Exploring the cafe culture in Bir: 8 Must-visit spots for food lovers

Nestled in the serene village of Bir, Himachal Pradesh, lies an unexpected delight for food lovers and adventurers alike.

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and thrilling paragliding opportunities, Bir boasts a vibrant café culture that remains a hidden gem to many. Imagine cosy nooks serving aromatic Himalayan teas and energetic spots offering a taste of the world. The café scene here is a testament to Bir’s evolving and diverse food landscape.

Picture yourself savouring delicious treats while surrounded by the majestic Himalayas. These cafes not only offer delectable cuisine but also provide an ambiance that captures the unique charm of Bir.

Ready to uncover Bir's cafe treasures? Here are 8 must-visit spots that promise an unforgettable culinary experience.

1. Silver Linings Café

Silvers Linings Café is a charming and somewhat hidden gem located near Suja Village, just beyond the landing site where most paragliders touch down after their flight over Bir. Established approximately 5 years ago, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cafés in the area. The café's design features wood and earth construction details, adding to its rustic appeal and catching the attention of many visitors. This unique blend of traditional materials and thoughtful design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a favourite spot for both locals and tourists.

Whether you're looking to enjoy a leisurely meal after an adventurous day of paragliding or simply wish to soak in the serene ambiance, Silver Linings Café offers a delightful dining experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Cost for two: 900 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
• Must try dishes: Grilled chicken sandwich, Himalayan herbal tea
• Drive time from The Hosteller Bir: 6 minutes (1.5 km)

Silver linings café | Credits: orophile_vr, Instagram

2. Cafe Cloud Door 

Cafe Cloud Door is the perfect escape from the busy streets of Bir’s main market, situated at Chougan Chowk. This hidden pearl provides a calm and quiet environment, unlike other places within the city centre.

This authentic clay brick oven bakes mouth watering pizzas that have made Cloud Door’s name famous. The piquant, smoky taste comes simply from real baking, while it perfectly matches their homemade mustard sauce. At another time, you can plug in your laptop to catch some work done or just go ahead and browse because this place also doubles up as an office when combined with other stuff like relaxation or something else entirely.

• Cost for two: 800 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Must try dishes: Margherita pizza, Mint, and honey lemonade
• Walk distance from The Hosteller Bir: 10 minutes (750 metres)

Cloud door café | Credits: btown_bir, Instagram

3. Garden Cafe

Garden Cafe lives up to its name, as one cannot differentiate between its visual aesthetics and its culinary offering. Upon entering, guests are surrounded by an exquisite floral arrangement, featuring an abundance of roses, which creates a serene ambiance. The cafe's picturesque setting is further enhanced by the presence of birds, whose gentle chirping adds to the overall sense of tranquillity, making it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a meal.

With WiFi available throughout the premises, the Garden Cafe also serves as a convenient spot for those seeking a peaceful and productive environment in which to work. Whether you are looking to unwind after a long journey or prepare for a busy day ahead, the cafe's calm atmosphere provides the perfect setting in which to collect your thoughts and focus on your tasks.

• Cost for two: 1000 INR
• Timings: 8:00 am to 8:30 pm
• Must try dishes: Fluffy pancakes, Ginger lemon iced tea
• Walk distance from The Hosteller Bir: 5 minutes (400 metres)

Garden café | Credits: megsontheroad, Instagram

4. Cafe Buransh

Cafe Buransh is aptly named after the rhododendron, the state flower of Himachal Pradesh. This hidden gem is strategically situated at Bir's paragliding landing site, offering a prime location with breathtaking views of the valley. It is the perfect spot to unwind after the exhilarating experience of paragliding.

The café boasts an open terrace, providing patrons with the opportunity to witness stunning sunsets over Bir. The menu is a delightful blend of traditional dishes from local eateries and their regular offerings. Whether you're looking to work with a view or enjoy a leisurely meal, Cafe Buransh offers a serene and inspiring backdrop to enhance your experience.

