The Most Aesthetic Hidden Cafes in Northeast India
Ujjal Lohar | Feb 15, 2025, 13:13 IST
Northeast India is home to many hidden cafes and eateries that offer delicious food and beautiful settings. From music-themed cafés like Dylan’s Cafe in Shillong to book lover’s paradise Bibliotheque Book Cafe in Gangtok, each spot has a unique charm. Some, like ML 05 Cafe in Shillong, attract car lovers, while others, like Chopstyx in Aizawl, provide breathtaking views. Whether you're a foodie, a traveler, or an Instagram enthusiast, these cafes offer the perfect mix of tradition, creativity, and comfort. Exploring them is not just about eating—it's about experiencing the culture and beauty of Northeast India.
Northeastern India abounds with scenic beauty, colorful cultures, and distinctive tastes. There are some of the most idyllic cafes and restaurants located in its villages and hills, beautiful venues for anyone who loves great food and scenic pictures. All of these tiny places integrate tradition, creativity, and serenity in a way that is not just about food. These off-the-beaten-track spots are certainly worth a trip, whether for taking Instagram-worthy pictures of charming coffeehouses or simply to unwind with coffee in a nice environment.
Motivated by the classical musician Bob Dylan, Dylan's Cafe boasts a unique character by means of themed interiors featuring vinyl records, posters, and quirky cushions. The atmosphere is something music fans can really relate to, and it gives them a comfortable place to appreciate the live music and really enjoy the food as well. The café's special character gives it a following among Instagram bloggers.
For car enthusiasts ML 05 Cafe is a dream realized. With a Royal Enfield motorcycle display, license plates suspended from the ceiling, and vintage car murals all around, this cafe pulsates with an adventurous vibe. Its distinctive décor provides a captivating backdrop for photos.
Loafing Around, a cozy cafe located in Gangtok is famous for its tasty offerings, i.e., blueberry cheesecake and chocolate truffle with fresh vanilla gelato. The refined old-world style, which is inspired to look like some classic American parlor, creates a cozy backdrop for taking Instagram-ready photos.
Playing the part of a living room, Tio Cafe in Kohima offers a cozy and intimate environment that instantly feels like home. Salute to its melt-in-your-mouth brand of butter cookies, and sometimes that organic veggie sales, the café offers such a welcomedly private and comforting space that it is a gift of someone to become a fly-on-the-wall voyeur of a photograph.
Perched atop a hill overlooking Aizawl, Chopstyx offers a mix of Tibetan, Korean, Chinese, and American dishes. Its exotic location, combined with a diverse menu, provides a picturesque setting that appeals to both food enthusiasts and photographers.
A haven for music lovers, Cafe Hendrix in Guwahati is adorned with posters of legendary rock musicians, paying homage to the spirit of rock and blues. The live music sessions and rustic interiors create a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for capturing lively moments.
Situated in a tranquil corner of the city, The Corner Cafe offers a peaceful ambiance with its wooden interiors and dim lighting. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a serene environment to relax, work, or capture aesthetically pleasing photographs.
Offering panoramic views of Shillong, The Living Roof is a rooftop cafe known for its vibrant atmosphere. With local artists performing in the evenings and games to engage visitors, it provides a lively setting to capture the city's essence from above.
For bibliophiles, Bibliotheque Book Cafe offers a haven with its extensive collection of books and comforting ambiance. The hostess serves generous portions of comfort food, making it a perfect spot to curl up with a book and capture serene moments.
Celebrating Assam's rich tea heritage, The Tea Story provides a contemporary cafe experience infused with traditional elements. With cozy, tea-themed decor and a comprehensive menu of teas and light snacks, it offers a refreshing and flavorful experience for visitors.
Exploring these hidden gems in Northeast India not only offers a culinary journey but also provides myriad opportunities to capture the region's unique blend of tradition and modernity. Each café and eatery tells its own story, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world.