A wandering spirit with a love for storytelling, Neera has 250+ articles in her travel playbook. She’s currently working on her latest insider guides from a secluded Mauritian beach.
Kathmandu is mostly known for its Himalayan adventures, ancient temples, and, of course, street food and desserts. But over the years, it’s the coffee scene which has led travelers to get ‘stuck’ in Kathmandu. There was a time when most cafes in Kathmandu were limited to roadside stalls and backpacker eateries. Nowadays, though, the coffee scene ranges from quirky artisan roasteries to leafy courtyards where you can sip on a fragrant masala chai.
Having spent countless months in Nepal (it’s one of those places you just can’t help but return to!), I’ve watched Kathmandu’s coffee scene grow into something truly unique. I love how many cafes have a strong sense of community where students, monks, and travelers can mingle. Then, of course, there’s nothing quite like a strong cup of Nepalese coffee made from locally grown beans to start your day off right in the bustling capital.
Compiling a list of the best cafes in Kathmandu is near impossible. But for now, let me try to name my best 7 cafes in Kathmandu.
1. Coffee Beans Specialty Café: For Seasonal Specialties
One of my favorite things to do in Kathmandu is to wander aimlessly around Boudha, taking in the colorful prayer flags and aromatic scent of incense. All over the place, you’ll find tiny stalls serving up classic street food like laphing.
(Credit: Samayee Dhungel)
If it’s a caffeine fix that you’re after, head upstairs to Coffee Beans Specialty Café, one of the best artisan cafes in Kathmandu. It’s found right above a nondescript storefront, so keep your eyes peeled or you might miss it (I know I did the first time I tried to find the place!).
There’s a pretty relaxed vibe inside, with comfy nooks overlooking the busy street below. Because the cafe is linked with The School of Coffee Beans, the coffee shop sometimes holds barista classes – so you might catch a live demo while you’re there.
Menu-wise, they’ve got pour-over brews and a wide range of espresso-based drinks. They also serve seasonal specialties like that scrumptious iced strawberry-matcha coffee in springtime.
Local tip: After enjoying your coffee, consider joining the locals in a kora, a meditative walk around the Boudhanath Stupa. Locals believe koras offer a deeper connection to the area’s spiritual vibes.
2. Ananda Tree House: Traditional Cafe in Kathmandu
Ananda Tree House may be smack dab in a highly touristy area, but for me, the café felt like stepping into a local friend’s living room. Unlike most other cafes in Kathmandu, Ananda has a quintessential Nepalese décor, complete with Buddhist prayer flags and terracotta floors. You’ll even find some low tables and floor cushions if you want to enjoy your coffee sitting cross-legged on the ground like the locals do.
What I love most about the café are the slow, soft, and soulful vibes – something that perfectly matched the organic vegan and vegetarian menu. While they’ve got standard offerings like oat milk and almond lattes, you’ll also find locally inspired drinks like the lightly spiced turmeric latte (my favorite). I can also vouch for their masala chai, which is beautifully infused with cardamom and ginger.
During festivals, this menu also offers seasonal treats like millet pancakes and sel roti. They also have plenty of wildflower teas from some of Nepal’s most remote areas.
(Credit: Alexey Cherchik)
Local tip: This café also doubles as an eco-homestay. If you’d like to be where the action is, this is one of my favorite places to stay. They also have an onsite boutique selling local honey.
If you’re hungry, I love their Tibetan thenthuk, a hand-pulled noodle soup known for its soft, yet chewy texture.
3. Dhaulagiri: For Community and Conversation
Tucked away in the nondescript neighborhood of Buddhanagar, Dhaulagiri roasts its own beans sourced from small Himalayan farms – so you know you’re in for the good stuff!
Local legend says this place originally started as a small roastery, but after revamping, it turned into one of the most beloved cafes in Kathmandu. The beans aren’t mass-produced either. According to the server, they’re grown in micro-lots on terraced lots using traditional Nepali farming practices.
(Credit: Maya Acharya)
Now, if you’re a coffee snob (no judgment here!), you’ll be glad to learn that the baristas were trained under the prestigious Star World Coffee School. This definitely isn’t the kind of place where you can go for a quick sip: the whole concept of Dhaulagiri is about creating conversation. So, don’t be surprised if the locals or fellow travelers strike up a conversation with you. They also regularly hold coffee tasting sessions.
