Some people are not meant for discotheques or bar hopping. They don’t identify with that. They can mask their emotions and pretend to enjoy the loud music, dark setting and glammed up gentry. But deep down, they long for their cosy bed where they can lie for hours reading a book or binge watching Hotstar/ Netflix over cups of tea and plates of pasta. In fact, aimless scrolling of Facebook timeline sounds better to them than pub hopping. They are lazy. And they like that.

I am lazy and I like laidback settings. I like places where I can do my thing & you can do your thing. We might exchange glances & smile at each other, but noone makes an attempt to strike a conversation. Because that would take effort. And we are lazy. And we like that.

Mcleod Ganj is far from lazy, but their cafes have an air of comfort about them. Whenever I visit McLeod, I spend less time in my hotel and more in the cafes found in every nook and corner. This is probably why I end up putting on 2-3 kgs. after every trip to McLeod.

In my many trips to McLeod Ganj, I have visited numerous cafes and I loved almost all of them. Here is a list of 7 cafes that I absolutely loved for their menu, food, service, ambience and laziness. Check them out in your next trip to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj because life on weekends must be lazy. And a cafe is the best place for that.

1. German Bakery:

The best part about German Bakery is definitely their settings: four chairs around a rectangular table with checked cloth on it & the slow, soft music in the background. People generally play ludo or cards while slurping Thupka, chomping momos or sipping the masala chai. Eternal bliss!

Where is it?: Bhagsu road (on way to Bhagsu trek)

Cost for two: INR 500 (no tax)

2. Tibet Kitchen:

Tibet Kitchen is not a cafe. It’s a restaurant. But I love Tibet Kitchen. And if I write about the places to eat, in Mcleod Ganj, Tibet Kitchen has to make it to the list. It’s a pretty place with a pretty setting. You can see pictures and quotes of Dalai Lama everywhere which inspire a lazy like me to move the mountains. The next day, I did not move any mountain, but I trekked to Triund. And that’s the same for me. 🙂 😉

Where is it?: Jogiwar road, House #1

Cost for two: INR 800

3. Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen:

Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen has a superb ambience. I loved the Bollywood & Hollywood movie posters adorning their walls. You could even write something on a piece of paper and pin it up on their board amongst other love messages.

You have to try their pizzas and Apple-crumble pie.

Where is it?:  a few shops away from Tibet Kitchen

Cost for two: INR 1000

4. Crepe Pancake:

My husband discovered this one. He wanted to have waffles and thus Crepe pancake happened. Run mostly by ladies, they take their own sweet time to prepare the dishes. But when they serve it, it’s worth the wait except for the times when you find a tiny, healthy hair in your waffles and ask them to replace it.

Where is it?: Potala road

Cost for two: INR 800

5. Four Seasons Cafe:

You love to read a book in a cafe? You love to have coffee/ Mocha/ hot chocolate or juice while you are reading a book? This is the place for that. Small space, mostly frequented by monks; you would love their beverages.

Where is it?: A few shops away from Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Cost for two: INR 500

6. Clay Oven Cafe:

Best cafes are discovered on full stomach & on the last day of your trip. Because you can’t relish their savory delights and can’t even come back the next day to have a hearty breakfast because you are leaving tomorrow morning and they won’t open the restaurant/ cafe before 12 o’ clock. Clay oven is exactly that kind of place. Try their bakery items; they are delicious.

Where is it?: Dharamkot road, Bhagsu Naag

Cost for two: INR 800

7. Shiva Cafe:

The trek to Bhagsu is very easy and simple. In fact, it’s no trek, just an uphill climb. To reach Shiva Cafe, however, you have to trek a little before enjoying maggi, masala chai and other mountain delicacies.

I did not eat anything in Shiva cafe. So, no food pictures. You may, however, share yours. I would love to post them here with your credits.

Where is it?: Bhagsu Naag Waterfall Pathway

Cost for two: INR 500

Let us know if you need any help in planning your trip to McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala or Palampur. We would love to help. Happy travelling!