Shambala Cafe — Restaurant in Uttarakhand

While exploring the market, I ended up here for dinner. To enter the cafe, you pass through a crystal and stone shop. You'll need to leave your footwear in a designated area near the entrance, and large bags aren't allowed in the main seating area, but you can safely leave them near the speakers—no worries about that. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of life, with a hut-like theme that gives off both spiritual and hippie vibes. The seating is cushioned with pillows, and you get a fantastic view of the Ganga River and surrounding mountains.

The staff was very friendly and welcoming. My order took a bit of time to arrive, but I assume it depends on the crowd. However, the wait was made pleasant by the trance music and the soothing melody of the river. The food was delicious, and I highly recommend their pancakes—soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and loaded with Nutella. Just perfect!

The music volume was ideal—you can enjoy a conversation with friends without missing the beat. I even noticed people eating, chatting, and nodding along to the music at the same time, which was fun to see. The view of the moon reflecting on the river and the lights from houses and cafes on the opposite bank added to the charm. It was incredibly relaxing to soak in the moment.

The next morning, I returned for breakfast and had a delicious aloo paratha with lemon soda. The morning music was soothing—not trance, but the perfect blend for a peaceful start to the day. They also have a cute cat that roams around and gets cozy if you offer it something to eat.

Overall, my experience was fantastic, and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great dining experience, whether solo or...

Quick verdict - Not recommended. Average food and sub-par cleanliness.

Food preparation and taste- Absolutely average. Bland. Tasteless. And not properly cooked. I ordered 2 Sizzlers - cottage paneer sizzler and mushroom potato sizzler

Both Sizzlers used the exact same sauce. Which is disappointing because I ordered 2 Sizzlers so I can have different tastes. Add to that, the oil used -the paneer and the mushroom in the sizzler were lightly fried - was of the lowest quality possible given the bitter taste it left in our mouths.

The sauces used in sizzler were plain in taste. It was closer to munchurian sauce rather than barbeque sauce. Again, a hack to cut costs. Out of all the things in the sizzler, only the sauce was hot

The rice used in the sizzler was okay. Probably was out in the open for a few hours before being served because it was cold.

The fries / chips were also plain. They were the best part of the sizzler, which tells the dismal state of the food.

Decor- The cafe targets a niche audience and uses shiva / Buddha / chakras related tapestries. But the cushions, and the sheets in their furniture were dirty, stained, had dust and looked as if they hadn't been washed in many months. You can't sit comfortably since you are robbed of your peace of mind.

Location- Good. It is down the winding and snaking roads, which gives the walk a romantic element and you experience the inner side of Rishikesh.

View- The only good part of this cafe. The sitting area gives you a great view of the river and ram jhula. If you ignore the food, you can enjoy a couple...

This place is truly top-notch! I'm not sure why there are any negative reviews—perhaps for specific reasons—but trust me, I would recommend this place without hesitation. During our 2-day trip, we visited Sambhala twice (both times unplanned) for dinner and breakfast, and the atmosphere, service, and food were outstanding. Even after returning home, we missed the serene morning views and meals at Sambhala.

The ambiance, with the Ganga flowing by, is simply breathtaking. Paired with light-hearted music, you can even hear the river playing its own melody. It creates a perfect, peaceful environment.

For dinner, we tried the Chilly Mushroom and Nutella Pancakes. Huge kudos to the team—my friend, who usually avoids mushrooms, became a fan of Sambhala's Chilly Mushroom! Crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, with just the right amount of spice and tang, it was absolutely delicious. The Nutella Pancakes were soft, perfectly cooked, and melted in our mouths instantly. We loved them so much that we had them for both breakfast and dinner!

The Aloo Parathas were also good, though a little more spice would have made them even better. The Lemon Mint Soda was refreshing and flavorful—just what we needed.

The staff and service were exceptional, with everyone welcoming us with smiles and providing great hospitality. The prices were reasonable, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Thank you to the Sambhala team for hosting us with such love, offering stunning views, a relaxing atmosphere, and delightful food. We can’t wait to...