Best Cafes with a view in McLeod Ganj

Best Cafes with a view in McLeod Ganj: I take travelling seriously, travelling in between cafes … hehehe! On my recent trip to McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh, I visited so many cafes that I am struggling to recall every last one of them.

In this little Tibetan Town you’ll find cafes serving a hearty breakfast with great views and even better coffee. Most of the cafes are located in the town center, while a few of them are hidden and need some scouting.

There were some Cafes that I kept revisiting only to enjoy the cuppa surrounded by some of the best vibes. When in McLeod Ganj, finding a poorly made coffee is as rare as finding water in the desert. Each café I visited has its own pros. Some stood out for their great coffee while others boasted dreamy views. The cafes play refuge on a rainy day or even when it is just too hot to step outside. Great valley views or simply value for money, here is a selection of the Best Cafes with a view in McLeod Ganj.

Café Bogdo: Starting with a café which I just chanced upon when my first choice cafe was shut and I was in need of a caffeine fix. I was just the second visitor that morning. An instant smile from the barista reflected I was in for a great coffee. Enjoy a slow morning at their terrace section and watch the clouds unveil the mystical view of the valley.

This place has dreamy views and one of the best Coffees topping the list of best cafes with a view. Try the Café Latte with a side of fluffy Nutella Pancakes or English breakfast. The food is good and the view even better. Do meet the Latte Artist “Nagpo Tsang” who passionately etches out each latte art. His dream is to own a café in Queensland someday.

Moon Peak Café: A quaint little café placed in the noisy market area, rolling up to Moon Peak Café for a cuppa before or after street shopping is a great idea. The twin café serving Indian snacks, sandwiches and desserts offers a view of the busy streets of McLeod Ganj, with the setting sun in the background.

Oh, and did I tell you that this is the cheapest coffee I’ve had whilst in McLeod Ganj. It costs just Rs 70 with that perfect Heart etched on it. Veg Sandwich and Pakodas were good options to munch on. The indulgent chocolate cake is not to be missed.

Crepe and Pancake Hut: A hidden nook with low rise tables, it’s a great place to unwind and laze around for a while. Run by a Tibetan family, this family owned café also offers filtered water for just Rs 5 to cut down on Plastic consumption. If you choose to dine here, you will be served water free of charge. Nutella Banana Crepe is a must try here. The coffee is pretty average but what puts this place on the list of best cafes is its cosy and calm ambiance, the sound of soothing music in the air and ever smiling hosts.

Common grounds: Community grounds is a community café tucked away from the noisy market area. The café is tiny but cosy with a lovely outdoor seating area. You can sit here all day enjoying the “loud” silence, meeting like-minded travellers or play with dogs. The food is simple yet tasty. French Press coffee was just the right pick.

Nick’s Kitchen: Is a casual café with a selection of decent food and some of the finest desserts. Enjoy a cup of Coffee with an envious view from their terrace section. If you are craving for a variety of cheesecakes, this is the place to go. The rooftop retains the Tibetan essence with prayer flags fluttering in the wind, portraits of Monks, Tibetan culture books and more. They also have a guest house (Kunga Guest House) apt for budget backpackers.

Café Detour: Not many hotels have the best in house cafes but luckily, the one I stayed in had a fabulous one. I stayed at the Pink House, home to the vibrant and quirky Café Detour. The colourful furniture is made from old Tyres and Drums. Soak in the views of the rolling hills from the cooler shaded section of the café; from beyond the tall glass panes. You can also get instagrammable shots with the colourful scooter on the terrace. Try the Honey Ginger Lemon or Black Coffee with nibbles and a book from the large book collection. If you are on a best café hop spree in Mcleod Ganj, then you must visit Café Detour.

Illiterati books & Coffee: Illiterati Café merely merits a spot in the list of best cafes with a view for its scenic views. Duh!

Located on lower Jogiwara road, it offers unobstructed mountain views from the balcony. This café is good only for its views and extensive book collection. The food is below average and overpriced. The weekends are busy and you might end up sharing a table with strangers. The service gets slow and patrons are often rushed into vacating the table when the waiting crowd increases. Pro tip: Pick a coffee, a good read and avoid the food hype.

Woeser Bakery: This hole in the wall is a difficult place to find but worth looking out for. It is located in the basement of Black Magic Restaurant at Jogiwara Road. Run by a sweet Tibetan owner Tendill Sangmo, Woeser Bakery is named after her daughter. Well this café doesn’t have any view to offer but surely the best coffee in all of Mcleodganj. Popular for its homemade hand beaten cappuccino, the coffee is thick, creamy and a perfect caffeine kick to start your day. Pair your coffee with the some of the best-in-town Carrot cake or simply get baked goodies packed for your way back. Woeser bakery also contributed by baking more than 500 cupcakes on the birthday of His Holiness the 14^th Dalai Lama.

Have you been to McLeod Ganj before? Have you tried on of these Best Cafes with a view in McLeod Ganj? Let me know in the comments below.

Until then,

TheWickedSoul

Also read Best Restaurants to visit in McLeod Ganj and Dharamkot.