Love at First Bite Cafe — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

I walked into this cozy little place because after reaching McLeod Ganj and enquiring about good food places, this one was strongly recommended. And Google reviews were elaborate, personal and sounded genuine. Later, I'd find out for myself why people gave such reviews to this place.

I went there first on the day before Diwali 2023, and Kanika's warm welcome felt spontaneous and delightful. It was like someone dear had come home.

She tells you about what she offers, that paranthas are their speciality, and that she uses organic raw material.

And in a minute, you place your order with confidence. "Sukku Kaapi" you say, as coming to the hills has given you a bad cold, and she gives exactly what you need on that cold morning. A hot stream of liquid love for your aching throat.

Then you say, "okay let's eat paneer parantha". She says, "okay if you are not lactose intolerant, can I give you a little kheer on the house -- it's our way of welcoming". You say yes, and in a small katori comes the first solid taste of love.

And she begins to slow cook the parantha, letting you work, but intermittently asking about your preferences, tastes, likes etc. It's like sitting at home and working--your mom or sister or uncle comes in and chats for a bit, and you go back to work and then you take a stretch and call out to your father and say something...A bond is slowly established, like food, cooked on slow fire, smeared with Desi ghee, hot and alluring ..

There, it's on a plate in front of you with a special chutney on the side. "Eat it, and tell me" , she says. As you take the first bite of love, she sits down and talks about life--and you both share stories, some laugh. "Eat, before it gets cold" she says in between. It is indeed the best parantha that I have had in so many years. So...

There are dogs around, all with foreign and desi names -- so befitting the flow of life in Dharmashala-- Freddy, Chottu, Luna, Wilson-Ram...

Kanika and her best friend Ankur, who volunteers at the Cafe, love these strays and have a special bond with them, too. And you begin to love them too.

More people come in, everyone is welcomed the same way.

"Tomorrow is Diwali", Ankur says, "how should we use these marigolds?" You share some ideas on hanging the garlands as if you have been around there for ages .

So we agree to meet the next morning, Diwali. And there, as soon as you reach you are drawn into Kanika's self-made ritual of respecting the elements -- prithvi, ap, vayu, Tejas, akash. And sweets, til-gud--are shared on the house.

And then she makes a special fruit salad with chia seeds in coconut milk -- see pic. And then you say, "let's try muli parantha today"--"yes, good choice, radish is in season," she encourages.

You can see the muli parantha in the pic--she uses the leaf also. It is aha! and wah!

Now, I must go back and try the special Ragi veg soup. And aloo parantha, and maybe the egg cheese omlette too....

Till then, it's love at every bite. Indeed. Kanika and Ankur, may your tribe thrive--you are what they call 'the salt of the earth'.

See you soon 💖

JFYI: Kanika's mandatory off days are Wednesday and Thursday. And the Cafe is open from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm on...

A Charming Culinary Haven in the Heart of McLeod Ganj

Review by WanderlustFoodie

Love at First Bite Homely Cafe in McLeod Ganj is an absolute gem that stole my heart during my recent visit to Mcleodganj, Dharamshala. From the moment I stepped inside, I was enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home.

The cafe's quaint and rustic decor adds a unique charm that perfectly complements the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains. It's evident that the owners have poured their hearts into creating a space that is not just a cafe, but a haven for both food enthusiasts and soul seekers.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my, where do I even begin? The menu is a delightful blend of local North Indian and Himachali flavors, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're a health-conscious diner or an indulgence-seeker, Love at First Bite has something for everyone. Their dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is evident in every bite. Kanika runs the kitchen and is exceptional chef. She cooks from the core of her heart. Ankur helps her, is a humble person. You can play games like chess, play with friendly dogs around. They use desi ghee and not refined oils. Also, you can have jaggery as replacement of white sugar.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying their signature Pineapple and Green Apple Fruit Juice, Parantha, Besan Chila, Jaggery Kheer, a cornucopia of flavors that showcased the region's culinary heritage. The thali included a variety of dishes, each bursting with authentic spices and love. The balance of flavors was exquisite, and it was evident that the chefs are masters of their craft. They also have a rolling meal menu that changes everyday.

What truly sets this cafe apart is the owner's hospitality and passion. The service was impeccable, and the owners were more than willing to share their recommendations and engage in friendly conversations. It's rare to find a place where the owner's genuine warmth matches the deliciousness of the food.

It's a perfect spot to savor your meal slowly and soak in the breathtaking environment.

Whether you're a solo traveler seeking solace, a couple looking for a romantic meal, or a family in search of a delightful dining experience, Love at First Bite Homely Cafe caters to all. It's more than just a cafe; it's an embodiment of love, passion, and culinary artistry. Two cents: Give her a call before going, it will save your time and help at both sides. She cooks steadily unlike commercial restaurants that burn the food to yum your taste buds initially and lately burn your tummy as a downside.

In conclusion, my experience at Love at First Bite was nothing short of magical. I left with a happy heart, a satisfied palate, and a promise to return on my next adventure to McLeod Ganj. If you find yourself in this picturesque corner of Himachal Pradesh, do yourself a favor and let Love at First Bite sweep you off your feet with its irresistible charm and delectable offerings.

Visited: August 2023

Best...

The food of the cafe stays true to its name. But not just food, the vibe of the cafe is even better, we were greeted by the cutest host/chef who recommended some mooli parathas since mooli was in season. They were definitely the BEST parathas I’ve ever eaten. Lots of good juicy flavourful stuffing, and the complementary Tomato garlic chutney was so good we had to ask for second servings.

She also gave us a Jaggery kheer on the house, while we waited for our food which was so creamy. We got a jaggery elaichi coffee along with some Ragi cookies to end the meal, they too had some very unique flavour combinations and left us craving for more. 🤤

The Vibe of the place is so adorable, with lots of dogs coming in to greet us and play with us, really nice decor and seating, and some good books.

I would definitely recommend this place to everyone! The food is very yummy yet healthy, and it was definitely one of the most healthiest curated menus I have seen, yet mouth watering. A visit to this cafe was a great addition to our trip, as it was filled with lot of warm conversations and peaceful vibes and left our tummies happy! Coming back very soon for some more! ☺️

It was definitely both love at first sight and love at...