Shambhala Restaurant – Coffee Meals | Coffee & Conversations!
In the midst of the chaotic Jogiwara road of Mcleodganj, make yourself cozy and comfortable at Coffee Meals – Shambhala Restaurant. The café has a beautiful and clean ambience, with extremely impressive all-wood interiors, unlike any other café on Jogiwara Road.
Choiphel, an ardent coffee lover himself, opened this café a few months ago. He earlier owned Coffee Talk, located on the Monastery lane. His love for coffee grew further, when he travelled across USA and Canada. During his travel, he learnt the art of roasting coffee beans and identifying beans for their unique flavours. Once back home, he decided to open his own coffee shop. And that’s how Coffee Meals came into being and we must thank Choiphel for it.
Having heard great things about the place, I was way too eager to try the place. After a few recommendations, I ordered:
- Cappuccino
- Mango and Strawberry Smoothie
- Fried Thentuk
- Pancake with Butter/Honey and Ice cream
The Cappuccino looked nothing like the ones we get at numerous coffee chains in the city. The froth on top and the lightness of the coffee were easy to recognize. I later saw Choiphel making the steamed milk foam for minutes, so as to serve the perfectly brewed coffee to his customers, who seemed to be regular at this café.
Besides coffee, you would find the finest Mango smoothie out here. Although, it isn’t prepared with yoghurt, it does contain the pulp of fresh fruits and some added sugar. The taste of fresh mango and tiny chunks of fresh strawberries was absolutely delightful. The smoothie was so delicious and rich that it could be a meal in itself.
Every time I have visited Mcleodganj, I have had the conventionally prepared Tibetan soup, Thentuk. Only this time, I had the opportunity to try Fried Thentuk. All the ingredients such as flat noodles, veggies and mild spices were same, except it didn’t have soup. Tastes much like chowmein. It is a must have if you’re a fan of chowmein, though with Tibetan Spinach and tofu.
Then arrived a fluffy, warm and almost cake like Pancake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup and butter/honey. Pure indulgence and the contentment of having something, that always puts a smile on your face. Just can’t be put into words. This Pancake should be on top of your list whenever you visit Mcleodganj.
As I finished my meal, Choiphel (a man of few words and a zen like smile) finally spoke to me. He knew nooks and crannies of Delhi and shared his dream of opening a Coffee shop in the capital. If he can replicate what he has created in Mcleodganj, out here in Delhi, it will truly be a gift for us.
Till then, I’ll cherish the aroma of coffee and meals, which still lingers on, in my mind, just like the wonderful scent of mountains of Himachal Pradesh.
For more, Read: Best Places to eat in Mcleodganj (Part-1)
Best Places to eat in Mcleodganj (Part-2)
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