A Cultural Oasis in Bhimtal, Uttarakhand.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Belpatra Cafe and Kitchen during my visit to Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, and it was truly a unique and delightful experience.
The name "Belpatra" translates to "wood apple" in Hindi, and the cafe lives up to its name with a stunning wood apple tree gracefully weaving through the roof. The entire atmosphere is a celebration of nature, with walls made from bamboo scraps and a structure that seamlessly blends with the surroundings.
Culinary Delights: The menu is a treasure trove of flavors, offering a mix of local dishes authentic to Uttarakhand and a variety of other cuisines. The local dishes, in particular, stood out with their genuine taste, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Scenic Ambiance: The overall ambiance is nothing short of enchanting. Surrounded by nature, the cafe provides a scenic retreat for diners. The use of bamboo and wood in the construction adds to the rustic charm, making it a perfect spot for families. The thoughtful incorporation of local materials contributes to the cafe's commitment to sustainability.
Exceptional Staff: The staff at Belpatra is exceptional, creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. Special commendation goes to the manager, Mr. Sandeep Ji, whose attentiveness and professionalism added to the overall positive experience. The culinary team deserves praise for crafting delectable dishes that cater to diverse tastes.
Community Connection: What sets Belpatra apart is its connection to the local community. Downstairs, there's a shop featuring handmade winter clothes and goods crafted by local women, providing guests with an opportunity to support and appreciate local artistry.
Recommendation: I wholeheartedly recommend Belpatra Cafe and Kitchen to fellow travelers. It's conveniently located, offers ample parking space, and provides a unique cultural and culinary journey. Whether you're seeking a taste of local flavors or a tranquil escape surrounded by nature, Belpatra is a must-visit.
Gratitude to the Team: A special mention to the owner and the entire team at Belpatra for creating a place that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also resonates with the spirit of the community. Every aspect of Belpatra reflects a commitment to excellence and a genuine love for the region.
In conclusion, my visit to Belpatra Cafe and Kitchen was a delightful encounter with nature, culture, and exceptional hospitality. It's more than just a cafe; it's an immersive experience that leaves a...
Read moreIn most older reviews of Belpatra, you'll find a mention similar to 'opposite iHeart' or thereabout.
It's time to change that. It would be safe to say that it is in fact iHart that is opposite Belpatra, even though iHeart was there first.
My first visit to Belpatra happened because it was the peak of Covid-19 and iHeart was a little too crowded for my liking. I have never visited iHart after that day, and over my many visits to Belpatra, I have never failed to appreciate the quality of their food (perhaps the coffee is a bit weak for an addict like myself).
Sure, iHeart has a quirky uber-chic vibe to it but is unable to back that up with quality of food (which isn't bad, but serviceable). If that is your sole preference, by all means go for it.
The thing about Belpatra though, is that it is made with love and a long term vision of service and hospitality. The walls have been made painstakingly out of bamboo and breathable clayish-mud, painted over by the owners themselves.
There is ample indoor and outdoor seating with big tables that can seat six people - spread apart to give the guests a decent degree of privacy. It's discreet, and it's poignant.
Belpatra scores massive wins in the two key areas that matter the most to a café rider - Food and Hospitality. They understand that food is not just about the dishes but also the health quotient of the ingredients themselves. They bake their own whole wheat breads & buns; the meat is always tender and fresh.
The café has interesting quirks - brass washbasins near toilets would be my favourite. The menu is a cross fusion of Indian-café, continental and Kumaoni cuisine.
The quality of cutlery and napkins is top notch but understated.
Ambience: 4.5/5 Hospitality: 5.5/5 Food: 5/5 Cleanliness & quality of Lavatories: 4.5/5 Quality of service: 4.5/5 Ability to hook you and make you come back:...
Read moreWe wanted to try some new cafes in bheemtal and found this gem. I loved, how gorgeously it stands amidst serene nature. Loved the solid wood work, the stoned staircase, the open deck area for enjoying beautiful evening and snacks. The best thing is that- they serve local kumaoni cuisine(although very expensive).. but again.. every cafe their, have such exorbitant rates.. okay now coming back to food.. The food is delicious.
We tried their white sauce pasta, veg grilled sandwiches, veg. hand made noodles in Schezwan sauce, And Nutella Hot Chocolate.
The staff was very kind, I asked them why they don't serve garlic toast with white sauce pasta, they got me a buttered brown bread as complimentary (though it didn't go well with pasta, but it was a sweet gesture) I JUST LOVEee how servers try to make efforts to make us happy. Please do try their palak patta chaat, we couldn't try then they were out of palak😅.
I am the experimental foodie person, that- hand made Schezwan noodles were my choice, sadly which wasn't upto the mark, could have done better. Pasta and sandwiches were filling and delicious. Also portions were quite generous. A must visit cafe.
P.S- they have a cute souvenir shop below the cafe. do check it out. And YES parking is...
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