In the United States, Hinduism and Buddhism are the most prevalent religions practiced by Nepalese


Americans (21). Hindus believe in the interdependence of life forms and, for the most part, choose not to consume meat products because that would involve taking an animal’s life. As a result, they typically follow a vegetarian diet. Beef and beef products are prohibited from their diet because the cow is considered sacred. Although some Hindus sometimes eat meat, almost all avoid beef.


Nepalese Americans who believe in Hinduism feast and fast dependent on the holidays, which occur


almost every month. It is more common for elderly Hindus to observe some of these occasions (22). Nepalese Buddhists are also vegetarian. Buddhists do not include animal meat because they believe


that to kill an animal breaks multiple rules at one time: harming other living organisms hampers their ability to achieve nirvana, and since all living things are part of a whole life form, killing another life form spreads bad karma and subsequently increases suffering (23).


Vegetarian and nonvegetarian foods should be served on separate plates when hosting people from


different religious and cultural backgrounds from Nepal. A separate set of utensils should also be provided. During Nepalese celebrations, there are many foods and drinks that are traditionally consumed by both


Nepalese and Nepalese Americans. Rakshi is a millet-based distilled alcoholic drink that is an important part of many social events as well as religious rituals. Its popularity is attributed to its antiseptic qualities as well as its being an alcoholic drink. Another drink, tongba, is a homemade wine made of fermented millet seeds that is commonly consumed during the winter season and is considered a special culture drink for the Limbu people, one of the largest tribal groups in Nepal. Vegetable thukpa, or egg noodles, are a seasonal dish most frequently eaten to celebrate the Tibetan New Year Losar. Another festive dish called vegetable pulao, or fried Nepali rice, is seasoned with turmeric and cumin. It is popularly served during the parties and events in the Nepalese household and pairs well with curd (24).


There are various dietary habits specific to the archetypal Nepalese household, or adjusted to fit the


American lifestyle for Nepalese Americans. Most Nepalese eat with their right hand because they believe that metal silverware ruins the flavor of food and can contribute to lack of proper nourishment. However, many Nepalese Americans overlook that notion and use silverware in the United States (25).


Meals are usually eaten together as a family in Nepalese households. However, in the United States,


Nepalese Americans may prepare and eat meals alone to accommodate their work schedules (26). Irrespective of economic conditions, most Nepalese and Nepalese American meals consist of dal and baat (lentils and rice). Snacks between meals characteristically include, but are not limited, to: milk tea, bread, chura (beaten rice), roti (flat bread), and curried vegetables (24).


The most recent Nepalese immigrants, who came to America within the last decade, are predominantly


Bhutanese-Nepalese or Tibetan-Nepalese refugees (27). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention monitors Nepalese refugee populations in America. It appears the most prominent health issues among Nepalese Americans are anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and problems with mental health. Additionally, it appears there is a higher prevalence of diabetes in immigrants from Nepal, even though it is rare for them to emigrate with the condition (28).


In addition to conforming to American fast food lifestyles, the refugees also bring some culinary


traditions with them. The Nepalese diet places a strong emphasis on carbohydrates, since they are relatively inexpensive. Therefore, it is common for Nepalese Americans to have many potatoes, rice, and noodles in their homes. Nepalese Americans also eat a lot of fat and enjoy foods that are fried, oily, spicy, and cheesy. According to a study published in the Public Library of Science (PLOS) looking at the habits of South Asian immigrants, dietary acculturation, particularly the adoption of Western dietary habits, appears to increase the likelihood of developing adverse health problems such as type 2 diabetes and obesity (29). However, due to health illiteracy and adherence to cultural practices, it is common for


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