The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the crisp mountain air, a promise of cozy corners and unforgettable flavors. This is Landour, a sleepy hill town nestled near Mussoorie, where a delightful cafe scene awaits.

Forget crowded cafes. Landour offers a taste of serenity, with stunning views and a touch of history in every cup. From cozy spots steeped in the past to modern hangouts with a view, there’s a Landour cafe for every traveler.

Must-Visit Landour Cafes

Historic Charmers

• Landour Bakehouse:

  • Inspired by Victorian-era bakeries, this charming spot is the heart of Sister’s Bazaar. Sunlight streams through the windows, warming the brick walls and worn wooden floors. The aroma of fresh-baked bread and pastries fills the air. Settle into a cozy corner and savor their famous chocolate croissants or a classic English breakfast with a serene valley view. Derived from the ‘Landour Cookbook,’ the menu reflects the area’s unique culinary heritage.

• Doma’s Inn:

  • Step inside this vibrant cafe, and you’re transported into a traditional Asian household. Warmly lit lanterns, colorful wall hangings, and Thangka paintings create a cozy atmosphere. Doma’s Inn serves up authentic Tibetan fare. Order steaming momos (dumplings) with a variety of fillings, or savor the comforting flavors of their Thupka, a Tibetan noodle soup.

• Chaar Dukan:

  • More than just a cafe, this is a piece of Landour’s living history. A cluster of four (now six!) tiny shops has been serving simple, satisfying meals to locals and visitors for over a century. Choose a spot like Anil’s Cafe for a classic bun omelet and sweet ginger-lemon tea. Or, grab a plate of piping hot Maggi noodles at Tip Top Tea Shop. Each little eatery has its own personality, but they all share that timeless Landour charm.

Cozy Comfort

• Cafe Ivy:

  • With its cool vibe and mix of vintage and rustic decor, it’s no wonder Cafe Ivy is the hip hangout for Landour’s younger crowd. The fireplace adds warmth on chilly evenings, and the terrace is the place to be for sunset views. Their menu spans cultures, from Italian pizza to Indian curries, and their Aglio Olio pasta is a favorite.

• Prakash Store:

  • More than just a cafe, Prakash Store is a Landour institution. Since 1928, this general store has been a gathering place. Today, they’re famous for their homemade jams, chutneys, peanut butter, and cheeses, all crafted from local ingredients using recipes passed down through generations.

Views with Your Meal

• Lal Tibba Binocular Cafe:

  • For the ultimate panorama, head to Lal Tibba, Landour’s highest point. The views of the Himalayan peaks are simply breathtaking. To access the rooftop with its fixed telescope, you’ll need to order something from their simple, satisfying menu. Maggi noodles, a comforting classic, are perfect against the mountain chill.

• Hills-E-Ishq Cafe:

  • Located near the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, this family-run spot offers a peaceful respite after a hike. Dig into their authentic Garhwali Thali, a delightful sampling of regional dishes like nettle kebabs and millet kheer. The friendly staff is happy to explain the ingredients and their significance in local cuisine.

• Emily’s:

  • Housed within the historic Rokeby Manor, Emily’s exudes old-world elegance. Sunlight bathes the room with its wooden floors and French doors. Savor a leisurely breakfast of pancakes or hash browns, or opt for a classic British afternoon tea experience. If the weather allows, dine on the rooftop terrace with the snow-capped Himalayas as your backdrop.

• Devdar Woods Cafe:

  • Surrounded by towering Devdar trees, this cafe feels like a hidden gem. The spacious dining hall and high wooden ceilings hark back to its past as a British-era bungalow. Their signature wood-fired pizzas are legendary, but there’s plenty more to tempt you. Enjoy the view, the tranquility, and linger over a steaming cup of masala chai.

Unique Experiences

Manisha’s House: For a home-cooked meal with a difference, seek out Manisha. She welcomes guests into her living room for an all-you-can-eat feast of simple, flavorful Indian dishes. The menu changes daily, reflecting what’s fresh and in season.

Manisha even offers basic cooking lessons for those eager to learn. Be sure to contact her in advance, as walk-ins are not accepted.

Beyond the Mainstays

• Hidden Gems:

  • If you’re the adventurous type, ask a friendly local about some of the smaller, lesser-known cafes tucked away on winding paths. You might stumble upon a tiny spot with a balcony framing the valley like a painting, or one with a secret garden where dappled sunlight plays on your table.

• Best of the Rest:

  • Landour is overflowing with charming cafes! Here’s a quick list of other spots worth checking out:
    • The Mudcup Cafe: Cozy atmosphere and delicious eats on the Mussoorie-Landour road.
    • The Glen: Known for its European-style breakfasts and cozy indoor seating with a fireplace, perfect for chilly days.
    • Clock Tower Cafe: A bustling spot near Chaar Dukan, popular for its snacks and lively atmosphere.
    • A Very Old Cafe: A quirky and aptly named cafe with a lovely outdoor garden and a whimsical vibe.
    • Cafe By The Way: A simple and unassuming spot with great coffee and views that make it worth the walk to find.

Practical Tips

• Getting There: Landour is a short taxi ride from Dehradun Airport or a 5 km drive from Mussoorie. Due to steep, narrow roads, it’s easiest to arrange transport directly to Landour.
• When to Go: Landour’s beauty shines year-round. Summer offers clear skies, monsoon brings lush greenery, and winter might even bring a dusting of snow.
• Local Secrets: Ask the staff at your guesthouse or a friendly shopkeeper for their favorite off-the-beaten-track cafe recommendations. You might be rewarded with a truly special discovery!

Landour’s cafes aren’t just about the food. They’re about slowing down, savoring the moment, and letting the mountain air fill your soul. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of history, the buzz of a trendy spot, or a quiet corner with a view, there’s a cafe in Landour waiting to welcome you.

So, start planning your cafe crawl today – the taste of a warm bun omelet and the memory of those Himalayan sunsets will linger long after you’ve left.

Related Stories

• Landour: Cozy Cafes & Winding Trails

Watch a video

Indulge Your Senses: Landour’s Must-Visit Cafes Await!

Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Also, check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.

Curious Times News Program for Schools for FREE. Over 5,000 schools and teachers from all over the world have joined our programme so that students and teachers can get FREE Educative Newspaper. Here, kids can take part in world events and win prizes and certificates for free through their schools.

Moreover, schools are sharing important School News, like interviews with the principal, notices about new students, contests, and results, not just on social media but also on a news website for kids and other schools.

Thus, do not wait any further, sign-up for your school for FREE. 

The following social media platforms allow you to communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

  0  (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)

To post your comment Login/Signup