just put a German sign over the front door.

We discovered Pumpernickel bakery in central Thamel, Kathmandu  and of all fake German bakeries this is the only one that actually lives up to its name.  It offers a variety of bread rolls, fantastic sandwiches and cakes which all do taste like real German bakery products. Yet, an interview with the friendly Nepali owner Norbu revealed that while Pumpernickel has been around for almost 30 years, it has no connection to Germany:  all ingredients are from Nepal (organic), and all staff is Nepali.

Interestingly, all recipes are developed based on a trial and error approach, customers are given samples and asked for their feedback. Norbu is currently creating a  rye and sourdough bread which will be available next year.

To portrait Pumpernickel was a tough choice for Leibspeise as it had no connections to Germany in a strict sense, yet, its products are very German, so it would be a shame to not let you know about this German food jewel in Kathmandu, Nepal.

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