From UAE Kitchens to Pokhara Streets: Mohan Shah Brings Authentic Arabic Flavors to Birauta

While thousands of young Nepalis continue to leave the country in search of employment abroad, one man from Kavre is proving that the skills learned overseas can create something meaningful right here at home.

Meet Mohan Shah, a former UAE-based chef who has transformed his 12 years of Middle Eastern culinary experience into a thriving restaurant business in Birauta, Pokhara.

His establishment, “Yala Forno and Shawarma Restaurant and Cafe,” has been serving customers for approximately 15 months and is quickly becoming the go-to destination for authentic Arabic cuisine in the Lake City.

From Dubai Kitchens to Pokhara’s Birauta

Shah, a permanent resident of Roshi Rural Municipality in Kavrepalanchok district, spent over a decade working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he immersed himself in the region’s rich food culture.

During his time in the Gulf, he worked as a cook and gained invaluable insights into:

– Arabic cooking techniques and flavor profiles

– Restaurant management and customer service

– Understanding diverse customer preferences

– Food preparation styles unique to Middle Eastern cuisine

Rather than letting this knowledge go to waste upon returning to Nepal, Shah decided to invest in his own venture.

The Birth of Yala Forno: A Dream Realized

The restaurant, which opened its doors about 15 months ago in Pokhara-17, Birauta, represents a total investment of approximately Rs 4 million. Shah initially invested around Rs 2.8 million to get the business off the ground, later adding another Rs 1 million as the operation expanded.

What’s in a Name?

The name “Yala Forno” itself tells the story of the restaurant’s concept:

“Yala” means quick or fast

“Forno” means oven in Italian

This perfectly encapsulates what Shah aims to deliver — fast, oven-baked Arabic favorites that keep customers coming back for more.

A Menu That Takes You to the Middle East

If you’re craving authentic Arabic street food, Yala Forno has you covered. The menu features:

• Manakish – a popular Levantine flatbread
• Hummus – the classic chickpea dip
• Kebab – grilled meat skewers
• Shawarma – the iconic wrap that’s beloved worldwide

For Nepali customers, these flavors represent something new and exciting. Shah understands that introducing unfamiliar cuisine requires more than just good taste — affordability is key.

Affordable Arabic Food for Everyone

Shah’s vision goes beyond simply serving food. He wants to make Arabic cuisine accessible to all segments of Pokhara’s diverse population.

“Pokhara is home to people from all economic and social backgrounds,” Shah explains. “I’ve priced the menu so that everyone can enjoy these flavors.”

His goal is simple: democratize Arabic food by offering it at reasonable prices, allowing Nepali customers to develop a taste for international cuisine without breaking the bank.

More Than Just a Business – A Mission to Transfer Skills

Shah’s journey isn’t just about personal success. It’s about giving back and creating opportunities for others.

Even today, despite being the owner, Shah remains actively involved in the kitchen. He works alongside his staff daily, training them and sharing the skills he acquired during his years in the UAE.

“This restaurant isn’t just my business,” Shah says. “It’s a way to pass on what I learned to the next generation.”

Creating Jobs, Building Skills

Yala Forno has already created employment opportunities for several young Nepalis. Shah is committed to training them, ensuring they gain practical, hands-on experience that could serve them throughout their careers.

In this sense, the restaurant has become a small hub for skill transfer and job creation — a model that could inspire other returnee migrants.

The Challenges of Running a Restaurant

Like any entrepreneur, Shah faces his share of obstacles:

– Finding skilled manpower in a competitive market

– Managing staff effectively

– Maintaining smooth daily operations

But Shah remains optimistic. He believes that with consistent hard work and a willingness to learn, challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

A Vision for Pokhara’s Culinary Future

Pokhara is already famous for its:

– Natural beauty – from Phewa Lake to the Annapurna range

– Adventure tourism – paragliding, trekking, and more

– Hospitality – hotels, resorts, and cafes

But Shah believes the city should also be known for its food diversity.

“When tourists visit a destination, they remember the food just as much as the scenery,” he says.

His vision is to make Pokhara a place where Nepali and international cuisines coexist, enriching the overall tourism experience.

By introducing Arabic food to the local market, Shah hopes to:

• Offer local customers a new culinary experience
• Provide foreign tourists with familiar international options
• Enhance Pokhara’s reputation as a diverse food destination

Putting Down Roots in Pokhara

Originally from Kavre, Shah has now made Pokhara his home. He currently resides in Pokhara-29, Lekhnath, and plans to build his future in the city.

“I want to grow with Pokhara,” he says.

What’s Next for Yala Forno?

The past 15 months have been encouraging for Shah, and he’s ready to scale up.

His expansion plans include:

• Opening additional outlets in other areas of Pokhara.
• Expanding to other cities across Nepal
• Continuing to train and empower local youth

While investment, skilled labor, and management will remain challenges, Shah draws strength from:

• His 12 years of experience in the UAE
• His determination to succeed in Nepal
• His commitment to hard work

A Story of Hope for Returnee Migrants

Shah’s journey is more than just a business success story. It’s a blueprint for what’s possible when returnee migrants choose to invest their skills and savings back home.

His story illustrates:

• The value of foreign experience when applied locally
• The potential for entrepreneurship after migration
• The impact one person can have on job creation and skill development

From a small restaurant in Birauta, Yala Forno and Shawarma is writing a story that connects Arabic flavors with Nepali aspirations — a story of skill, courage, and the belief that home is where the future can be built.

Location: Pokhara-17, Birauta

Cuisine: Arabic Fast Food, Shawarma, Kebabs, Manakish

Specialty: Oven-baked dishes, quick service

For Nepali content: पोखराको विरौटामा अरबिक स्वाद पस्कँदै, मोहन शाह