Juju dhau means 'king of yogurts': Bhaktapur's rich, spiced buffalo-milk yogurt, set firm in unglazed clay bowls that draw out moisture and keep it cool.
About Juju Dhau
The 'King of Curds' from the ancient city of Bhaktapur; this heritage yogurt is cultured in unglazed clay pots that absorb excess moisture to create a thick; custard-like consistency; flavored with cardamom and honey; it offers a velvety mouthfeel that is a spiritual sensory staple of Newari festivals.
The King of Yogurts
Juju dhau, whose name means king of yogurts in the Newar language, is the pride of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a rich, creamy sweet yogurt made from buffalo milk, far thicker and more luscious than ordinary curd. A bowl of it is one of the essential tastes of the city.
“Juju dhau, whose name means king of yogurts in the Newar language, is the pride of Bhaktapur in the Kathmandu Valley.”
How It Is Made
The buffalo milk is boiled down, sweetened and often scented with hints of cinnamon and cardamom before being set. Buffalo milk's higher fat gives the yogurt its remarkable creaminess and body. The gentle spicing distinguishes juju dhau from plain everyday curd.
Set in Clay
Part of the magic is the unglazed clay bowl it is set in, which absorbs excess moisture so the yogurt firms up and stays cool. The porous clay is not just a container but part of the method, helping the curd reach its thick, spoon-holding texture. It is served and eaten straight from these little pots.
A Festive Treat
Juju dhau is eaten as a dessert and is a fixture of Newar feasts and festivals in the valley, where it carries real prestige. Creamier and richer than ordinary yogurt, it is best tasted in Bhaktapur, its home, where it is freshest. It is one of the Kathmandu Valley's great food specialities.
What to Expect
In Bhaktapur, juju dhau is served in a little clay bowl, thick enough to hold its shape, sweet and faintly spiced with cardamom. Creamier and richer than everyday yogurt, it is the city's signature treat and a fixture of Newar celebrations.
Why Try It
It is the famous 'king of yogurts' of Bhaktapur, a richer, clay-set curd that is one of the Kathmandu Valley's great food specialities.
Insider Tips
- Try it in Bhaktapur, its home, where it is freshest and most authentic.
- It is traditionally set and served in unglazed clay bowls; eat it cool.
- Look for the hints of cardamom and cinnamon that distinguish it from plain yogurt.
