Bir Billing – A place resting in Joginder Nagar valley, at the slopes of Dhauladhar range of the majestic Himalayan mountains, is something more than a home to the adventure enthusiast. Bir Billing is a twin town commonly misinterpreted as a single travel destination.
Bir Billing has a range of experiences to offer. Majestic monasteries, serene sunsets, amazing cafes and Himalayan homestays, it is much more than just a world’s renowned Paragliding sight. If you’re a food explorer, then cafes will specially be intriguing for you and can be best discovered while touring down the slender lanes of the town flattering the beauty all around.
Below is the list of cafes that you should definitely visit:
1. Griffon’s Café
2. The Northern Café
3. June 16 Café
4. Glider’s Pizzeria
5. Vairagi Café
6. Avva’s Café
7. Silver Linings
8. Café Ilaka
9. Ara Café
10. Garden Café and Restaurant
11. Musafir – A Traveller’s Café
1. Griffon’s Café
Griffon’s Café in Bir Billing is more than just a café; it’s an experience that blends serenity, adventure, and cultural richness. Located near the paragliding takeoff point, the café is a vibrant community hub set amidst breathtaking scenery. It offers a unique space crafted with traditional architecture, combining stone, wood, and glass. The café provides culinary delights with a view, cozy accommodations, a campground for starlit adventures, and spaces for events and workshops. It stands as a testament to the beauty and spirit of Bir Billing, offering a harmonious blend of nature, adventure, and tranquility.
Read More: Griffon’s Café: Your Enchanting Retreat in Bir Billing
2. The Northern Café
Superb music meets appetizing food here. The Northern Café is a place where you can find a great ambience, a breath-taking sunset paired with a sip of your favourite brewery. It is located in Bir above the paragliding landing site with a royal view of gigantic Dhauladhars. When in the lap of mountains, one wishes to experience the inner self while reading the favourite books and admiring nature. Also, it includes very special and delicious Himachali cuisines. So, if you are into exploring different cultures this place is surely for you, the café itself is built in a local architectural design.
3. June 16 Café
Huddled in front of the daily rush and bustle of adrenaline junkies, this small and cosy café with warm vibes gets you perfectly roasted coffee, hot and rich in the tangs on the go. Once you’re done with a dream paragliding session and if you wish to have a wonderful meal, this café will get you to one. Adding to the loss of spoilers this place offers freshly baked brownies and cakes which are some of the great offerings here.
4. Glider’s Pizzeria
This little café is located near the landing site in Bir so finding it won’t be problematic. This place can be a little hard on your wallet, they provide specialized continental dishes. The café offers a unique environment with vast sitting space both indoors and outdoors. While sitting outside, one can enjoy flaring down the gliders.
5. Vairagi Café
A place having a simple set of menus for breakfast and lunch. If you are travelling solo and north Indian cuisine is what you love then this place is definitely worth going. Aaloo paratha in breakfast and Punjabi tadka in dinner is the one combo everyone craves for. So, if you crave for the same, do visit this café for a perfect taste.
6. Avva’s Café
If you are in the north and your mouth craves for South Indian food then AVVA’S Cafe is highly recommended to you. You’ll get authentic South Indian food here. As soon as you enter the café they will serve you a drink called RASAM and KALA CHANA which is on the house. It is best known for its hospitality. The sittings are indoor and outside with great views.
7. Silver Linings
Famed for its coffee and bakes, this is a boundless place to snuggle down. Sitting outside in a garden whilst having a meal can take you to the scenic and awe-inspiring views. If work from home is the bee on your bonnet then sitting inside will entice you more, as you can savour the WIFI facility here. Silver welcomes all Bibliolatry. Also, it is a fully vegetarian café so all the vegans are invited here.
What makes this café more exciting? It’s an eco-friendly café with a no plastic use policy. The wall outside is made up of plastic bottles to lead by paradigm. Best advice to all is to reach out to the café as soon as it kicks off to enjoy the sunlit breakfast.
8. Café Ilaka
Another winsome eatery in the greenery of Bir is the Café Ilaka. Located just next to the landing site the café has its own charm as it has beautiful colour schemes and paintings reflecting Bir’s culture. Order some ‘paranthas’, ‘adrak vali chai’ and feel the freshness in the food. Moreover, if you are planning to have a quick snack, try some veg and non-veg momos here, they are so lip-smacking. Certainly, you just can’t afford to miss the authentic taste of food here.
9. Ara Café
This comfy café offers Continental, Italian, Chinese, Himachali, and North Indian cuisines on its menu. Pizza, pasta, tomato basil soup, biryani are some great offerings here. Ara is all about beautiful artistic setup, perfect ambience, applaudable hospitality, tempting food and what not. Pay a visit, take a bite and just put your feet up overlooking the mountains.
Photo by Ara Cafe on Instagram
10. Garden Café and Restaurant
It is one of the oldest and pacific places in Bir. As the name itself suggests the café is set up in a garden amidst greenery offering you both indoor and outdoor sitting where you can have your food with ‘’good vibes only’’. Maybe you’ll notice how beautifully they present their dishes making it more real. Just a recommendation, stop by the café in the evening to get the actual essence of beauty.
11. Musafir – A Traveller’s Café
Are you a solo traveller who wants to make new pals, tell stories or listen to some? Make a fair deal then. Dig into this café which is away from the crowd in Bir and get welcomed by the auspicious hosts of this café. Musafir is made out of bamboo which obviously is contributing to the environment, making it an eco-friendly cafe. The food is delicious here.
If planning to come here get some extra time with you otherwise your further plans may get postponed. The café is crammed with travellers, bikers, writers, photographers and a lot of people who can make you hold onto this café so long. Better order some mint iced tea or shakes and get yourself engaged in sharing your stories too and be a part of fruitful social gatherings here.
Bir Billing has its own charm of entertaining the adventurers. If you count yourself in for this place, you’ll know why! From serving as meeting points for travelers and intellectuals to finding peace for adventurers, Bir’s cafes have always been a space for some creativity. So, if you want to treat both your mind and the appetite you just need to mark presence to the places mentioned above. Find a hassle-free corner and grab a coffee and soak up the heavenly views.
