Himalayan Java - 1 Durbar Mall — Restaurant in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Himalayan Java at 1 Durbar Mall truly stands out as one of the best locations among all their outlets. The first thing you’ll notice is the remarkable ambiance, which is both spacious and serene, perfect for unwinding or working. The space is quite large, offering plenty of seating options, and one of the major perks of this location is the incredible view. On one side, you have a clear sight of the historic Narayanhiti Palace Museum, while on the other side, you get a sweeping view of the vibrant Durbarmarg area, giving you a unique experience of Kathmandu’s charm.

One of the key highlights of this Himalayan Java is that it opens early at 6 AM, making it an ideal spot for early risers, business meetings, small get-togethers, or even solo work sessions. The vibe is peaceful in the morning hours, perfect for those who enjoy getting a head start on their day. The Wi-Fi here is reliable and fast, so if you’re someone who works remotely, this spot can easily become your go-to place for productivity. The spacious seating also means that you can find a quiet corner for yourself, even during peak hours.

When it comes to the menu, the variety of coffee is exceptional, and they serve some of the finest brews around. Whether you prefer a classic black coffee or something more indulgent, the choices here won’t disappoint. To complement your coffee, the American breakfast is fantastic and filling – it’s definitely worth a try if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal. Moreover, they’ve recently introduced a variety of teas, which adds another dimension to their already impressive beverage selection.

Overall, the combination of a great location, inviting atmosphere, quality food and beverages, and excellent service makes this Himalayan Java a standout spot. Whether you’re meeting friends, working solo, or simply looking to relax, this...

So, it seems like the view of Narayanhiti Palace is all this outlet has to offer, as it has no resemblance to any of the other features that Java has become synonymous of, over the years. First of all, the place is too noisy when in full occupancy, partly because the place can accomodate a huge crowd at once and partly because its surrounded by glasses all over so sound absorption is difficult to achieve. Hence, that composed coffee shop vibe pioneered by Java itself is sadly missing. However, the most disappointing part is the menu, which is very difficult to comprehend. It misses out many good variants that is being happily served at other much smaller and older outlets. Some very good espresso variants like Cafe Lungo and Deep Charge are missing in the menu; and to my surprise, even the waiters are totally unaware of those variants being served in the other outlets of the same franchise. So I think, the menu needs a bit of rework and the seating arrangement also needs some readjustment so as to offer more comfort to the visitors. This is not such a big ask from a brand name that has been churning out excellence for all these years. I think an outlet in a place like durbarmarg cannot take this for granted, as a message this outlet provides has the potential to reach all across the world.

Update (Feb 2023): Java has enforced the same menu in all its outlets so the review about the menu is no longer valid for this particular outlet only. I still think Java should bring back some of...

🥤 Sipping on a refreshing Oreo milkshake alongside a tangy, cool mint lemonade, all while soaking in the beautiful view of the Narayanhiti Museum — could life get any better? 😍🏛️

I dropped by this cozy spot during a relaxed afternoon, and it quickly became one of my favorite little escapes in the city. The combination of flavors was unexpectedly perfect — rich and sweet from the Oreo shake, balanced by the zesty freshness of the mint lemonade.

What made it even more special was the calm ambiance and the unobstructed view of Narayanhiti Palace — a unique touch you don’t find just anywhere in Kathmandu. Whether you're here for a casual hangout, a quiet moment alone, or just to recharge while sightseeing, this place checks all the boxes.

Why I’d recommend it: Great for a chill break between exploring city landmarks. Perfect for both locals and tourists who want good drinks with a view. Affordable, clean, and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere.

Highly recommended if you’re around Durbar Marg or visiting the museum. Just grab a drink, find a spot with a view, and enjoy the moment — simple...