Nepalese in Zagreb

Visited a Nepali Thakali restaurant in Zagreb, Croatia, and was surprised to find the place buzzing with Nepali voices. It was a full house, and when I asked the staff (in Nepali) about a good time to return, they told me it would remain packed for hours. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a table that day.

I later learned that there are around 42,000 Nepali citizens working in Croatia, mostly in Zagreb and Split. They’re employed in sectors like delivery services, construction, and catering. Many Nepali men I met, enjoying beers together, explained the reason for this growing community: Croatia’s membership in the EU. For them, it’s a stepping stone to better opportunities in Western Europe.

You can spot plenty of Nepali workers in Zagreb wearing jackets branded with Wolt, riding bicycles with massive delivery bags. Despite the freezing -1°C temperatures and Christmas holidays, when most people are home celebrating, they’re out working hard to make a living.

The Thakali Khana itself—a traditional Nepali meal from the Thak Khola region—is a comforting taste of home for the community. Its balanced flavors of Dal-Bhat, Tarkari, pickles, sautéed greens, and optional meat curry reflect the heart of Nepali cuisine. It’s amazing to see how this cultural gem has found its way to the streets of Croatia, alongside the stories of the people bringing it to life.