Kalimpong’s Coffee Awakening: Hidden Cafés and Himalayan Brews

with No Comment Kalimpong coffee culture

BY ARUN’S EXPERIMENTAL COFFEE LAB – Brewing Stories from the Eastern Himalayas

Kalimpong — a serene hill town nestled in the Eastern Himalayas — has long been known for its orchids, British-era schools, and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga. But in recent years, something new is quietly brewing in its winding lanes and colonial buildings: a vibrant coffee culture.

At Arun’s Experimental Coffee Lab, we love tracing the roots of coffee across the hills. Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Kalimpong, where local passion, cool mountain air, and creative brewing are transforming it into a coffee lover’s hidden gem.

🌱 The Birth of Kalimpong’s Coffee Culture

Unlike the long-established plantations in South India or Nepal’s Arabica estates, Kalimpong’s coffee journey is still young. A few pioneering locals, inspired by global coffee trends and the ideal climate (cool temperatures, high altitude, shaded slopes), began experimenting with growing Arabica beans and serving specialty coffee in small cafés.

The results? Promising beans, enthusiastic roasters, and a café scene that’s growing more flavorful by the day.

📍 Cafés Worth Visiting in Kalimpong

Here are some of our favorite spots where coffee is served with heart, views, and stories:

1. The Art Café

  • Nestled on a quiet hill, this cozy space serves French press and pour-over brews alongside fresh pastries and art.
  • Ambience: Peaceful, creative, and homey

2. Café Kalimpong

  • Locally run café supporting regional artists and musicians.
  • Coffee is sourced from nearby Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills.

3. Coffee House by Parijat

  • Minimalist, modern café with great coffee and scenic seating.
  • Known for: V60 pour-over and chocolate cake

4. Gallery 9 Café

  • A blend of art gallery and café; often features local photography and coffee from small farms.
  • Espresso and cold brew options are top-notch.

5. The Hangout Café

  • A younger crowd, energetic vibe, and strong lattes.
  • Great spot for digital nomads and casual meetups.

🌿 Local Coffee Growing & Roasting

Kalimpong’s altitude (1,200–1,800 meters) and shaded slopes make it ideal for Arabica cultivation. While large-scale plantations are still rare, a few small farms and enthusiasts have started experimenting with:

  • Shade-grown Arabica
  • Natural and honey-processed beans
  • Sun-drying on bamboo trays

These micro-lots are slowly entering the local market, roasted in small batches by passionate brewers who want to keep the flavor close to the terroir.

🔥 Coffee Workshops & Tastings

Some cafés in Kalimpong, like The Art Café and Gallery 9, are beginning to host:

  • Brewing technique sessions (V60, Aeropress, French press)
  • Latte art demos
  • Cupping events with local beans

It’s a community effort — and a great way to get hands-on with the Himalayan bean scene.

🌍 Why Kalimpong Deserves a Spot on the Coffee Map

  • Untapped potential: With climate, soil, and altitude aligned, Kalimpong could become a future hub for specialty Indian coffee.
  • Unique cultural blend: The café scene blends Gorkha, Tibetan, British, and Nepali influences.
  • Sustainable growth: Most cafés use local ingredients and support fair sourcing.

☕ Café Lantern’s Take

As a café dedicated to showcasing rich, authentic coffee stories, Café Lantern is inspired by Kalimpong’s grassroots coffee movement. We believe in supporting regional efforts and hope to feature Kalimpong-grown beans in future tasting events and collaborations.

If you’re ever on a coffee trail across the Himalayas, add Kalimpong to your route. It may just become your new favorite stop — and we’d love to bring a piece of it to your cup here at Café Lantern.

Arun’s Experimental Coffee Lab – Lighting the path of coffee across the Himalayas, one story at a time.

Discovering Nepal’s Coffee Culture: From Plantations to Cafés

with No Comment Discovering Nepal’s Coffee Culture

BY ARUN’S EXPERIMENTAL COFFEE LAB – Where Every Brew Tells a Story

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is more than just mountains, monasteries, and majestic landscapes. Over the past few decades, it has quietly been building a name for itself in the world of specialty coffee. From high-altitude plantations to artisanal roasters and cozy coffee shops in bustling towns, Nepal’s coffee scene is rich, evolving, and absolutely worth exploring. In this post, we’ll take you through the history of coffee in Nepal, the best coffee-growing regions, processing methods, roasters, and must-visit cafés.

