- #HGCREATORS
- #HGEXPLORE
- #HGVOICES
- #HGSHOP
- CAREERS
- ABOUT US
- CONTACT US
A few years ago, that much-craved pit-stop somewhere in-between your journey, on the way to your destination might have been a simple maggi stall. You’d meet plenty of like-minded travellers, people from all kinds of backgrounds with varied interests, and the food, no matter how simple, always tasted better. That was the closest thing we had to a real ‘travel cafe.’ Over time, however, things have evolved in this somewhat niche space, and as travel culture picks up more and more, restaurateurs and lovers of travel have taken to opening their own versions of spaces that combine an inherent love for good cafes and an insatiable wanderlust, offering travellers and others the chance to rest for a few minutes, have a cup of steaming hot tea or coffee and get something to soothe their rumbling tummies before they’re on their way again. We’ve already given you the scoop on some truly unique concept cafes around India in two volumes (check them out here and here) and we’ve even told you about cafes with a conscience, spaces that are going one step further by breaking the mould and redefining the concept of eating out but it’s time to take yet another step up with these traveller cafes.
Covering largely the north of India in this first volume, from cute little cafes tucked away high in the hills of Himachal, to every biker’s favourite pit stop for a quick snack and refuelling on NH-1, try knocking these off your bucket list this summer.
[Note to readers: we’ll be working on more volumes of this piece, so if we’ve missed out on your favourite place, or if you have any more suggestions, let us know in the comments section below.]
I. Bon Appetit, Leh
For food with a view
Bon Appetit is one of Leh’s most popular cafes and is known as much for its food as it is for its view—two sides have windows overlooking the mountains. We, however, prefer sitting out on the terrace. Bon Appetit serves everything from pasta and pizza to steak, barbecue and tandoori, which means there’s plenty here to choose from.
II. Backpackers Café, Chandigarh
For some of the best all-day breakfasts to be had in the city
Backpacker’s Café is located inside Chandigarh’s Elante Mall and has been around since 2007. Their highly customisable all-day breakfast is a hit with patrons, as is their continental food. They’re also pretty brazen about the fact that they’re a popular travel café—their menu says ‘Welcome to Backpacker’s Café, Chandigarh’s own travel café.’
III. Biker’s Cafe NH-22, NH-1, close to Haryana.
A refuelling stop for bikers and their bikes
Biker’s Café NH-22 is located five kilometres from Ambala Cantonment at an Indian Oil petrol pump. The owner of the café is an avid biker and understands the discomforts and challenges associated with riding long distances, which prompted him to start this café. Riders can make a pit stop, fuel up their bikes, get some grub in their tummy for the ride ahead, and even shop for biking gear and accessories.
IV. Café 1947, Manali
Where you can leave a note on your travels as you’re passing through
Café 1947 can be found beside the bridge leading to Manu Temple in Old Manali. The red-bricked exterior is simple, but the inside is tastefully done—cute little chairs and tables by the windows, a guitar and artwork on the wall, and even scrawled notes left by travellers passing through.
V. Café by the Way, Mussoorie
For some of the best milkshakes you’ll find up north
Ruskin Bond’s hometown is where you’ll find Café by the Way, a casual, friendly eatery on Mall Road. It’s known for delicious shakes and aromatic coffee—both a godsend for travellers in need of replenishment. Our favourite things about this place though are the cute scooter style bar stools.
VI. Drifter’s Inn & Café, Manali
A travellers’ café high up in the mountains of Himachal
Drifter’s Inn & Café is a charming little establishment in Old Manali. With boardgames, books, free Wi-Fi and tons of travellers exchanging exciting stories, there’s never a dull moment here. The café serves some great American and Continental fare, along with a few select Indian dishes. It’s known to draw a rich, varied crowd so plonk yourself down next to anyone and strike up a conversation.
VII. Evergreen Café, Kasol
For Israeli Food and a startling splash of colour
The first thing that strikes you about Kasol’s Evergreen Café is the colour: green timber frames and roof, pink walls, brown wicker chairs and red-and-white chequered tablecloths. Once you settle down, either at the upright tables or the low divan-style seating, you’ll see that the menu prominently features Israeli food alongside other options like Continental and Chinese.
VIII. Kunzum Café, New Delhi
Where travellers come together to share stories
Kunzum Café in Hauz Khas village is so much more than an eating joint. Travellers from all over converge here to sit on their wicker chairs and exchange travel stories and experiences. The café has a selection of travel books that you can thumb through as you sip some coffee and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. And that’s not even the best part. The best part is that Kunzum is one of those pay-what-you-like places. So being broke can never be a valid excuse to not visit.
