CAFES YOU CAN"T MISS

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CAFES YOU CANNOT MISS IN KULLU-MANALI

The pandemic has been arduous on almost every aspect of our lives but it’s been veritably hard on our travel plans and if you’re a wanderer you must be waiting for all this to end so that your excursions can resume. Kullu-Manali has been a hot and raved tourist destination for years now. Apart from the alluring scenery this place offers, the food and the cafes that add to the charm of travelling to this beautiful valley. To ameliorate your plans and make your experience wholesome here are some honest cafe recommendations from a localite who is passionate about food and ambiance.

 Valentino’s Kullu –

This primitive café which is the pioneer of café culture in this valley is located on the major district road (previously National Highway 21) in Kullu. It’s a beautiful little cottage with both indoor and outdoor seating, homelike vibes and a vegetarian menu offering Italian, Mexican and Continental cuisine. It’s the local’s most preferred café with the friendliest and most courteous staff you will ever come across. It’s the one place in Kullu you cannot miss.

There are branches of this café in Manali, Kasol and on the Chandigarh-Manali Highway (Kalehli).

Must Try – Pizza (authentic Italian pizza), Tomato Sauce Pasta/ Lasagna (personal favourite), Tiramisu cake 

2Café 1947, Manali – 

Situated on the Manali-Leh Highway, with an aesthetic indoor seating and a river touching garden with a view of the snow capped peaks, this café is the most famous café in Manali not only amongst the natives but also amongst tourists.  Highly recommended on almost every website. Café 1947 is a must visit place especially during the weekends when there are live singing shows. The ambiance of this café is idyllic and cozy and the food though a tad bit expensive is splendid, liquor and cocktails are also available here. 

Must Try – Chicken Nachos, Pizzas, Chillers, Spaghetti

 

The Lazy Dog Lounge, Old Manali –

Located along the banks of a river this is Manali’s oldest and coolest gastro pub which has a picturesque riverside patio which adjoins the Hadimba forest on one side and has a resplendent rock cut area on the other side. The pub located inside offers a vast variety of wines and champagnes with live music shows by famous artists and bands during the weekends. The evenings are ravishingly scenic in the garden with moonlight elevating the beauty of this café. The menu is exquisite and the food is delish and dainty.

Must Try – Chicken Breast with red sauce, Hummus with pita, Sushi, Trout, Pastas

Johnson’s Café, Manali –

Situated in proper Manali, with chic low lighting and an open air terrace this café is an ideal café for dining in without having to travel far away from the Mall road. Occasionally the café hosts live music shows by famous bands along with bonfire in their beautiful garden. One of the oldest establishment in Manali Johnson’s never lets you down with their simple but delightful food. If you’re here do not forget to taste their trout fish, considered to be the best in the entire valley.

 Fat Plate, Prini –

This is a beautiful family-run eatery on the left bank of river Beas and is open only from April up to October and is closed during the winters. What makes this little café special is that they bake their own bread and all vegetables and herbs used in cooking are cultivated at their own farms and some in the same premises. You can enjoy your food in their beautiful garden surrounded by lush green lawns.

 
Honorable Mentions:

1.    Luke’s Coffee and Dessert – Best cakes in Kullu; situated near Valentino’s Kullu, overlooking the river Beas is an ideal café for people who enjoy solitude and for readers.

2.    Maitre: Good Food Café – also located near Valentino’s Kullu. River touching with a beautiful and ambient indoor seating and open air terrace seating. Must try – American Chopsuey, Lemon cake, Creamy Cauliflower Pasta

3.    Dana Coffee House and German Bakery, Manali – situated right on the Mall road, has an open verandah seating which overlooks the entire Mall road and is famous for its coffee and cakes

4.    Café Meraki, Old Manali – known for their hospitable and amazing customer service alongside good food this café also provides music equipments for people to come together and make music. Must try – Burgers and momos

5.    Martin’s Café, Manali – run by an Austrian chef with an alfresco seating, this café has a cult following for brunches. Must try – grilled chicken, smoked trout

There are many other fine restaurants and eateries in Kullu-Manali but the ones mentioned above will never let you down and should not be missed if you are visiting the valley.