Himalayan Java - Tridevi Thamel — Restaurant in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

The worst Himalayan Java I've been to, for both service and atmosphere. I would not go back.

Service: I wanted tea. The menu offers pots of tea from an assortment we need to request. They always have this assortment on the counter at HJC. No one was coming to service us, so I walked up to the display and chose a tea. I told a server I wanted that tea, and asked for it with almond milk on the side (which he said they had). He then opened the tea jar and started picking up the teabags with his fingers, fondling them and talking about them. He said I couldn't have that tea, because it wasn't for sale (even though it was in the same display case on the counter as every HJC, and he didn't offer me any other selection). He then left, and came back, and said (opening and fondling the tea again) that I couldn't have this tea with milk, that only one tea comes with milk. We went back and forth a few times, and I realized that he was totally uneducated in any kind of tea besides masala chiya, so I explained that he could bring the tea in hot water with milk on the side. He also brought the tea one more time, with another guy, to clarify everything, with both of them opening and touching the teabags with their bare hands, that they were using to touch everything in the cafe. I told them to stop touching the teabags, as it wasn't clean to do that. They laughed and said okay. He then brought me a mug of tea (not a pot, one of those cheap NCell mugs). The mug didn't have enough room for milk, and with a small pitcher of heated almond milk, which was scalding (no handle) and spilled all over my hand when I tried to pour it. The tea was not good. My husband ordered a plain lemon soda. They brought it salted. He accidentally spilled it. When I called the waiters over to help clean it up, they took a rag and pushed all of the water and lemon on the floor, on my shoes and umbrella, and then never came back to clean up the puddle on the floor in front of me. In fact, they never came back to ask us if we wanted to order anything else at all, even though we stayed there working for several hours.

Atmosphere: The space itself is dark and cluttered. A large portion of it is a store selling clearance clothing, and another area is apparently storing unused barista equipment. There are very few tables tall enough for working. The whole room is dark except for a few tables by the windows; we moved there, but then the sun went down, and there was no lighting over those tables. The A/C was blowing straight on us, making it freezing, but outside was too loud from the traffic.

I go to HJC a lot. I'm actually at the Boudha one now ;) I deal with the weirdnesses you find at any HJC, and I normally tip and get to know the staff. But, I would never go back...

Never in my 29 years i have experienced such ridiculous service and that too at a place like Himalayan java itself!!! I’ve been to all the outlets but here I don’t know what is wrong with the staff!!! 3 staffs served us throughout our time there!!! And none were professional!!! like not professional AT ALL!!!!! First we went sat there for 15 mins but no one came to attend us!!!! Then we had it and went to call them ourselves!!! Still they took more than 5 mins to reach us!!! If you have a huge place just hire enough staff please!!! Next we ordered our drinks and food and also extra ice but we had to remind them of ice again for 3 times different staffs!!! One lady who served us literally deserves a punch on her face!!! She rolled her eyes when we asked for extra ice god forbid we wanted some chill in this heat and weather!!!! And not only rolling her eyes she had an attitude throughout the service like we were making her do something she didn’t really need to!!! Then again we had to ask for each and every thing!!! Cutlery, side plates and even hot sauce and olive oil for the pizza which is always brought before the pizza is served at the table!!! When we asked for side plates that amazing gentleman handed the plates in my hands literally!!!! And placed the sauce tray on top of the menu’s!!! Last but not the least the lady with attitude came along with a tab didn’t show us how much we had to pay!! Said it verbally! And after we paid we didn’t even deserve to see the bill or get it in a paper!!! Dear whoever has the authority to hire people for service please make sure they fit for the job or are at least qualified!! These people didn’t even seem like they had any training or studying under hotel...

As a coffee lover who has traveled to many countries in search of a good cup, I can honestly say that Himalayan Java in Tridevi, Thamel, is a gem in the heart of Kathmandu. I had heard about this café from other travelers, and it exceeded my expectations the moment I walked in. The space has a warm, cozy atmosphere, with comfortable seating and a mix of locals, expats, and travelers enjoying their time.

The coffee itself is exceptional. I tried their pour-over and cappuccino, and both were rich, aromatic, and perfectly brewed. You can immediately tell that the beans are fresh and locally sourced. Unlike many cafés in tourist areas that focus more on ambience than quality, Himalayan Java really takes pride in their coffee. For someone who values the craft of coffee-making, it was a treat to watch the baristas work — they clearly know what they’re doing.

One of the best parts is that you can purchase their coffee beans to take home. I bought a bag of their medium roast as a souvenir, and it’s been keeping my mornings alive with the taste of Nepal even after leaving.

Service was friendly, Wi-Fi was reliable, and the menu also offers pastries and light snacks that pair well with the drinks. If you’re a traveler in Thamel who appreciates good coffee, Himalayan Java should be at the very top of your list. It’s not just a café — it’s an experience that makes you want to linger a...