Hangout 2020 Cafe — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

This place saved me while I was in Old Manali. It's really hard to find any restaurant or café that opens before 9 am. There are some places that open but their seating isn't as comfortable as Hangout's. Rajesh (the owner) opens the café by 7:30-8:00 am. I found myself at Hangout almost every single day, at least once. I had the Masala Omelette, Spanish Omelette, Veg Sandwich, Toast Butter Jam, and Puri Baaji. The food was fresh and tasted good. In North India, an omelette usually has bread inside it, you can request Rajesh to serve you the bread separately. Also, if you order tea anywhere in Himachal, your tea will have the flavour of cinnamon, ginger or some spice. If you like your tea plain, you can request Rajesh to make you plain tea without any spices.

The Hangout has a calm vibe and while you dine in the morning, you slowly see the street come back to life. You'll see the 'Malishs' (masseurs) walking by, Rajesh is extremely sweet, he even lets you get a leg massage inside his café. He plays chill instrumental music that's very refreshing in the morning. The next time I'm in Old Manali, I'm...

I'm not clear why the restaurants in this neighborhood are running if they're not even interested in customers.

I visited this restaurant at lunchtime around 2pm on a Wednesday, and found the restaurant gave every indication of being open, except that the door was locked, and no one bothered to walk to me and assist me.

I could see someone sitting inside, but clearly he wasn't interested in unlocking the door for a customer. Apparently, they weren't open, and hadn't even bothered to give passers-by any indication of the fact. Thanks for nothing.

Took a photo of a very dusty menu at the...

This place is the best argument for a six star option. It’s humble. You could walk past without even noticing that it’s there. I only walked in on a recommendation, but I’m now walking out in a state of delight. The menu is brief- under 20 items. A rarity in a country where your average restaurant wants to cater to every palate. It’s unapologetically low-key without extending to shabbiness. The host greets you warmly and feeds you food he prepares himself. Fresh. To your spice tolerance (cautiously medium for me). And in a reasonable portion size.

No complaints, only...