A Brief History of Coffee in Nepal

Coffee was first introduced to Nepal in 1938 when a monk brought some seeds from Burma (now Myanmar) and planted them in the Aapchaur village of Gulmi District in western Nepal. For several decades, coffee remained a backyard crop, grown in small quantities mostly for personal consumption.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that Nepal started to explore the commercial potential of coffee. With the support of international aid organizations and NGOs, coffee farming began to take shape as a livelihood option for farmers in the mid-hill regions of Nepal. Today, Nepalese coffee is recognized globally for its smooth body, low acidity, and floral and fruity notes, thanks to the high altitudes, organic cultivation, and unique terroir.

🌄 Best Coffee Plantations and Estates in Nepal

  1. Gulmi District (Aapchaur)
    • The birthplace of Nepalese coffee, Gulmi remains one of the top producers. The region benefits from fertile soil and high elevation (1,200–1,800m), making it ideal for Arabica coffee.
  2. Syangja
    • Located in the Western Development Region, Syangja is known for its well-established coffee cooperatives. The coffee here is typically shade-grown and organically cultivated.
  3. Lalitpur (Nallu, Godawari)
    • Close to Kathmandu, this area has seen a rise in boutique coffee farms. The advantage here is quick access to roasters and urban markets.
  4. Kavre
    • Another emerging hub, with many smallholder farmers adopting specialty-grade processing techniques. Kavre is close to the capital and has a growing number of micro-lots with excellent quality.
  5. Palpa and Arghakhanchi
    • These mid-western regions are gaining attention for their consistent climate and quality beans. Several estates here work with international buyers for export.

🔄 Coffee Processing Methods in Nepal

Nepal primarily uses three main processing methods:

  • Washed (Wet) Process – The most common method, especially for export-quality beans. It produces a clean cup with distinct acidity.
  • Honey Process – Growing in popularity, especially among artisanal producers. This method gives the coffee a sweeter and fuller body.
  • Natural (Dry) Process – Rare but used in some areas. This method imparts fruity, wine-like notes to the coffee.

Many producers also sun-dry their beans on raised beds, which improves airflow and helps maintain quality.

🔥 Noteworthy Coffee Roasters in Nepal

  1. Himalayan Java Roasters
    • Perhaps Nepal’s most famous roaster and café chain, they also export beans and work closely with farmers.
  2. Kar.ma Coffee
    • A boutique roaster known for sustainable practices and working directly with farmers. Their roastery and café in Lalitpur is a must-visit.
  3. Lekali Coffee Estate
    • Lekali grows and roasts its own beans from its estate in Nuwakot. They focus on traceability and specialty-grade coffee.
  4. Nepal Coffee Company
    • One of the pioneers in Nepal’s specialty coffee industry, they offer single-origin beans and work with co-ops across the country.
  5. Greenland Organic Farm
    • A premium producer and exporter with their own roasting facility. Their beans are grown in Lamjung and are available in select outlets in Kathmandu.

☕ Best Coffee Shops in Nepal

  1. Himalayan Java (multiple locations)
    • The Starbucks of Nepal – reliable quality, great ambiance, and widely loved.
  2. Café Soma (Lalitpur)
    • A relaxed vibe with great coffee and baked goods.
  3. Kar.ma Coffee @ Patan
    • A quiet spot to enjoy thoughtfully brewed coffee and learn about the sourcing behind each cup.
  4. Flock Café (Kathmandu)
    • Known for creative brews and cozy ambiance.
  5. Coffee Pasal (Pokhara)
    • Excellent pour-overs and a great view of Phewa Lake.

🌱 The Future of Nepalese Coffee

Nepal’s coffee industry is still young but shows immense promise. With more farmers turning to organic and sustainable practices, and with increasing support for specialty processing and direct trade, Nepal is poised to make a bigger impact on the global coffee map. As domestic demand also grows, new roasters, cafés, and coffee lovers are creating a vibrant, passionate community.

Whether you’re a traveler, a barista, or simply a coffee enthusiast, Nepal’s coffee culture offers a unique and enriching experience—from the soil to the cup.

Final Thoughts

Nepal’s coffee journey is one of resilience, passion, and high-altitude perfection. The blend of traditional farming, innovative processing, and a deep respect for nature results in a cup of coffee that’s not only delicious but meaningful.