5 Must Visit Cafes in Shimla

"You don't need a silver spoon to eat good food!" - Paul Prudhomme

All you need is the mood, appetite and to go with it, an amazing view! That's what I had last week when I was travelling to Shimla for my friend's wedding. And because I hadn't gone around the place till date (yes that's true), but better be late than never, I tried to cover most of the places of the city this time. And for any travel destination, food is one of the most important facets for us. And in search of good food and good places, we landed up these beautiful cafes in Shimla, which are both new and old. But what is common is that you cant afford to miss them in your next trip!

1. WAKE & BAKE CAFE

We had heard the name before and wanted to ofcourse have a hearty breakfast here. So in incessant rains that drenched us from top to bottom, we took the little hike from Old Bus stand to Mall road, (me shivering all the way due to lack of warm clothes in the unexpected 7 degree C) and after reaching on the top this place served us as a warm abode.
We ordered a steaming Latte, some Herb & Cheese Garlic bread, Chocolate Shake and Banana Nutella Crepes, which were heavenly! The view to the centre of the Mall Road was absolutely amazing. For a great breakfast, head to Wake & Bake!

2. HPTDC ASHIANA CAFE

While walking along the Church Road, this one we found and instantly decided to have lunch. We knew before getting in that it was the best decision we took because the café is one gorgeous looking place. Octagonal in shape, which French windows all sides and an indoor and outdoor seating with a view of the entire valley from one side and Church road to the other. Its a calm family place with good food, quick service and you will definitely have an amazing time chatting away with your friends and family.

3. TOSHALI ROYAL VIEW

Well this one is not a Café in Shimla, its a Resort in the Kufri- Chail Road, but one worth mentioning in my list. Good food is just a part of the lovely experience here. The view is unparalleled from this resort which has comfortable rooms and a very courteous staff. Loved the experience of the rising and setting sun, the walk to village downhill, the entire green valley around, its like a stay in paradise. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, its quiet and serene place for you to relax, play games, do activities and get away from everyday worries.
Also, there is this little dhaba and bakery adjacent to the resort which serves really nice food.

4. HONEY HUT NATURE'S CAFE

Once again in the midst of the Mall road towards the side to Jhaku Temple, its a small café tucked away in the market with both indoor and outdoor seating, having a theme of all products being healthy-ish and using honey. With a view of the city to one side and mall road on the other, it has a lovely ambience, perfect for a brunch, in the beautiful breezy Shimla weather.

5. CAFE UNDER TREE

A hidden café under the tree, this is one beautiful place over the Jhaku hill top. We didn't know about it earlier and accidentally found it and its the most amazing café we have been too. With a complete wooden architecture and French windows all along, it gives the perfect view to the green valley on the opposite side of the town. Beware of all the monkeys on the hill top, it was the best place to relax after a long day of travel. Sipping your favourite drink, you can sit for hours watching the thick forest outside. And we got our best pictures here, such an amazing natural lighting it has. So glad we found it.

6. CAFE SHIMLA TIMES

And lastly, one that is well know in Shimla giving a spectacular view of the town below. We went in for dinner because we wanted a night view of the city and surprisingly had live music going on. With catchy old songs, chilled air, hot chocolate, wood baked pizza and Achari Paneer Tikka was the best combination. Seeing little houses twinkling below while enjoying a sumptuous dinner is not something you would want to miss out!

That was a wrap for all the good food we had in Shimla and I really did not want to come back to Delhi into all the heat and pollution. Already missing the clean air, cool breeze and beautiful views I saw there. Will definitely visit again and fin out more places but next time during snow!

Happy Eating !