Traditional versus modern Dal Bhat — which wins?

I've now had Dal Bhat prepared traditionally and in a modern interpretation. Both are interesting. The traditional version emphasises mustard oil in the way dal bhat power for 24 hours is a trekking mantra reflecting how central the dish is to Nepali daily life. The simply seasoned and clean character is more pronounced and direct.

The modern interpretation is technically impressive but loses something. The a Sherpa kitchen in the mountains context for the traditional version adds meaning that plating alone can't provide. tongba millet beer with the traditional version made more sense than with the modern. Traditional wins, but the modern is worth trying once.