Mostly residing in the Kathmandu region, the Newar people are active in agriculture and trade, making them one of the wealthier and more influential groups in Nepal. Banquet dishes comprise a wide range of food and have much cultural significance; in fact the three main kinds of Newari meals are the daily meal (ja), snack (baji), and feast (bhoye). Samay baji makes an appearance at every festival and religious activity, and is presented as an offering to the gods, representing the Pancha Tattva, the five aspects of God.
In Nepal it’s commonly served with puffed rice, but in the U.S., beaten or flattened rice is used instead, eaten with choyla (barbecued and marinated meat, often served cold), bodi ka achar (beans with spices), aloo achar (pickled potatoes), saag, and palu (sliced ginger), washed down with thwon or aila, Newari grain alcohol. In Jackson Heights, meat dishes, as well as other foods reserved for special occasions like samay baji and sel roti (a fried rice doughnut), are staples of menus and are ordered regularly, though instead of water buffalo you might see goat, lamb, or chicken.
