Scoop: Curry Gate co-founder opens Nepali restaurant in east Charlotte
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12 Masala replaces the former Curry Gate space in east Charlotte. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
12 Masala is now open in east Charlotte with a menu rooted in the flavors and comfort foods of Nepal.
Why it matters: The restaurant replaces Curry Gate on E. W.T. Harris Boulevard, giving owner Mukesh Ghimire a chance to put Nepali cuisine at the forefront.
Context: Ghimire was one of five original founders of Curry Gate, which the family-owned team launched during the pandemic and has since expanded to multiple locations.
- Curry Gate became a local favorite, maintaining a spot on our best restaurants list year after year.
- Now, four of the original founders — Ghimire, Ghana Shyam Dahal, Prakash Dhimal and Narendra Dhimal — are involved with 12 Masala.
The big picture: Ghimire helped grow Curry Gate into a recognizable name in Charlotte's dining scene. Now, he wants to do the same with "masala" through 12 Masala and other concepts planned for this year.
What to expect: The menu at 12 Masala centers on dishes that feel like home for people who grew up eating Nepali food, including momos (Nepali dumplings), stir-fried chow mein and thukpa, a warm noodle soup with vegetables and spices.
- Other items include handmade samosas, a variety of tandoori breads, plus an expanded list of vegan and gluten-free options. Many dishes can also be customized to your preferred spice level.
- The drink menu has about six mocktails, including the 12 Special Sharbat and a virgin mojito.
The vibe: Not much has changed yet inside the dining room of the former Curry Gate east location. It's still a casual, 45-seat space, and more changes are coming to give it a distinctly Nepali feel, including a planned mural that will incorporate more of the country's culture.
Stop by: 12 Masala is in its soft opening phase at 8829 E W.T. Harris Blvd #107.
- It's open Tuesday-Sunday, noon-9pm. The restaurant plans to add Mondays in about two months.
What's next: Ghimire plans to open Masala Castle, a similar concept with a full bar, in about a month. More details on the restaurant are expected in the coming weeks.