Nepalese Indian restaurant opens in Harrisburg

The flavors of Nepal and India come to Harrisburg City.

Mount Everest Nepali and Indian Kitchen will open in Strawberry Square at 19 N. Third St. by the end of the year, according to Harristown Development Corporation, which operates the commercial complex.

Mount Everest will move into the former Fresa Bistro, a 2,200-square-foot space with entrances on Third Street and Strawberry Square.

It will be the second restaurant for Shree Paija and Sarita Lama, who also own Khana Indian Bistro in Derry Township, where they serve Indian and Nepalese dishes.

“I’m really happy to get this spot,” Paija said. “There is no Indian food in downtown Harrisburg, and people need an Indian-Nepalese food option.”

The Nepalese population has exploded in the Harrisburg region as refugees, most of whom are originally from Bhutan, have settled there. Conservative estimates place the population in south-central Pennsylvania at about 25,000 and growing.

There are numerous Nepalese restaurants along Derry Street in Swatara Township, and the cuisine has expanded throughout the region.

Mount Everest will fill a much-needed gap in the city’s dining scene.

There used to be several Indian restaurants in Harrisburg, including Passage to India in Shipoke and Bollywood Bar & Grille along North Second Street. Passage to India moved to Carlisle in 2022 and Bollywood closed in 2021.

Harristown President and CEO Brad Jones said Mount Everest will complement the shops and restaurants in Strawberry Square.

“Strawberry Square and the Shops on 3rd are a hub of activity and Mount Everest will bring back a popular Indian dining offering, expanding our already extensive dining offering,” Jones said.

The restaurant is expected to open in November. The opening and opening volume will take place later.