Shady Hollow Flea Market has been a beloved summer spot for over 55 years, attracting antique enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. Situated just south of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, this 3.5-acre market hosts a diverse range of vendors offering items like furniture, e-bikes, clothing, and jewelry. Boasting over 100 vendors, Shady Hollow is one of Minnesota’s largest flea markets, providing visitors with not only shopping opportunities but also live music and various food vendors, including the latest addition, Kathmandu Midwest.
Owned by Fargo residents Anamika Gurung and Bishal Tuladhar, Kathmandu Midwest brings a unique blend of Nepali culinary traditions and Midwest flavors to Shady Hollow. The couple, along with their supportive family members, introduced their menu at the flea market’s food court, offering dishes that showcase their cultural heritage. Anamika’s sister Bijaya and Bishal’s parents, Binita and Jivan, joined the couple in serving customers during their second weekend at Shady Hollow.
The idea for Kathmandu Midwest stemmed from Bishal’s Nepali background and his parents’ experience in the restaurant industry. Inspired by a restaurant his parents once operated in California, named Kathmandu West, the couple decided to bring a taste of Nepal to the Midwest. Despite having full-time jobs, Anamika and Bishal found Shady Hollow’s weekend-only schedule conducive to launching their food venture, allowing them to pursue entrepreneurship alongside their professional careers.
The couple’s passion for vintage finds led them to discover Shady Hollow five years ago, sparking their interest in becoming vendors at the market. Anamika’s love for Nepali cuisine, particularly momo (a type of meat-filled dumpling), influenced the menu offerings at Kathmandu Midwest. Their signature dish, Midwest Momo, features steamed dumplings filled with pork or beef, served with a savory dipping sauce.
In addition to Midwest Momo, Kathmandu Midwest offers Heartland Biryani, a flavorful rice dish with chicken and egg blended with aromatic spices. Their menu also includes Mango Moo, a popular yogurt-based mango smoothie. As the business evolves, the couple plans to introduce gluten-free and vegan options based on customer feedback. With a small, family-focused team, Kathmandu Midwest emphasizes freshness, preparing all dishes on-site without freezing any ingredients.
For those interested in exploring Nepali-inspired cuisine with a Midwest twist, Kathmandu Midwest can be found at Shady Hollow Flea Market every Saturday and Sunday through September, along with select holidays. The menu continues to evolve, with updates and specials shared on the business’s Facebook page. As Anamika and Bishal embark on their culinary venture, they aim to enrich the Shady Hollow experience with diverse flavors and cultural influences.
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