Yak. It's What's for Dinner (and Lunch) at Tibet Nepal House

If the smell doesn't lure you into Tibet Nepal House, perhaps the sign in the window that states "We Serve Yak Meat" will be enough.

The exotic meat is one of the authentic Himalayan offerings of Tibet Nepal House, which is tucked away on Holly Street in Old Town. It's maybe not the only place to satisfy cravings for yak meat, but there are bits of cultural charm interspersed throughout the small space.

"Yak were the magical bulls of Nepal and Tibet, who lived in high altitude," said proprietor Raj Adhikari, who added that the restaurant gets a shipment of yak meat almost monthly.

Adhikari describes yak meat as similar to other exotic meats, such as buffalo. "It's a little tough, but very good," he said. There are at least three yak-oriented items on the menu: Yak Mo-Mo, which are stuffed dumplings, along with yak stew and yak chili.

The business has occupied the same spot at 36 E. Holly St. since 2001. Adhikari, who is from Nepal and lives in Alhambra, said part of the restaurant's success lies within its authentic charm along with the food. 

"You can see with the food, the music, pictures, the statues -- it's totally different here," he said. "That's why people like it."