A weekly notebook about food during the Covid-19 shutdown. Remember, if you’re dining out, doing takeout or getting delivery, the people serving up the food are part of the front line; keep it in mind when tipping.

The savory momos at Base Crave are something different, a piquant changeup from other dumplings in texture and taste, yet at the same satisfyingly familiar: They’re not like what come in the fluffy, steamed bao buns you get at traditional Chinese dim sum, but are more like a soup dumpling sans the soup. That’s not to say these Nepalese treats aren’t juicy – they are – but, like most of the offerings on Base Crave’s menu, they’re fusion spins on traditional Nepalese dishes. Though moist, one-bite treats that are spiced just right, they come with a spicy red, peppery dipping sauce. I could see soy sauce being a nice alternative too. I’ve tried only the chicken and veggie versions; Other momo options on the menu are lamb, paneer and spinach, buffalo or wild boar. The spinach and the boar have my eye.

Base Crave opened nearly a year ago in Huron Village as Melting Pot (the name was used by a chain, and fear of a suit caused the change by owner Bhola Pandey) in the spot long occupied by the family-friendly Half Moon restaurant; like with the name, there was a small to-do about if the new owners would preserve the Full Moon cuisine and atmosphere. All that aside, the food is top-notch and you can dial up and down the spiciness of dishes to your desire – and the staff listen well. I can attest to the mushroom and chicken mushroom curry dishes off the lunch menu. The one thing I appreciate about Base Crave’s curry sauce is that it’s more of a spicing than a clingy, creamy sea, and accentuates the sautéed vegetables and meat in seamless, savory fashion. And it all comes up fresh and hot, even to go. Pickup is simple and easy at the front door, and Huron Avenue has ample space to park and run in. Momos come eight to an order, and once you try one version you’ll get your crave on to come back and try the rest.

Base Crave (344 Huron Ave., Huron Village) 

Tom Meek is a writer living in Cambridge. His reviews, essays, short stories and articles have appeared in the WBUR ARTery, The Boston Phoenix, The Boston Globe, The Rumpus, The Charleston City Paper and SLAB literary journal. Tom is also a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and rides his bike everywhere.