Cafe Del 37 — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

A Google search pointed us -- my husband and myself -- to this cosy family-run cafe in Old Manali, during our recent visit there for a late lunch. We were pleasantly surprised when the amiable proprietor Mr. Ashok immediately offered to tailor the menu to our preferences, and barbecued fresh river trout (on an open grill, so we could personally witness the procedure) with lemon butter sauce and a generous helping of various vegetables, exactly to our taste. (He interrupted his own working lunch to personally attend to us when we arrived at that late hour in the afternoon.) Our gastronomic experience added significantly to the positives of our stay in Manali! Thereafter, a substantial Nutella pancake -- prepared distinctively and differently from the standard Nutella-stuffed pancakes whose recipes abound on the Web, and served with love -- was our dessert, which we also enjoyed. A significant final treat was sea buckthorn tea, which the owners produced for us with considerable effort (since evidently it runs out fast) and served us on the house. On a cool, drizzly afternoon up there, it felt wonderful. While we were there, a multi-nation group of young customers arrived, evidently regulars there; and a student customer took up the guitar there and strummed popular classical-music riffs on it, adding to the charm. We saw additional evidence that live music is performed by artiste Andy there in the evenings. For music afficionados visiting the cafe, this is clearly an additional plus. A very positive...

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the culinary genius of Chef Ashok at Cafe Del, a hidden gem nestled in the enchanting town of Old Manali. Chef Ashok's passion for food shines through in every dish. The creativity and attention to detail in the flavours, textures, and presentation are a testament to their expertise and dedication to their craft. With a focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients, the Chef showcases the rich flavours of the Himalayan region in a remarkable way. Each dish is a harmonious blend of vibrant spices, fragrant herbs, and perfectly balanced sauces. We enjoyed indulging in various dishes that left us spellbound during our visit. The Chef's special Barbeque Chicken (A MUST TRY) was a true highlight. Apart from this, we tried a variety of dishes such as Idli & Dosa, Chicken Wrap, Chicken Biryani, Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Curry, Chicken Noodles, and much more😋😋 Beyond the culinary delights, the passion and dedication of Chef Ashok and their team at Café Del shine through in their interactions with guests. Their willingness to cater to dietary preferences and offer personalized recommendations demonstrates their commitment to ensuring a memorable...

While walking down on the Streets of Old Manali, we stumbled upon this beautiful space.

It has a very thoughtfully crafted menu and after speaking with the owner it clearly shows that the menu has reflection of his exploration,

I had Veg Cheese Grilled Sandwich, Thokey Veg Chilli Momos, and Butter Flower Tea.

The preparation took time but it was worth the wait, The sandwich had fresh veggies, and the flavour of mustard was a surprise but it was soothing to the taste buds, Momos were super delicious the sauce the filling it, and I tried the Butter Flower Tea, the Magic Color Changing tea. Filled with rich Anti Oxidation was a fresh experience for me, and Guided by Ashok ji it was a experience I will remember. And maybe this Cafe will have a place in my Travel Stories.

Thanks for the...