Business Profile: Jewel of Himalaya, Yorktown Heights

When Nuru Sherpa entered the food industry 15 years ago, he said he simply loved “working with spices and creating new tastes.”

His fascination with flavor led him to opening up his own restaurant, Jewel of Himalaya.

“Whenever my wife and I go to a restaurant and order food, I always think about what I wish would be added or not. I was thinking that when I have my own restaurant I would change things or create new flavors, Sherpa said.

This wasn’t the only thing that led him to open his restaurant, though. After coming to the United States, he began to “miss the foods that were healthy and organic like from [his] home town.”

“There is not one healthy organic restaurant like in Nepal in all of Westchester County, so we decided to put ours right in the middle and serve great, healthy food.”

They chose to locate in Yorktown Heights because it’s convenient for people all around who use the Taconic State Parkway, and can also cater to Manhattanites. Since Sherpa and family are from Nepal, Yorktown’s was a more appealing setting than the city itself, Sherpa said.

The people in Yorktown have always encouraged and supported the Sherpa businesses and are excited about the opening of the restaurant right in the Triangle Center, he said.The restaurant is family-owned and -operated, and they are all great chefs.

His wife, Ang Dati Sherpa, makes “one of the best Momo and Sherpa stews, which we call ‘Himalayan Soup’ in the menu.” Sherpa said.

Nuru’s brother, Pasang Sherpa, is also a big supporter, as he used to work as a chef in an Indian restaurant and now cooks for the Jewel of Himalaya. The family has been in the food business for almost 12 years, but this is their first Himalayan restaurant.

Through their past jobs, Sherpa said his family has learned a lot about the food industry, such as how all restaurants need to have “all codes, like ambiance, clean bathrooms, good and fresh food, fresh produce and meats, and always make fresh sauce. “

“It’s important to make a friendly environment and a good sound quality so people can enjoy their dining and feel great.” Sherpa said.

His key to creating delicious food lays in using low-fat, low-carbohydrate ingredients and using fresh food for inventing new healthy flavors. He said that they use the “highest quality ingredients for their daily cooking.”

“Himalayan foods are different than other dishes. We use more vegetables and fruits. In the mountains, lots of apples and vegetables are grown along with 100s of spices and herbs. These are used to cure illnesses and fight against disease, plus the people are more vegetarian and don’t kill animals for food.” Sherpa explained.

While healthy cooking is important to them, their favorite part of the restaurant business is “making everyone happy while they are dining and making them feel like they’re at home.” Sherpa said. He enjoys having customers become good friends.

Customer satisfaction is a must for Jewel of Himalaya.

“I will ensure we will serve the best food in town and class A service for the taste and time spent.” Sherpa said.

The Sherpa family first opened Asian Bistro 12 years ago with little experience and managed to enter the Hudson Valley magazine being rated No. 1 by Zagat. Now they have a “vast expanse of experience and have learned so much about how to take care of the customers and make them come back,” he said.

The employees are “all part of the family, and everybody puts in their best effort to support each other, so we work best as a team.” Sherpa said.

Sherpa recommends that people “try our delicious fresh dishes one time and you will come back. You will feel like it’s your own place and will enjoy our dining.”

Soon, Jewel of Himalaya will present photo documentaries and slide shows about the Himalaya region and will try to bring in authentic musicians on Fridays and Saturdays.

There are special deals for parties, anniversaries, conference meetings, catering, and local clubs and charities.

“It’s the perfect spot for lunch or dinner in a cozy family-friendly atmosphere with a full menu of specialties,” he said.

Sherpa suggests that customers try the Juicy Tibetan Momos (Beef and Chicken), Rock shrimp appetizer, Nepali Thali, Chicken Makhini, crab cutlet, Beef shizlers, and Chapati wraps.

Jewel of Himalaya Restaurant is located at 34 Triangle Center in Yorktown Heights.

For information, call 914-302-2886, visit www.jewelofhimalaya.com or find it on Facebook.

By Alyssa Zack