Rishikesh, a city situated in the bank of Ganges is known for Yoga, Meditation, and adventurous activities. Rishikesh is also a city of gastronomic delight which has best cafes that offers scenic views, and delicious food.
In this blog will discuss the Top 5 best Cafés of Rishikesh that promise the serene atmosphere and the delicious food starts from temple food to Israeli Herbal Tea.
Varr – Temple Food of India
A restaurant in Rishikesh which serves Temple Food and is famous for its unique theme and concept. Varr- The Temple Restaurant is a hidden gem in the precincts Rishikesh. It is the captive property of Holy Water by Ganga Kinare’ hotel in Rishikesh. The restaurant offers temple food to both in-house guests and external visitors.
In restaurant Varr in Hindi read as ‘Vardan’, and the theme and concept of Rishikesh’s Varr is unique and fascinating. The interiors are done in mild mustard and saffron colours with all servings on Bell Metal utensils. The fascinating part is the Artisanal Thalis aggregated around various temples, religious institutions and deities.
Menu is consolidated into ‘Temple Bhog Thalis’ – Utsav, Rachna, Naivedayam & Anandam. Each Thali is rotated by a day and food items are famed prasadams or linked to popular worship institutions and deities. Each Meal is initiated by Achchaman (Purity ritual) and Charna-Amrit is given to all guests. Dhuan Chaas and Sheetal Samagri (a mildly sweet and fragrant drinking water) is delicious. Subsequently, udhyapan puja is done with Mantra and Chants by the Restaurant Manager
The service, and serving patterns are really amazing and most importantly the staffs are so co-operative. If you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, don’t forget to visit Varr Restaurant, one of the Best Restaurant in Rishikesh.
- Location: 7, Virbhadra Rd, near AIIMS Rishikesh, Avas Vikas Colony, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201
- Timings: 8:00 am to 10:30 pm
Echoes Café – Dining with a Purpose
The Echoes Café is one of Best Restaurant in Tapovan, Rishikesh’s which indeed serves a delicious food, but also does social service. The café hires disable person who has difficulty in hearing and speaking. These people are not hired by society, but the restaurant owner has a different opinion. The restaurant has special features which make the life of both the visitors and the waiters easy.
At the dining table, there is a bell, when visitors rang the bell, a light flashes on at the Reception Table which helps the waiter to understand. In the Menu Card, every food has sign language which is mentioned against the name of dish. Visitors write the Food Code and handover to the waiter; he will get your food. If you want to talk with waiter or want to tell something, then there is a cue card at the side of the table. The words are written in sign language, with the use of sign language you can have a conversation with them. The sign languages are written on the wall also, so you can use those sign languages with expression.
Most of us barely make donations but having delicious food with them makes you happy. They are very enthusiastic and when you connect with them, they really feel good. When you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, don’t forget to visit one of the Best Café or Restaurant of Rishikesh – Echoes Café.
- Address: Soul Haven Hotel, Laxman Jhula Rd, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
- Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Little Buddha – Taste of Tranquility
Little Buddha is a popular café which is located at the Banks of Ganges and offer stunning view. Imagine, dining at a cozy café with pleasant music, amidst mountain and holy ganga river. Isn’t it amazing?
The food menu of Rishikesh’s Little Buddha Café is delicious, and the menu includes both Tibetan and Continental dishes. The options of desserts, shakes and juice are too wide, and they prepare fresh juice for the customers. The one of the best cafés of Rishikesh offer light snack breakfast, full meal for lunch and dinner, vegan options are also available with indoor seating facing river view. The option of takeaway and home delivery is also available but would advise visiting the café and enjoying your meal with cozy atmosphere and stunning view.
The staff of Rishikesh Little Buddha Café are very kind and supportive. What you are thinking, plan a trip to Rishikesh and visit the Rishikesh Best Café.
- Address: Laxman Jhula Rd, near Little Buddha Cafe, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249302
- Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Shambala Café – Where Food Meets Spirituality
Shambala Café in Rishikesh is situated at the top of the hill which offers stunning views of the mountain, river and the sacred city of Rishikesh. The Rishikesh Café oofers stunning views facing river side, soft music in the background and the aromatic fragrance.
The menu of Shambala’s Rishikesh Café is inspired by the ayurvedic which offers nourished meal from Raw Chocolate Cake to delicious Israeli food. Herbal tea is a signature beverage which is prepared for the wellness of people. At the little Shambala café, you can enjoy delicious food amidst the peaceful and serene view of Ganga.
- Address: Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
- Timings: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm
Chotiwala Restaurant, Rishikesh
Rishikesh Chotiwala Restaurant is an old and traditional café of Rishikesh which offers the traditional Indian Food. Chotiwala means a person with ponytail, at the entrance of the restaurant a Man sits with old traditional make-up style with one ponytail. Beside the man, there is a bell which he ranged, and people take pictures with him.
The restaurant offers delicious traditional North Indian cuisine cooked in traditional style and fresh vegetables. The tasty snacks like samosa with chutney and mouthwatering dishes with aromatic ambiance.
This restaurant/ café of Rishikesh is always filled with lot of customers, still the staff are kind and humble who provide ordered cuisine on time.
- Address: Ram Jhula Car Parking First Floor, near Nav Ghaat, Muni Ki Reti, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249137
- Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Final Thoughts
In the magical and spiritual city of Rishikesh, every meal starts from traditional temple food to international cuisine. In this blog we had discussed about the temple & traditional food of Varr & Chotiwala, dinning with purpose of disabled person, and serene atmosphere of Little Buddha and Shambala Café. Plan to trip to Rishikesh and this time, explore the gastronomic delight of the spiritual city.
Note: Photographs credit: Google
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema…