In my previous thread “My Caffeine Indulgence-I” I have shared , some of my favorite coffee shops in Kathmandu. And like I have promised , in this thread I will share some of the coffee joints in Lalitpur area. Also will be sharing some coffee shop chains in both of the cities which are very cool place to hangout......that is what I think :D.
Karma Coffee, Jhamsikhel – Located at Gyan Mandala,in Moksh Restautant premises, this is one of a kind coffee station. It is a coffee boutique. You get not only coffee and beverages, but a lot of Nepal made coffee products. From coffee soap to coffee incenses, they have a nice collection of different coffees from all over Nepal. This is a complete non smoking coffee shop. The unique feature of this place is that, they hand brew the coffee. You have to be there to experience it. But I need to warn you that, the serve is a bit laid back and...you might have to walk in and out from your table to get your stuff. Staff are friendly but not so helpful. Maybe coz you pay whatever you feel like for regular coffee. Prices are only for other beverages. A must try is Coffee Beet Latte and Homemade Smoothies. They also bake their own cookies and muffins.
Sports Coffee House, Jhamsikhel – One of my favorite hangouts in Jhamsikhel is this place. Located very
close to the Jhamsikhel chowk or if you are coming from Pulchowk, same lane as Hermann Helmers Bakery, this coffee shop is at the door way to Sports Hive Restaurant. Nothing fancy, but a great place for
summers and winters both, they serve good coffee. Very friendly and helpful staff, this place is again for the smokers. My favorite is their Blueberry Cheese cake.....mmmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmm ...trust me its
realllyyyyy good....orgasmic :P.....and their homemade Mint Lemonade.
Higher Grounds, Bhanimandal - Opposite to DFID office and right next to very popular Binayak Liquor Store, this is an social enterprise. It is a bakery, jewelry and craft shop as well. Run by a woman to support women, they have good coffee and a nice ambiance. Must try is Carrot Cake with Icing and Chocolate Truffle. Remember all profit from this place will go for women betterment.
Basecamp, Arun Thapa Chowk – This is my hippie place. It has a very hippie, retro, flower generation kinda feel to it. I love to take my book and sit there, drink coffee and listen to music. They also have shisha if you wanna try some good flavors. They hold a lot of interesting events throughout the year. So hanging out there might give you more options for more happening things.
Beautiful Coffee, Sanepa – Between Chaudhary Group cross and Sanepa Chowk, this is also social initiative project. In collaboration with a Korean NGO, it is a cool place to hangout. The drawback of this place is, sometimes they are closed without any prior notice. But if you are in this area and want a quiet place for coffee, this is your destination.
Cafe Coffee Day , Jawalakhel – This was not on my list, but since I was there for a brief meeting and I really liked that place, I thought why not mention it. A house hold coffee shop in India, this is its first outlet in Nepal. Coffee are the same standard as we pay in Indian outlets. No change in taste or service. This is not my daily hangout but once in a while to hangout or to have a meeting over coffee...I would recommend it.
Some of the coffee shops with chain outlets are as follows.
Himalayan Java Coffee – The pioneer of coffee culture in Nepal, HJ spread its wings now to Kathmandu to
US. It has its outlets at Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Boudha, Newroad, Baneshwor and Kingsway. They have maintained their coffee standards and ambiance for a long long time. A perfect place to meet up, date or just hangout. I am sure I don't have to say much about this one.
Red Mud – Starting their venture from a 2 shutter cafe inside Business Park, Thapathali, this cafe has come
a long way. Now a very very popular hangout in Jhamsikhel and a recently opened cafe in Gairidhara, I see Red Mud cafe going places. I love their Nepalicano ( black stronggggggggg coffee which can cure the worse hangover) and their veg platter. I would say, prices are too the higher side but its worth it. A recommendation from my side.
Barista Lavazza – This is a coffee chain from India, which is a very popular teens hangout in Delhi and Mumbai, it is more like a corporate hangout in Kathmandu. Pricy but good coffee. I go there for the ambiance and a quiet cup of coffee. The best is a strict demarcation for smoking and non smoking zone. The air-con works throughout the year so its worth that extra buck we pay. The outlets are exactly opposite of Uttar Dhoka of the Narayanhiti Palace, (Metro Park Building,Kathmandu) and right next to St Xaviers School in Jawalakhel ( Norkhang Complex, first floor).
I hope you, this thread will be more help for you to find good coffee spots in Kathmandu. I would suggest
you to go try any other outlet and give it a try and feel free to recommend. I have few more places to check out for coffee and cakes....will let you know how it is. Always remember, good friendships always starts over a good cup of coffee in a good cafe, so choose wisely. Happy Coffeeing!!!
