The first time Bir came into my life, it was January 2019 – a short visit that left a long aftertaste of crisp mountain air, paragliders in the sky and evenings that ended far too soon. By December 2020, right after the pandemic, I moved here for good, living in a tiny place just a few minutes from the landing site. That is when I had my little “living triangle” – my home, Silver Linings Cafe and AVVAs Cafe – shuttling between the two as I quietly tried to build a life in this Himalayan village.
Five years later, that triangle has stretched into a beautiful web of cafes that now define Bir’s days just as much as its sunsets and take-offs. What started as a handful of comforting nooks has grown into a full-blown cafe culture – a place where you can find something for every mood.
- AVVAs
Homestyle South Indian comfort in the mountains, with filter coffee, dosas, idlis, vadai and much more. Truly one of its kind when it comes to the sheer variety of items on the menu and also a variety of relaxed seating areas super close to the Paragliding Landing Site. Over time, we have grown the place with Desam – on our first floor that dives into underexplored side of South Indian main-course, showcasing both a veg and non-veg menu, and Cherry, a specialty coffee bar at roadfront brewing not just set House blend beans, but also a shelf of ever revolving coffee beans from roasters, estates, regions from around the world. This all comes together in the same space, turning it into a layered little world of southern culinary experience.
- Silver Linings Cafe
One of the OGs with a cafe inside a mud house, it’s a sunny breakfast haven known for good pancakes, eggs, fresh bakes and desserts – the kind of place where you start working and end up staying for “just one more” slice of cake.
- June 16 Cafe
A cosy corner for easygoing work days, sandwiches, pasta, wraps, coffee and cafe classics – perfect for long conversations and unplanned evenings.
- Bhoomi Cafe
Earthy, mindful and rooted, with simple, wholesome plates, seasonal bowls and comfort food that matches Bir’s slow pace and village walks.
- Garden Cafe
The very first, and initially the only cafe in Bir – a spot known for having greens inside like you’re sitting in a Garden (also how its name came about). An open-air spot where soups, salads, pastas, and fresh juices share space with simple, comforting plates – the cafe where brunch easily spills into late afternoon.
- Pahadee Coffee Roasters
A place known for a diverse cuisine menu with small bites, sourdough pizzas on weekends, and of course, a cup of great coffee!
- Woesang Cafe
A Tibetan-side favourite with momos, thukpa, soul-warming plates – ideal for when you want food that makes for the cold winter evenings of the mountains.
- And Now Pam’s
A cosy, lived-in space that feels like a friend’s home, with generous plates, changing specials, desserts, offering a menu that’s unknown, carefully thought as per seasons, and served right at your table, as a great surprise.
Together, these cafes turn this little paragliding village into a place where you can land for a weekend and, before you know it, find “your” table, and a tiny community that remembers your face the next time you walk in.
