Meet Apekshya | Software engineer and founder of Himalaya’s Momo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Apekshya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Apekshya, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of our brand is authenticity — serving fresh, flavorful Nepali-Indian cuisine that connects deeply with both nostalgic and curious food lovers. Every momo, every dish, reflects a taste of home, crafted with care and tradition. That authenticity, paired with friendly service and consistency, builds trust and keeps people coming back for more.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started as an international student from Nepal, full of ambition and uncertainty. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture, and navigating the education system as a foreign student wasn’t easy. But I knew I wanted to build a career in tech, and I was willing to work hard for it.

After graduation, I had the unique privilege of traveling across the U.S. with my husband, who served in the US Army. While that meant frequent moves and learning to adjust to new places, it also taught me resilience, flexibility, and the power of community. These qualities would later become invaluable in my career.

Today, I’m proud to be a software engineer at Amazon, where I contribute to building products that make a global impact. What sets me apart is a mix of technical problem-solving and a deep appreciation for cross-cultural experiences. I’ve learned to bring empathy and clarity to everything I work on — whether it’s writing clean code, collaborating with diverse teams, or mentoring others.

Was it easy? Not at all. There were moments of doubt, and the pressure of proving myself. But I overcame them by staying focused, asking for help when I needed it, and constantly learning.

I’m most proud of staying true to myself through it all. From the streets of Kathmandu to the corporate hallways of Amazon, I’ve learned that your background doesn’t limit you — it defines your strength.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had five days to show my best friend around Honolulu, I’d craft the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and amazing food. We’d kick things off in Waikiki with beachfront views, fish tacos at Duke’s, and a sunset stroll. Day two would start with Leonard’s famous malasadas, a hike up Diamond Head, and authentic Hawaiian dishes at Helena’s, ending with a relaxing evening at Magic Island Lagoon. On day three, we’d road-trip to the North Shore to see sea turtles at Laniakea Beach, feast at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, and catch the sunset at Banzai Pipeline. Day four would be for culture and nature — exploring Iolani Palace or Bishop Museum, enjoying poke from Ono Seafood, and taking in the views at Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout before dinner at Roy’s. We’d wrap up the trip with snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, a classic Rainbow Drive-In plate lunch, and either a sunset cruise or a beach day at Kailua, finishing with a memorable dinner at Alan Wong’s. It’d be the ultimate island escape.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely — a huge shoutout goes to my family and my husband’s family.

We also want to recognize our close friend and partner, who has been there since day one — supporting the vision, jumping in wherever needed, and believing in Himalaya’s Momo just as much as we do.

Also, endless gratitude to our local community in the San Fernando Valley. Their support, word-of-mouth love, and genuine excitement for Himalayan flavors have been the heartbeat of Himalaya’s Momo. Couldn’t have done it without them.

And last but not least, a nod to the home kitchens of Nepal and India — where the real inspiration started. That’s where the soul of every momo comes from.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/himalaya-s-momo

Twitter: https://x.com/himalayasmomo1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560912881532

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/himalaya-s-momo-northridge