Momos without a good sauce are just steamed dough with vegetables inside. The sauce is what makes momos addictive, and limiting yourself to the same red chutney every time means missing out on some seriously good combinations. The right dipping sauce can completely change how a momo tastes, from smoky and numbing to tangy and creamy.
Here are 7 sauces that pair perfectly with momos, whether steamed, fried, or kurkure-style.
Bold and Spicy Momo Sauces
Most momo lovers want heat. A sauce that brings fire, garlic punch, or a slow tingle on the tongue. The best spicy momo sauces don't just burn; they add layers of flavour that make you reach for another momo before finishing the first one.
A good spicy sauce should complement the mild filling inside, not overpower it.
1. Schezwan Sauce
The most popular momo companion in India, and for good reason. You may know the name, but Schezwan sauce is an exciting new take on the classic. Crafted with a wholesome twist, this version adds layers of flavour and complexity that go beyond the expected. The thick, chunky texture clings to each momo perfectly, and the combination of chilli, garlic, and Sichuan pepper delivers heat with depth.
Best with: steamed vegetable momos, chicken momos, pan-fried momos.
2. Chilli Oil
For momo lovers who want serious heat without overwhelming the dumpling itself. Get ready for some heat with Five Chilli Oil. Sourced from the highest, deepest, and farthest corners of the country, the finest chillies come together to create a dynamite condiment. Drizzle over momos or pour into a small bowl for dipping.
Best with: steamed momos, jhol momos, soupy momo preparations.
3. Garlic Chilli Sauce
When you want garlic punch alongside the heat. Think of your favourite recipes, and you'll be hard pressed to find any that don't mention garlic or chilli. Garlic + Chilli sauce is a 100% plant-based version, loaded with zealous tang and a bite to boot that is hard to resist. The vinegar and jaggery in this sauce add a tangy-sweet edge that regular chilli sauces don't have.
Best with: fried momos, kurkure momos, tandoori momos.
4. Roasted Sesame Sauce
Not every momo sauce needs to be about heat. Some of the best pairings bring nuttiness, umami, or a citrusy tingle that complements the mild filling inside momos.
A sauce that brings warmth without fire. Everyone loves the subtle ruse of sesame, but Roasted Sesame takes that aromatic dream to a whole new level. The savoury warmth of 100% natural miso mixed with a toasty kick of pepper makes this an unexpected but brilliant momo pairing.
Best with: paneer momos, tofu momos, wheat momos.
5. Chilli Crisp
For a Nepali-style momo experience. Get ready for some heat with Timur Chilli Crisp. The citrusy heat of Timur Sichuan pepper meets 18 ingredients to create sheer dynamite in a jar. Deliciously tingly on the tongue, this sauce brings a numbing warmth that echoes authentic Nepali momo chutney.
Best with: classic steamed momos, buff momos, jhol momos.
6. Peanut Momo Sauce
Creamy, tangy, and completely different from the usual red dip. An all-rounder, Peanut + Lime takes South-East Asia's representative peanut sauce and gives it a fresh new twist. Savoury, tangy, zesty, and creamy all in one. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with mild vegetable fillings.
Best with: steamed vegetable momos, paneer momos, wheat momos.
7. Classic Red Momo Chutney
The OG momo sauce that started it all. Homemade red chutney uses boiled tomatoes, soaked dried red chillies, garlic, and a splash of vinegar, blended smooth. The result is a bright, garlicky, and spicy dip that every momo stall in the country serves for good reason.
Making it at home takes about 10 minutes. Boil 2-3 tomatoes and a handful of dried red chillies together for 5 minutes. Blend with 4-5 garlic cloves, salt, and a teaspoon of vinegar. Adjust chilli quantity based on your spice tolerance.
Best with: literally any momo, anywhere, anytime.
Building Your Momo Sauce Collection
One sauce is fine. Three sauces turn momo night into an event.
Stock a few options from the Boombay sauce collection and let everyone at the table pick their favourite.
Steamed momos taste different with each dip, so variety keeps things interesting.
Shop the collection and make momo night worth looking forward to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most popular momo sauce in India?
Red chilli garlic chutney and Schezwan sauce are the two most commonly served momo accompaniments across India.
Q. Can I mix two sauces together for momos?
Yes. Mixing Schezwan with mayo creates a creamy-spicy dip. Peanut sauce with chilli oil adds heat to the nuttiness. Experimentation is half the fun.
Q. Which sauce works best for fried momos?
Garlic chilli sauce and Schezwan sauce work best with fried momos because their bold flavours stand up to the crispy texture.
Q. Are these sauces vegetarian?
All six Boombay sauces listed here are plant-based. Homemade red chutney is also naturally vegetarian.
Q. How long do these sauces last after opening?
Refrigerate after opening, and most will last three months. Always check the label for specific storage instructions and best-before dates.
Q. Can I use these sauces for dishes other than momos?
Absolutely. Every sauce listed here works with noodles, fried rice, stir-fries, sandwiches, wraps, and as a general dipping sauce for snacks.