What Meat Do Nepalese Not Eat? Understanding Religious and Cultural Restrictions

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Cows are considered sacred by Nepal's Hindu majority and are also the country's national animal, making beef the primary meat that most Nepalese do not eat. While buffalo meat is widely consumed, this strict avoidance of cow meat is a fundamental dietary custom shaped by centuries of religious and legal tradition.

Quick Summary

Many Nepalese avoid beef due to Hindu religious beliefs and a legal ban on cow slaughter, though consumption habits vary across ethnic and religious groups. Other meats like buffalo, goat, and chicken are common staples in the country.

Key Points

Beef is forbidden: Due to its sacred status in Hinduism, the cow is legally protected, and beef is not consumed by the majority of Nepalese.
Buffalo meat is common: In contrast to cow meat, water buffalo meat (buff) is a popular and legal alternative, used in many traditional dishes like momos and sukuti.
Consumption varies by ethnicity: While high-caste Hindus may avoid both beef and buffalo, other ethnic groups, such as Newars, have a long tradition of eating buff.
Seasonal abstinence occurs: Many Hindus observe a month-long fast from meat during Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) out of devotion to Lord Shiva.
Goat and chicken are staples: Goat (mutton) and chicken are widely consumed and are common sources of non-vegetarian protein throughout Nepal.
Diet is legally and culturally influenced: Dietary practices are shaped not only by religious beliefs but also by national laws and generations of social norms.

Beef: The Forbidden Meat

In Nepal, the most prominent meat that is not consumed by the majority of the population is beef. This prohibition is rooted deeply in the country's religious and legal history. The cow is revered as a sacred animal in Hinduism, the dominant religion in Nepal, and is often associated with various deities. Due to this sacred status, slaughtering cows is explicitly outlawed in Nepal and has been for centuries, initially under a royal decree in 1805 and later codified in the National Penal Code. This legal ban remains in effect, even though the country transitioned from a Hindu kingdom to a secular republic.

The cultural and religious significance of the cow extends beyond just Hindus. The historical prohibition on cow slaughter led to a widespread social disapproval of beef consumption across various communities. While historically some non-Hindu ethnic groups practiced beef consumption, state-enforced norms have led to beef eating being generally frowned upon. For this reason, beef is not found on menus in standard restaurants, and even in international eateries, it is rarely offered.

A Crucial Distinction: Buffalo vs. Cow

A common point of confusion for visitors is the distinction between cow and water buffalo meat. Unlike the cow, the water buffalo is not considered sacred in the same way and is a vital source of meat in Nepalese cuisine. Buffalo meat, known as 'buff,' is a staple, especially among the Newari community, an indigenous group of the Kathmandu Valley. Buff is used to make a variety of popular dishes, including the famous Nepalese dumplings (momos), spicy snacks like choila and sukuti (dried meat), and various curries.

However, this does not mean all Nepalese eat buffalo meat. Some high-caste Hindu groups, such as Brahmins and Chettri, traditionally abstain from eating buff, though consumption patterns are changing. The difference in religious perception between the sacred cow and the commonly consumed buffalo highlights the complexities of Nepalese food culture.

Contextual and Ethnic Variations

Dietary habits in Nepal are not monolithic; they are heavily influenced by the diverse ethnic landscape and religious practices. Many communities, such as Limbu, Tamang, and Sherpa, have traditionally consumed various meats, including beef in some historical contexts, though the modern legal framework makes this practice difficult.

Meats That Are Eaten

Goat (Mutton): Widely consumed, particularly during festivals like Dashain.
Chicken: A very common and popular meat choice across all regions.
Pork: Consumed by various ethnic groups, though avoided by others for cultural reasons.
Fish: Eaten in regions with access to fish.

Temporary Meat Abstinence During Shrawan

Another important cultural restriction occurs during the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August), a spiritually significant period for Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this time, many devotees observe fasts and abstain from eating any kind of meat. This tradition is also supported by ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, which suggests that a plant-based diet is healthier during the monsoon season.

Comparison of Nepalese Meat Consumption


Meat Type	Consumption Status	Cultural/Religious Context	Legal Status
Beef (Cow)	Not consumed by the majority; generally avoided.	Sacred animal in Hinduism; historical taboo for high-caste Hindus.	Illegal to slaughter cows; consumption discouraged.
Buff (Water Buffalo)	Widely consumed, especially by Newars and other groups.	Common food source; not sacred like the cow.	Legal to slaughter and consume.
Goat (Mutton)	Very common, often a staple and used in festivals.	Traditionally consumed across many ethnic groups.	Legal to slaughter and consume.
Chicken	Very common and widely accepted.	Consumed by many different groups.	Legal to slaughter and consume.
Pork	Consumed by some ethnic groups, such as Magars and Gurungs.	Varies by ethnicity; high-caste Hindus may avoid it.	Legal to slaughter and consume.

Conclusion

The question of what meat Nepalese do not eat is primarily answered by the sacred status of the cow, which makes beef consumption illegal and culturally unacceptable for most. However, this is not a universal rule for all meat. Nepal's diverse cultural and ethnic landscape means that other meats like buffalo, goat, and chicken are widely enjoyed, and specific communities or religious observances, such as the month of Shrawan, can influence dietary choices. The traditions surrounding food reflect Nepal's rich tapestry of faiths and communities. For travelers, respecting these customs by avoiding beef is a sign of cultural sensitivity. The Nepal Tourism Board provides valuable information on cultural norms.

Visit the Nepal Tourism Board for more details on cultural customs and cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating beef is illegal because the cow is considered a sacred animal in Hinduism, which is the dominant religion in Nepal. The slaughter of cows has been outlawed for centuries, and this law is enshrined in the country's modern penal code.

No, they are different. While cows are sacred, water buffalo are not, and their meat, known as 'buff,' is a popular and legal food source in Nepal.

The majority of Nepalese people avoid beef due to religious and cultural norms. While historically some non-Hindu ethnic groups may have consumed it, the practice is widely discouraged, and the slaughter of cows is illegal for everyone.

Meat consumption varies by ethnic group. Communities like the Newars frequently eat buffalo meat, and many different groups consume goat, chicken, and sometimes pork, depending on their specific traditions.

Yes, many Hindus voluntarily give up meat for the entire month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) as a religious observance dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is extremely rare to find beef in Nepal. Due to its illegality and cultural taboo, beef is not available in most restaurants, including those in trekking areas.

Some high-caste Hindu communities, including many Brahmins and Chettri, avoid buffalo meat partly due to historical and cultural customs associated with maintaining a higher social status, though this practice is not universally followed.