• Cost for two: 800 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Must try dishes: Siddu, Rhododendron juice
• Drive time from The Hosteller Bir: 5 minutes (1.4 km)

Buransh cafe | Credits: tanu.mahajan_31298, Instagram

5. Bhoomi Cafe

Bhoomi Cafe stands out in the town of Bir for its minimalist decor and its all-female staff. This purely vegetarian Korean restaurant takes pride in offering authentic flavours and using fresh ingredients. The menu features popular dishes such as Japchae (glass noodles tossed with stir-fried vegetables) and Dandanmian (wheat noodles accompanied by Szechuan soya chunks). Unique beverages like Anchan lemonade (made from butterfly pea flowers) and freshly brewed Kombucha are also available, both of which are rare finds in Bir.

For those who avoid animal products, Bhoomi Cafe offers a wide selection of vegan dishes. In addition to savoury meals, Bhoomi Cafe doubles as Rigzin’s bakery, where delightful treats are baked fresh daily.

• Cost for two: 950 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Must try dishes: Japchae, Anchan lemonade, Decadent chocolate
• Walk distance from The Hosteller Bir: 7 minutes (550 metres)

Bhoomi cafe | Credits: flexcia_dsouza, Instagram

6. Café Bir

Are you looking for a meat-based meal in Bir? Then Café Bir is the place for you. Reopened in September 2021, this café features a small but ever-changing menu that allows the owner and head chef to constantly experiment with new dishes.

The ambiance at Café Bir is warm and inviting, with cosy seating arrangements and a rustic charm that makes you feel right at home. The café often hosts special events like live music nights, open mic sessions, and themed food festivals, making it a lively spot to hang out with friends or meet new people. The combination of great food, a relaxing atmosphere, and engaging events ensures that every visit to Café Bir is a memorable experience.

• Cost for two: 800 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
• Must try dishes: Dakgangjeong, Cheese corn dog
• Walk distance from The Hosteller Bir: 4 minutes (290 metres)

Café Bir | Credits: mycafebir, Instagram

7. Emaho Cafe

Emaho Cafe serves as a culinary embassy to Tibet, offering an array of authentic Tibetan cuisine. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including momos, thukpa, and thenthuk. From the moment you enter, you are greeted with a complimentary cup of black tea, showcasing the café's warm hospitality. Emaho Cafe is highly affordable, making it an excellent choice for budget travellers who wish to savour the diverse flavours of the Himalayas without straining their finances.

With its genuine Tibetan dishes and welcoming atmosphere, Emaho Cafe provides a memorable and enriching dining experience for all who visit.

• Cost for two: 700 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Must try dishes: Momos, Thukpa
• Walk distance from The Hosteller Bir: 4 minutes (350 metres)

8. Ace of spade BBQ quest

Ace of Spade BBQ Quest, located near the landing site, will not go unnoticed due to the delicious smell of barbecue wafting from its kitchen. This hole-in-the-wall eatery operates only during the evenings, offering customers a variety of tasty barbecue and grilled items.

They mostly serve meat-based meals, where barbecued chicken sausages and smoky mutton still rule the menu. The lone vegetarian option, potato twisters, makes a good snack too. Ace of Spade is affordable making it a favourite destination among budget-conscious foodies.

• Cost for two: 800 INR
• Timings: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm
• Must try dishes: Barbecued chicken sausages, Potato twizzles
• Drive time from The Hosteller Bir: 4 minutes (1.1 km)

Conclusion

The café culture of Bir mirrors the evolving identity of this village as a confluence of diverse cultures and cuisines. From dishes inspired by the renowned Himalayan garden to international delicacies, Bir offers a culinary experience that promises to tantalise your taste buds. On your next visit to Bir, ensure you embark on a gastronomic journey through these 8 must-visit cafes, each with its own unique charm and secrets. For an unforgettable stay, consider The Hosteller Bir. Conveniently located directly across from the primary bus stand, The Hosteller Bir offers comfortable rooms, a spacious open-air café, a hammock lounge and bonfire areas. The hostel's prime location means you are within walking distance of all major attractions in the charming town of Bir.