Pramod Rimal came to the United States from Nepal hoping to transform his version of the American dream - opening his own restaurant - into reality.

In February, after 15 years in America and thousands of hours managing restaurants in the Boston area, Rimal realized that dream when he opened The Hot Nepali in downtown Haverhill.

The exotic eatery, which seats about 50, is the first in the city to offer Nepalese food, a cuisine similar to Indian food.

The restaurant's facade is mostly glass. Its windows, framed by orange drapes, give the restaurant a dim, candlelit dining atmosphere. The walls bear images of Nepal's most well known icon - Mount Everest, and local artists' photographs, which are for sale. Black bench seats accompany tables.

More about The Hot Nepali

Address: 42 Merrimack St., Haverhill

Opened: Feb. 10

Hours: Lunch, served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Menu highlights: Chicken and curry dishes, meat dumplings known as momos and spice-rubbed lamb tenderloin ribs, sirloin tips and chicken drumsticks.

Vegetarians: Most dishes can be prepared without meat

Prices: Lunch buffet costs $10, dinner entrees range from $10 to $16

About the chef: Owner Pramod Rimal does the cooking. "This is my passion. I love to cook," said Rimal, 39. "This is my life. I pick out the food myself and cook everything fresh every day."

Takeout: Entire menu available

Kids menu: Yes, includes macaroni and cheese and chow chow, which is a noodle dish with vegetables and chicken.

Handicapped-accessible: Yes.