If you’re willing to travel the extra mile, then the perfect place to dine and unwind awaits you.
Raj Kumar Gurung
Chef
The combination of serenity and tranquility of nature and great food can be a worthwhile experience. And, probably no other place in and around the capital valley other than the Clubhouse Restaurant at the legendary Gokarna Forest Resort can offer such an impression. With its panoramic views of the lush green forest encircling the 18-hole golf course in a peaceful environment situated just 10 kms from Kathmandu, this restaurant serves Thai and Chinese cuisines.
Initially opened only to members of the resort’s Golf Club, Clubhouse Restaurant now serves non-members as well. This is a modern, incredibly satisfying approach to classic Chinese and Thai dishes with excellent takes on everything from dumplings both long and soupy, to spring rolls, to crispy garlic chicken. Besides, Clubhouse is a fun place to hang out. Here you can have great cocktails and also relax outdoors on the patio with an amazing view on warmer months.
Clubhouse has both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements. The restaurant seats up to 55 people indoors and 40 on the patio. It is also well known as a MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibition) destination. The restaurant hosts conferences, birthday parties and even small weddings and engagement functions. As for the space, it’s opulent. The floors are a mix of tile and hardwood. There’s an amazing bar that looks like it belongs on a 100-foot yacht, with expensive drinks and cocktails.
The restaurant itself is splendid as well as expensive-looking. And, much like a fully-grown person with a job and a phone bill, it inspires certain expectations. As long as you’re willing to spend some money, however, Clubhouse Restaurant will easily meet them. Most importantly, the food is exceptional. It is executed just right, and the dishes feel like ever-so-slightly modernised versions of traditional Thai and Chinese specialities.
Serving from breakfast to dinner, this restaurant opens from 7 am to 10 pm. Thai appetizers like Woon Sen Pak (spicy vermicelli noodles tossed with shredded lettuce and lemon juice) and Larb Kai (mince fish/chicken/ pork/beef tossed with mint) are an absolute delight. Similarly, Chinese dishes like Szechuan Noodles and Shredded Pork in Pepper Chilli are also a must try.
Dinner here always feels like a party, and that’s even if you don’t order the Prime Ribs drenched in butter with a side of crab legs, that gets rolled out on a huge silver cart. Another item served here is the Peking Duck which is a delight in itself. Peking Duck is traditionally carved in front of the diners and served in three stages. First, the skin is served dipped in sugar and garlic sauce. Next comes the meat with steamed pancakes, spring onions and sweet bean sauce. Definitely, a party.
On the vegetarian side, dishes like Thai Mixed Vegetables (stir fried carrots, beans and mushrooms in oyster sauce) and Kaeng Khlo Wan (Thai green curry with mushrooms and vegetables) are great. Likewise, cuisines from mainland China like Vegetable Manchurian and Canton Tofu are amazing.
Chef Raj Kumar Gurung’s 21 years of experience and his dedication in preparing appetizing dishes are reflected in the food served here. According to Prateek Karmacharya, the guest service officer at the resort, the restaurant is filled with expats and dignitaries who are golf-enthusiasts or just looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city during weekends and public holidays.
Clubhouse Restaurant is such a special place that it deserves to be part of the conversation when it comes to essential Kathmandu restaurants. With remarkable food, friendly staff and outstanding ambience, this is one of the most perfect places.
