Picture Courtesy: DWIT News

“No coffee can be good in the mouth that does not first send a sweet offering of odor to the nostrils.” -Henry Ward Beecher.

There is probably nothing more satisfying and heartwarming than a good hot cup of coffee in a cold rainy day. Not only does it give you an energy boost, it holds tons of health benefits also. As the monsoon was at its absolute peak this month, the coffee industry in Nepal was going through its most profitable period. Nepal is regarded as one of the biggest and the best places that produces coffee in Asia. Coffee farming in Nepal is proven as promising due to the availability of soil with fragile nature and appropriate climate in the mid hills at an altitude of 1100 meters and above, suitable for high grown specialty coffee, from where the series of Himalayas with fresh and cool air  can be viewed. Coffee is produced in more than 30 districts in Nepal. The commercially significant districts are: Lalitpur, Syangja, Gulmi, Kaski, Palpa, and Kavrepalanchowk.

One of the most popular coffee house in Nepal which makes use of this amazing production is Himalayan Java. Started in 1999 it is now located in non-less than 11 different spots throughout the capital and 15 spots throughout the country. It's safe to say Himalayan Java stands head and shoulders above the rest of its competition. It has also managed to open up international chains, most notably in Aldershot UK and Torronto, Canada.

Himalayan Java is the first Specialty Coffee House in Nepal, which excels in quality and customer service. It’s without a doubt my favorite coffee house and probably a very few people will have a different opinion.  The most eye catching part of it is the surrounding and the ambiance. It’s very easy on the eye and the atmosphere is relaxing and calming. Adding to it the fact that they make the best cappuccinos in town, I think its reputation as the best coffee house in town is well and truly justified. Every time you enter the café, you get greeted with smiles all around and the service provided is truly top notch. Out of the 11 different cafés inside the valley, the one located in Basantapur is my favorite. There is an arsenal of various drinks to try from, each with its own rich unique flavors and blends. The foods and drinks are presented with a high level of professionalism and the prices are very affordable as well. The temples, people, sites, and cultural shops provide a very pleasant mood. Despite the major earthquake in April, there are still a lot of sites worth seeing, and enjoying. The café itself also brings a cultural, yet modern vibe, as it is decorated with cultural artifacts and lovely furniture. The ambient music also makes the environment very relaxing.

So if you ever need to escape the grueling intensity and the daily rigors of the city life and catch up with your friends or family in a cozy environment with amazing vibes, then I highly recommend a visit to any one of the 11 Himalayan Java Cafés in town. You won’t regret it!