Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, does not have any international chains like Starbucks or Costa Coffee which slowly gave a rise to its home-grown cafe culture. While Nepalis still prefer sweet, milky, heavily spiced tea or instant coffee, there’s a growing cafe scene in this city where you can get a good mug of coffee and try out some amazing dishes. Here are some of the best cafes in Kathmandu.
Mo:Mola Palpasa Coffee
You will fall in love with this café as soon as you enter the place because of its cozy and chilled out vibe. It’s the perfect place if you want to spend some alone time. The owner makes momo’s inspired by his travels and they do not disappoint. It is one of the cheapest breakfast places in Kathmandu and the staff here are super friendly.
Himalayan Java
It is one of the most famous cafés in Kathmandu which you definitely cannot afford to miss. This cafe in Kathmandu serves freshly brewed coffee from locally cultivated beans since 1999 and is a very popular chain all over Kathmandu. They have a very elaborated menu and the coffee here is good. Food items are derivatives of American, Italian and Asian cuisines. Vegans can customise their meal from the choices available. Also, don’t forget to end your meal by trying out their homemade desserts which are to die for.
Kar.ma Coffee
Located above the Pranamaya Yoga Studio in the Moksh complex in Jamsikhel, Kar.ma Coffee is a favorite of young Nepalis as well as the many expats who live in the area. The innovative decor of the cafe inside has chic wooden furniture sprawling across its floor and an open kitchen which invites coffee enthusiasts to watch the process of their coffee being brewed. You can also buy products like shampoo bars with coffee, coffee beans or grounded coffee, coffee cups which are sold here. About once a month, Karma Coffee holds special events on Friday evenings, where they serve wine, beer and a range of home-baked cakes and snacks.
Sum Café
Sum Café is a great quiet place located in the busy lanes of Thamel. It has a pleasant courtyard and the red and white exterior makes the café even more attractive. Cuisines from Asia, Korea and other countries fill up the menu, but the most recommended is the finger-licking Korean food. The coffee is amazing but do try their tea which is their specialty.
Dhokaima Café
This cafe is located in Patan, and comes with an attached book shop – Bingo!!! Originally used as a store by the royal palace of Rana kingdom, this building is now revamped as one of Nepal’s oldest cafes. They serve Western and Asian meals throughout the day and are well prepared. The cafe also serves sherpa beer on draught as well as tasty cocktails.
Kaiser Café
Posh interior overlooking lush gardens, this is one café which will make you feel royal. Kaiser café is situated elegantly in the Garden of Dreams near a ravishing old palace. It’s a gorgeous venue and the service here is superb. It has a large menu serving vide variety of dishes which are a treat to your taste buds.
Café Soma
Café Some is the popular hangout place among the locals. This cafe with a Bohemian style with a Nepali touch serves one of the finest breakfasts and brewed coffee combos in the region. A delight for bookworms as they have a large collection of books decked up on the shelf by the wall. So, you can sit and read in this café while you indulge in their delicious food.
Café Swotha
The cafe is an extension of the boutique guest house and it’s small, but in its size lies its charm. It’s a small, quiet place but serves very tasty sandwiches, salads, and French press coffee. The service is excellent, the aroma of the food makes the mouth water, and the quiet ambience is friendly. Newari dishes and continental cuisine is its forte.
