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beneath the Georgian streets of Bath lies a hidden gem that transports you straight to the heart of the Himalayas. Yak Yeti Yak, a Nepalese restaurant on Pierrepont Street, may sit below street level in the basement of a historic townhouse, but once you descend the staircase, the warm glow and distinctive décor make you feel worlds away. For anyone new to Nepalese cuisine, this is the perfect introduction — faithful recipes, classic flavours, and a dining experience unlike anything else in the city.
A Warm Welcome — Choosing Our Setting
We booked ahead for our party of seven and were given the choice between conventional table seating or their unique Everest floor cushion setup — low tables and traditional floor seating for an authentic Nepali dining experience. For this visit, we opted for the former, though the floor seating remains high on our list for next time.
Despite its basement location, the restaurant doesn’t feel closed in. High ceilings, tall windows, and careful use of lighting keep the space airy and inviting. The décor is a celebration of Nepalese culture: vibrant prayer flags crisscross the ceiling, while terracotta sculptures, woven baskets, hand-crafted lanterns, and colourful artwork create a rich, layered atmosphere. It’s a room that manages to feel both casual and special — a place you can settle into and forget the world outside.
I was early to the restaurant so was able to capture these photos before diners arriving and filling up the tables and seats.
A Feast of Set Meals and Rustic Favourites
Our order was a mix of their Set Mains for One — a great way to experience individual Nepalese dishes with accompaniments — and some bolder selections from their Mix & Match menu.
From the set mains, we chose:
- Yak Yeti Yak Chicken — Slices of chicken marinated in garlic, fenugreek, and mild aromatic spices, stir-fried with fresh tomatoes and spring onion.
- Yak Yeti Yak Lamb — Tender lamb cooked with garlic, turmeric, and gentle spices, also finished with tomatoes and spring onion.
- Yak Yeti Yak Beef — Strips of steak marinated with garlic and mild peppery spices, stir-fried with peppers, onion, tomato, and spring onion.
Each set main arrives as a complete meal with rice, orange dal, and freshly made chutney. It’s a perfect introduction to Nepalese food — simple, balanced, and deeply comforting. The spices are aromatic rather than overpowering, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine.
From the Mix & Match menu, we ventured into deeper, more rustic territory:
- Lamb Tamar Slow-braised lamb with fermented bamboo shoots, black-eyed peas, new potatoes, and tomatoes. The flavour is earthy and gently spiced, with the bamboo shoots giving it a distinctly Nepali character.
- Lamb Chilly (x2) Stir-fried lamb with fresh green chillies, ginger, garlic, and soya sauce. Fiery, bold, and addictive, this was a table favourite — especially paired with rice. Photo of Lamb Chilly below.
To accompany the shared dishes, we ordered Bhuteko Bhat, Nepalese fried rice prepared with diced carrots, green beans, turmeric, and mustard seeds. Served in a huge brass pot for three, the portion was more than generous — easily enough for seconds, which we happily took advantage of. The Lamb Chilly and Bhuteko Bhat together were a match made in heaven: no sauce-heavy curry, just tender meat and deeply flavoured rice combining in perfect balance.
Skipping Starters and Desserts — For Now
With so many mains to sample, we decided to skip starters and desserts this time — though the menu promises much to return for. Delicately spiced steamed dumplings (Momos), Chicken Shekuwa, and Mixed Vegetable Pakora are all on our must-try list.
On the sweeter side, the Gaajarko Tartlet (a spiced carrot haluwa tartlet with cinnamon cream), Kesariko Dahi(creamed saffron yoghurt with marinated oranges), and Semi Freddo Spiced Chocolate Kulfi all sound like the perfect ending to a Nepalese feast. It gives us the perfect excuse to book another table soon.
Service and Atmosphere — Nepalese Hospitality in the Heart of Bath
The service throughout the evening was warm and attentive without ever feeling rushed. Our waiter ensured everyone had what they needed, checked in at the right times, and navigated a table of seven with ease.
What stood out was the balance of the whole experience. The food is soulful and rooted in tradition. The room is vibrant yet calming, and even as a bustling basement restaurant, it never once felt cramped. Nepalese culture is often described as generous and welcoming — Yak Yeti Yak embodies that perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Our dinner at Yak Yeti Yak was an introduction to a cuisine that balances spice, freshness, and comfort with such ease. The mix of set meals and more adventurous dishes gave us a glimpse into the breadth of Nepalese cooking, from the gently spiced Yak Yeti Yak Chicken to the bold, fiery Lamb Chilly or slow braised Lamb Tamar (below).
For anyone curious about Nepalese food or looking for a dining experience in Bath that feels both unique and authentic, this restaurant is a must-visit. Book a table, consider the Everest floor seating for a true cultural experience, and be ready to discover flavours that are as warming as the welcome.