Their menu is pretty standard, but each cup of coffee comes with a note highlighting the beans’ flavor profile, altitude, origin, and undertones. While Dhaulagiri doesn’t have as many traditional offerings as other cafes in Kathmandu, it’s still a great place to kick back and connect with the community.
(Credit: Raj Kumar Banjara)
4. Himalayan Java: Specialty Cafe in Kathmandu
Ask any Kathmandu local where to go for the best cuppa in the city, and they’ll most likely direct you to Himalayan Java. That’s actually how I found the place myself!
Something of a household name in Nepal, Himalayan Java is like the Starbucks of the country, so you’ll find multiple chains across Kathmandu. The one that I visited the most, though, was the branch on Mandala Street.
(Credit: 진도아재)
The very first specialty cafe in Kathmandu, Himalayan Java is such an institution in the city that it even offers barista and cooking classes. They’ve also got branches as far as Toronto and Seattle.
What makes this place typically Nepalese isn’t just their famous Everest coffee. It’s also the Terai-sourced yak cheese sandwiches, wild honey lattes (my favorite), and local herbal teas like their tulsi brew (holy basil). The price is admittedly on the higher side, but if you ask me, it’s totally worth the splurge!
(Credit: Pra Jakta)
5. Deli Akuj: Cafes in Kathamandu with the Best Pastries
Deli Akuj is probably the only cafe in Kathmandu where you can choose your own coffee beans. Don’t worry if you know nothing about coffee beans: the barista will help you pick the best ones based on your flavor preferences.
On my last visit, one of the baristas told me that the coffee shop originally started as a hub for business meetings, which might explain why you’ll see so many people with laptops around.
(Credit: Samigya Acharya)
The cafe has a very European vibe, with heaps of leafy green plants and plenty of that delightful Nepalese sunshine. Coffee-wise, they serve international brands like La Marzocco, Illy, and Cimbali.
But more than the coffee, though, it’s the selection of pastries that wins most people over, including me. Personally, I just couldn’t get enough of their eclairs and chocolate cake, although I heard some pretty great things about their grilled sandwiches too.
(Credit: Samigya Acharya)
6. Pumpernickel Bakery: For Fresh Bread
Next on our list is Pumpernickel Bakery, established a whopping 35 years ago. It’s one of the (many) German-style cafes in Kathmandu.
Because the cafe is so popular, it can get quite noisy, especially during breakfast and lunch. If you’re looking for some quiet time, head to the back of the room where you’ll find a door leading to a tranquil courtyard seating area.
(Credit: Ksenia Oxana)
You can expect standard hot and cold coffees, along with herbal infusions like jasmine tea. They’re especially known for their sweet treats like the Raffaello Cake and cinnamon cakes. Unlike other eateries I visited in Kathmandu, this place has little bells on the table which you use to order.
Local tip: The cafe is especially known for its fresh sourdough, baguettes, turnovers, and other baked goods, so it can be especially crowded in the morning. If you’re looking for a great bargain, pop in just before closing time for half-priced baked goods.
Keep your eyes peeled for the world map where patrons pin their home countries.
(Credit: Alejandro Rodríguez)
7. Bodhi Books & Bakes: A Literary Cafe in Kathmandu
If you’ve got a sweet tooth and love books, be sure to check out Bodhi Books & Bakes. Another one of my favorite cafes in Kathmandu, this place may not be quintessentially Nepalese, but it sure is cozy!
Think mismatched cushions, exposed brick walls, and huge, comfy couches that you can just sink into with one of their books. There are floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with an eclectic assortment of books that you can borrow to read while sipping on your coffee. They’ve also got comfy nooks and power outlets if you need to work on the go.
(Credit: Ganesh Rizzal)
Speaking of coffee, I heard they make the best cappuccinos in Kathmandu. Upon a local friend’s recommendation though, I finally treated myself to a cup of Nepali tea instead. Just a quick heads-up if you’re going to be ordering that: it’s brewed quite strong, so you may want to ask for a weaker brew if you prefer mild flavors.
Bodhi Books & Bakes is also known for their decadent mud cake served alongside vanilla ice cream. Believe me when I say they’re totally worth the calories!
Local tip: Head there in the morning to try their Nepali Breakfast Set. This hearty Nepalese dish consists of super soft roti (flatbread), eggs, chickpeas, and spiced potatoes.
Beginning your Nepal journey in Kathmandu? Don’t miss our ultimate guide to the beautiful places in Nepal. We’ve also prepared the ultimate 7-day Nepal itinerary to help you plan your time efficiently.
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