King curd or Juju Dhau from Bhaktapur Nepal
In my search for the Kumari legend in Nepal I spent quite some time in Bhaktapur Nepal. A huge old city that’s a protected heritage zone and has one of the largest entrance fees in all Nepal. One of the cities oldest yet latest promotions is its legendary King Curd which translates to Juju Dhau.
What is King Curd or Juju Dhau
It’s a Newari curd(yogurt) made from buffalo milk and traditionally made by heating the curd cultures in rice husks. Today the curd is also flavored with Nepalese honey. It gets its name “royal curd” due to its exquisite taste that was said to once please the king.
Today the curd is available in Bhaktapur and is exported to some stores in Kathmandu. It still maintains an important role in ceremonial feasts.
My tasting of Royal King Curd
When searching for a living goddess one tends to meet all sorts of people in all sorts of places. On this occasion I was treated to a bowl of king curd in Bhaktapur’s durbar square.
It certainly has a more cheesy flavor than regular curd and therefore richer. The color is also a little more yellow. The honey had a very mild taste in comparison. Either way it is certainly different from regular curd.
If you are visiting Bhaktapur it’s certainly worth trying as it holds a certain claim to fame to have eaten it!
This is an additional article featuring food from Nepal.
Travel Tip:
Planning a trip to Nepal and a visit to Bhaktapur? For all the details on what to do, places to visit, photos, costs, maps and accommodation check out my travel guide to Bhaktapur.
Find out the best places to eat in Kathmandu:
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I wonder if there’s any medicinal benefits?
I think the usual yogurt cultures apply here!
Had this when we visited. Yummy! Really surprised they’ve not marketed it nationally.
I think they tried. Problem is not many Nepalese will be willing to pay a premium when they can get a cheaper local version.
Yogurt equals Curd? Is there really that much of a difference?
Well, it’s made from Buffalo milk as opposed to cow milk. So yes, there’s quite a difference. The taste is similar though curd is a little thicker and not as creamy tasting.
Looks like the perfect breakfast. Can you get it out in the mountains too?
I’ve not actually come across it that much when trekking. I need something a little more substantial so that might be why!
Yes, tried that too. I think I still have those little clay bowls it came in.