If you’ve ever walked through Kathmandu’s streets in the evening, one of the intoxicating aromas you will never forget is the smoky and spiced loaded meat being grilled on the street-side. Sekuwa is Nepal’s legendary smokey skewer that is made with different meats like chicken, mutton, pork and buff/beef. Authentic Nepali Pork/Chicken Sekuwa depends deeply on aromatic spices featuring ginger, garlic, mustard oil, and sometimes a hint of Sichuan pepper (timur) to give it that signature punch.
Traditionally roasted over open charcoal flames (bhatti), you can easily recreate this chart-topping Nepali street food right in your kitchen oven or backyard grill. Let’s dive into how to make perfectly juicy, deeply flavorful chicken sekuwa at home.
Chicken Sekuwa Ingredients
- 2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) Boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized cubes (Thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts!)
- 2 tbsp Pure mustard oil (Crucial for that authentic, pungent Himalayan flavor)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for a vibrant red color)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Timur (Nepali Sichuan pepper powder) – Optional, but gives the iconic citrusy tingle!
- 1 tsp Salt (for taste)
Step-by-Step Cooking Procedure
Follow the procedure step-by-step for the best taste:
1.Prepare the Meat and Skewers
Cut the chicken into cubes so they cook evenly and prepare a skewer.
2. Time to Marinate
In a large mixing bowl, add chicken pieces with the mustard oil, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices. Massage the marinade thoroughly into the meat using your hands to ensure meat gets well spiced. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours.
3.Thread the Skewers and Cook
- Thread the 5-6 marinated chicken tightly onto each skewer, pressing them slightly together to keep the juices trapped inside while grilling.
- Cook over direct medium-high heat on a charcoal or gas grill for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently.
Now it’s ready to savor the smokey and spiced chicken Sekuwa. You can eat only the chicken skewer/sekuwa and if you want you can serve it with Bhuja (Crispy Puffed Rice) along with spicy tomato chutney (golbheda ko achaar), and some raw sliced onions and radishes.
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Authentic Nepali Chicken Sekuwa in Kathmandu
Visiting Nepal and want to taste authentic Nepali foods? Then nothing beats the authentic Nepali flavours in Kathmandu. During your stay, explore the city’s vibrant food culture, where traditional dishes like Sekuwa, Momos, Thali Set, and Newari specialities showcase Nepal’s rich culinary heritage.
Located in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu, Dalai La Boutique Hotel offers Authentic Nepali local cuisines like Pork and Chicken Sekuwa, Continental and Indian cuisines. Alongside, provides easy access to cultural attractions, comfortable, luxurious stay and unforgettable food experiences that make every visit to Nepal truly memorable.
