Kathmandu, Oct 11: In a prestigious ceremony at the House of Lords, UK, Binod Baral, a celebrated British Nepali chef and cultural ambassador, was honored with the title of “Momo King” by Lord Remi Ranger.
The recognition, awarded recently in the presence of Lords, Ladies, and honorees of the OBE, MBE, and CBE, celebrates Binod’s immense contributions to Nepali cuisine and culture, both in the UK and globally, it is said.
The gathering also included the Chancellor of the University of West London, Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra Beer, and Everest conqueror Hari Budha Magar, a double amputee who has made history with his achievements.
Baral said he is very pleased to have this recognition. Baral, who is credited for popularizing the traditional Nepali momo on the world stage, has long been a champion of Nepali cuisine.
In his speech following the “Momo King” recognition, Binod expressed his desire to create a social and economic bridge between Nepal, the UK, and the rest of the world through the heritage cuisine of Nepal.
He highlighted his commitment to supporting Nepal’s gastronomy tourism and advocating for food diplomacy as a key tool to foster international relationships. “I believe food is a powerful medium to connect people, cultures, and economies. Through Nepali cuisine, we can showcase the richness of our heritage while promoting local empowerment and sustainability,” he said.
In addition to his culinary career, Binod holds the prestigious position of President of the Federation of International Nepalese Youth Entrepreneurs (FINYE). He is also working on launching his brand, “Malekhu Steam Kitchen – By Binod Baral,” which as he said will focus on simple yet authentic Nepali cuisine, as well as the “Binod Baral School of Hospitality,” aiming to educate and inspire the next generation of culinary talent.
