Hot Stimulating Cafe — Restaurant in West Bengal

HOT STIMULATING CAFE | DARJEELING

During a time when cafes were not much popular, this place came up. Almost 30 years old, a small room with minimal decorations, limited menu but with a big heart. This cafe is run by Rungpa Daju, who was a musician by profession. You will still see loads of cassettes & CDs which he collected and the variety is amazing.

This cafe is popular amongst foreigners & young crowds. The service is slow, there is no hurry. Earlier, the menu was vast but nowadays, it's only about some great momo, burgers, noodles & rolls along with a brilliant coffee, lemon tea & hot chocolate.

The rooftop seating area is now closed due to rain. The kitchen is shady and you will see utensils and equipments which are old. Rungpa likes to keep it old just like he loves his long rockstar-like hair. He is shy and does not pose for pictures or selfies but he loves to talk to his customers and if you are a trekker, you will automatically see his starry eyes. He teaches the skill of momo-making to many when he is not busy. The cafe remains close during October since Rungpa Daju Sherpa will be busy climbing the Mount Everest or some other peak. It's his me-time. Coming to the food, the momo is perhaps one of the juiciest & tastiest I have had at Darjeeling in recent times. Burgers are a favourite to the young crowd.

I met a young girl here who entered to have her coffee post her violin class. She did not hesitate to play the violin for me and I did not hesitate to pick up the guitar for an impromptu jam. No videos (sorry!) since few things are better when not captured. It's for a memory, too good. This kind of places and pure souls like Daju make Darjeeling so beautiful.

Do visit. 📍Cross Raj Bhavan, head straight towards Zoo & this will be on your way,...

Hot Stimulating cafe is located on one side of the road having a tinned roof. Unless you are attentive, you will likely miss it as you pass by. The cafe is run by Mrs.Lily who herself is a cook, and Mr. K Rumba, Mrs. Lily's husband.

You will get Tibetan, Chinese and Indian food like Vegetable momos, aloo paratha vegetarian chowmein, Thukpa and also cheese burgers, egg burgers.

They also serve beverages of different types like masala teas, Darjeeling tea, Hot chocolate and Coffee.. However one of the drinks that Hot Stimulating Cafe is famous for is Tongba, a homemade beer which they serve on bamboo glass and consumed using a bamboo pipe which is again only for the Tourist.

Hot Stimulating Cafe is located on Jawahar road, and on the way to the Zoo and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The HMI is some 5 minutes walk from the cafe. You can also walk down from the Mall. It will be about 20-25...

The cafe is situated in a wonderful, picturesque location. The owner plays some lovely music. There's WiFi and plug point you can use. However, I was very disappointed in their Chicken Momos - reviews said the Chicken Momos are a must have - but they were not good at all - didn't taste fresh, were very dry and sort of hard. The chutney though was excellent. For the view and general ambience it's a 5 on 5. But the Momos - I wouldn't...