Nepali Chiya Culture
Lemon Tea, Hot Lemon and Honey: Kathmandu's Comfort Drinks for Cold Days
Chiya Table · 9 Oct 2026
Not every comforting drink in Nepal has milk in it. On cold mornings, after a heavy meal, or when your throat feels scratchy, many people reach for something with lemon.
Lemon tea
Lemon tea is black tea with fresh lemon squeezed in, usually with a little sugar. It's lighter than milk tea and has a pleasant tangy finish. Many people order it after lunch or dinner because it feels clean and refreshing.
Hot lemon
Hot lemon skips the tea entirely: it's hot water, fresh lemon juice and a little sugar. It's caffeine-free, so it's a good choice in the evening, or for anyone who wants a warm drink without tea.
Hot lemon with honey
Add honey and you get one of the most popular "comfort drinks" in Kathmandu. Plenty of families make it at home whenever someone feels under the weather. It's soothing, warm and gently sweet.
A note: these drinks are comforting, but they're not medicine. If you're unwell, please see a doctor.
Lemon water and lemon soda
On warmer days the same idea goes cold:
- Lemon water: fresh lemon in water, simple and refreshing.
- Sprite lemon soda: fizzy, sweet and sharp, perfect for a hot afternoon.
Which lemon drink should you pick?
| You want… | Order |
|---|---|
| Something light after a meal | Lemon tea |
| Warm but no caffeine | Hot lemon |
| Extra comfort on a cold day | Hot lemon with honey |
| Something cold and refreshing | Lemon water or Sprite lemon soda |
Lemon drinks at Chiya Table
From our menu board: Lemon Tea Rs. 30, Hot Lemon Rs. 40, Hot Lemon with Honey Rs. 50, Lemon Water Rs. 35 and Sprite Lemon Soda Rs. 100. Find them under "Lemon" on our menu, and visit us on Kotdevi Marg.