Crossword Genius

North-east friend with directions from Kathmandu? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nepalese

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'from kathmandu?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'north-east friend with directions' is the wordplay.
'north east' becomes 'ne'.
'friend with' becomes 'pale' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'directions' becomes 'se' (I've seen this in other clues).
'ne'+'pale'+'se'='NEPALESE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nepalese that I've seen before include "High-up person perhaps" , "Asian" , "from Asia" , "Gurkhas" , "Highlander" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app