Kutumba is a treasure trove of Fair Trade clothing and homeware from Nepal, Cambodia, Mongolia, Guatemala, Swaziland, Uganda, Colombia and Timor Leste. It is also where owner Joh Sherman shares her skill for making momo – traditional Nepalese dumplings in cooking classes.

Momo are traditionally filled with buffalo meat, onions, garlic, ginger and coriander, and served with a spicy tomato and chilli sauce. It is believed they originated in Tibet, with traders taking them into Nepal.

Filling and shaping the momo.

Sherman learned to make momo from her “Aamaa”, her Nepalese mother-in-law, preparing the dough by hand and filling each dumpling with the flavoursome mixture before cooking them by steaming.

“Momo itself is not spicy”, says Sherman, “however it is served with a sauce which incorporates tomatoes, sesame seeds, red chilli, garlic and coriander, which brings the spice element to the dish.”

With buffalo meat not readily available in Adelaide, Sherman teaches her pupils how to make a chicken and vegetable version.

“The whole point of starting the Kutumba store is to support Nepali artisan,” she explains. “The cooking classes add another element to that.”

A momo cooking class at Kutumba.

Sherman’s momo cooking class is “a hands-on class in which participants make everything from scratch, and [it’s] an opportunity to learn about Nepalese culture and history,” she says.

It is also a space where people share their passion for food. “People usually bring a friend or family member along and there are usually many laughs had throughout the night.”

The next momo cooking class at Kutumba will be held this Friday, July 1. Tickets are $45 per person. More information can be found here.