If you haven’t heard of momos yet, then you probably have not tasted one of the most tantalizing and delicious global food crazes to have swept over the planet. Originally a staple food in Tibet and Nepal, the momo craze has spread all over the world and now has its presence in almost every major city.

So, what are momos? In essence, momos are a type of steamed dumplings that are typically filled with meat or vegetables. The dough, which is made from flour and water, is stuffed with a savory filling of your choice, then sealed and cooked in a steamer or pan until cooked through.

If the filling is a surprise, the accompanying dipping sauce is perhaps the more significant component of the momo experience. These sauces range from the fiery chilli sauce to the sour and spicy tomato sauce that blend perfectly with the comforting, bite-sized pieces.

While momos have been a popular street food in Nepal and Tibet for decades, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the dish started to gain international recognition. First appearing on the culinary scene in India, momos quickly caught on with the populace, especially millennials, who travel for work or are on a gap year trip.

Now, momos are popping up in cities all over the world, from the United States to Australia. In Melbourne, Australia, ‘Hutong’ has become the go-to joint for the delicious treat. The momo has even gone mainstream, with restaurant chains like Wow Momo taking the lead in Kolkata, India.

The rise of the momo is attributed to its inherent appeal. Momos are a bit like tacos or burritos – They are easy to eat on-the-go and can come with any filling that satisfies your craving. They are typically more affordable than other cuisines, making it a street food of choice for those travellers and tourists on a budget.

The momo craze has also paved the way for home cooks to experiment with fillings beyond the traditional ground meat or vegetarian. Creative fillings like the spinach and paneer momos or the seafood-filled momos have made the dish adaptable to consumer preference and taste.

In conclusion, the momo craze is sweeping the world, and it’s not hard to see why. These little dumplings are full of flavor, affordable and easy to eat. With so much variety within a simple steamed dough, it’s no wonder that the momo is taking over the world, tantalizing taste buds on every continent.