Sol Cafe — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

We visited Sol Café multiple times in Aug 2021. Apologies for the late review.

Ambience: The setting is an old mud house that’s refurbished with an eye-for-detail. It’s a place with a relaxed vibe and super-friendly ambience. You will instantly feel at peace with eye-catching colours, good music, and lovely décor. Opt to sit outdoors at their backside tables, or even better, on the terrace. Sipping a cuppa with a view of mountains is next-level exciting. They have a ‘Wish to the World’ ceiling, where you can write your wishes on a piece of chart paper and stick it to the ceiling. It was fun to read the wishes of so many travellers from all across the world. They have a smallish library with interesting books; they even offer book exchange.

Food & Drinks: We stayed in Kaza for quite a long time and visited the café multiple times. Having tried most of their menu, we can now say that both the food and beverages are excellent. We tried their SeaBuckThorn Juice and SeaBuckThorn Tea at the suggestion of the volunteer, and we absolutely loved them. The coffee and drinks are super nice. We highly recommend their specials – Special Sol Sandwich and Bombay Sandwich. If you have an appetite for just one thing, try their Pizza. They freshly prepare it on a stove with homemade wholewheat dough. And, oh, we loved loved their chocolate cake (which is also baked freshly every day), the chocolate-coated cookies, and barley energy bars. The café is also vegan friendly and replaces cow milk with soy milk or almond milk on request (no other café in Spiti does that)! You can fill your water bottles from their water filling stations for free.

Movie Night: They showcase a movie every evening in their very own mini-theatre located inside the café (it’s basically a projector and a screen, but no complaints!). You can find their weekly movie calendar displayed right outside the café. The movies showcased are not just any movies but are themed around travel, adventure, and of course, the evergreen Hindi/ English movies. The seating is super cozy and comfortable. We watched ZNMD and Eat Pray Love.

Shop: Yes, they have their own merchandise shop inside the café. You will find Spiti-themed T-shirts, notebooks, magnets, keychains, water bottles, mugs, locally made woollen mufflers and gloves, and very popular postcards. The postcards are designed by volunteers and are super unique. Take our word, you won’t find such unique postcards anywhere in the entire Spiti Valley. You can even buy the SeaBuckThorn Crush to make the juice and tea on your own when you are back home.

Price: The menu is priced fairly. Although you may feel that some dishes are overpriced, the portions are large and filling. And remember that all their proceeds from the sale of meals and merchandise goes to a social enterprise that works for the betterment of the valley and its residents.

Staff: The café is run by volunteers. They are friendly and welcoming. The chefs have magic in their hands. Expect a little longer waiting time for your order as every dish and every drink is prepared fresh. Once the food is at the table, you will forget that you had to wait. They have board games that you can play to kill the waiting time.

All in all, Sol Café is not just a place to eat. It is a place to spend time, shop, play, watch movies, and have fun. Although it is a little more walk towards the market, we highly highly recommend it....

Sol Café – A Truly Soulful Experience in Kaza

Sol Café is not just a café, it’s an experience you carry with you. Run by Ecosphere, this cozy little gem in Kaza offers more than just great food — it radiates warmth, stories, and heart. The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by walls that seem to whisper incredible tales, making the atmosphere nothing short of magical.

Their menu is full of delightful surprises, especially with their creative use of seabuckthorn. The seabuckthorn tea is a must-try — soothing, flavorful, and unforgettable. Every dish we tasted was fresh and excellent, paired with service that was equally warm and attentive. It’s the kind of place where you want to keep trying everything on the menu.

One of the highlights is their Movie of the Day segment every Sunday afternoon, where you can enjoy a film projected right in the café while savoring their delicious food — a rare and beautiful experience in the middle of the mountains.

Whether it’s for a meal, a cup of tea, a story on the wall, or just to soak in the loving, welcoming atmosphere, Sol Café is an absolute must-visit in Kaza. It’s easily one of the best places we visited during our Spiti trip, and we left with full hearts and...

Sol Cafe Means The ❤️Of Spiti

Our visit to Sol Cafe Spiti was nothing short of magical. The moment we stepped in, we were enveloped by an atmosphere of warmth and serenity. The authenticity of the Spiti cuisine offered here is unparalleled—truly a rare gem that you won't find anywhere else in Spiti.

Every dish we tasted was a heartfelt tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Spiti. The flavors were so genuine and evocative, it felt like we were savoring a piece of the region's soul with every bite. The food at Sol Cafe isn't just a meal; it's a beautiful journey through Spiti's heritage.

A special mention must go to the owner, Ishita, who was a fantastic host. Her dedication and passion for Spiti are evident in every aspect of the cafe. It was wonderful to learn that she has been recognized as one of the most inspiring women of the year. This accolade is well-deserved, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Sol Cafe Spiti has left an indelible mark on our hearts. We left with a deep sense of gratitude and a longing to return. This place is a true haven for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Spiti. We can't wait to come back and relive this amazing...