Pulao

Many Nepalese dishes start with rice, and the fried variation, known as pulao, is particularly tasty. This popular dish is seasoned with turmeric and cumin and served with everything from yogurt to papadoms. Because it's a vegetarian meal, it's a great time to tell your kids about how the Buddha was born in what is now Nepal, in the town of Lumbini.

Even though Buddha and his early disciples were not strict vegetarians, many devoted Nepalis now are. They are adamant that Buddhism's first principle, "Do not murder," applies to all living beings. Meat does appear on Nepali menus, and if you're looking for steaks or minced meat, you should have no trouble finding it. Vegetarian meals are more plentiful in the highlands. Nepal's ethnic groupings, as well as its cuisine, are diverse.