IX. Oh Magic View, Kasol
For views of the Himalayas and the Parvati River
Technically, Oh Magic View isn’t in Kasol, but in a village named Challal that’s a short distance away. It’s got an outdoor and indoor area, both of which offer views of the Himalayas and the Parvati River. Choose between Indian, Israeli and Italian food, but don’t miss out on some chai and paratha.
X. OpenHand Café & Bistro, Leh
Where food meets sustainability
Leh’s OpenHand Café & Bistro wears many hats at once. It’s a café, an organic restaurant and a store that sells products made from recycled materials. Its outdoor courtyard is where you want to be—soaking up the sun and sampling some of their signature brews before browsing through their handmade textiles, cushions and jewellery.
XI. Pizzeria Vaatika Café, Varanasi
A slice of Italy in temple town
Varanasi draws crowds from around the world, so it’s probably not all that unbelievable that you can find a slice of Italy in this ancient city. Pizzeria Vaatika Café is located at Asi Ghat, and, as the name suggests, serves as-close-to-authentic Italian pizza you’d expect to find in a small religious town.
XII. Rinchen Cafeteria, Ladakh
For steaming hot tea and Maggi noodles on the world’s highest motorable road
This one is definitely not for the faint of heart. Rinchen Cafe is the world’s highest cafe, which is kind of obvious seeing as how it’s located at Khardung La, which at 17,582 ft. is the world’s highest motorable pass. But the location is exactly what makes this cafe legendary. When it’s freezing cold, all you want is some hot tea and and food, and Rinchen doesn’t disappoint. It’s famous for its momos, but also for dishing out a certain comfort food we all grew up on: Maggi noodles. If you’re puzzled as to why Maggi is such a big deal here, it’s because lots of these places are very remote and fresh food supplies depend on road transport. In the event that something goes awry and supplies are hit, it can be very helpful to have a few packs of instant noodles lying around.
XIII. Shiva Café, Dharamsala
Where to unwind and discuss travel with fellow diners
Shiva Café is a cute little stone café tucked away near the Bhagsunag waterfall. It serves delicious Tibetan and Chinese food and is known for its crowd of young, friendly backpackers who are always up for a good talk involving travel and adventure.
XIV. Shiv Shanti Café, Kasol
For spellbinding views of the valley
Shiv Shanti Café is a popular hangout spot for the continuous stream of travellers passing in and out of the picturesque Himalayan town of Kasol. With low wooden tables, great food and clean mountain air waiting to be sucked in by the mouthful, Shiv Shanti Café is a must-visit. Its terrace has a spellbinding view of the valley and surrounding peaks.
XV. The 60s Café, Rishikesh
Where you can relive the Swinging Sixties, in a way
Everybody knows that The Beatles visited Rishikesh and the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The 60s Café is where you’ll find new-age hippies and lots of old school music, plus portraits of Jim Morrison and The Beatles adorning the walls. The menu features vegan options along with high protein pancakes and scrambled tofu.
XVI. The Lazy Dog, Manali
One of Manali’s coolest spots
The Lazy Dog is a delightful little lounge-cum-café located on the banks of the Beas river in Old Manali. The menu offering everything from eggs to burritos and sandwiches alongside Japanese, Chinese Thai and Korean fare. What is perhaps most striking about this little place are the cute artefacts and knick-knacks from around the world that make up its décor. Combined with its laidback atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, beanbags thrown casually about, and board games a-plenty, this is easily one of Manali’s coolest spots.
XVII. Wake and Bake Café, Shimla
Where French, Italian and Middle Eastern food is served with a view
Wake and Bake Café is located on the second floor of a building on Shimla’s famous Mall Road and overlooks the busy thoroughfare on one side and the lush valley on the other. It’s known for its delicious breakfast—pancakes, waffles, and crepes especially. They also serve great pizzas and Middle Eastern food.
XVIII. Yama Café, Kushinagar
The best place for a pick-me-up in a Buddhist pilgrimage town
Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is a Buddhist pilgrimage centre and is significant for followers of Buddhism, as it is believed that this is where Buddha attained parinirvana after his death. Plenty who visit the town inevitably flock to Yama Café for its thukpa.
Feature image courtesy: eatstory.in
Research by Raj Rege
If you enjoyed this, we suggest you read
