Located in upper Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, the town of McLeod Ganj is a heady mix of culture and food. The restaurants are crowded with monasteries and jewelry shops, colorful prayer flags on the streets, and meditation retreats. McLeod Ganj is perhaps better known for its Tibetan cuisine, thanks to the sizable Tibetan population calling this place home, but in recent years there has been an influx of hip cafes and quaint spots serving everything from Italian, Israeli, and European cuisine . We list several places to have breakfast in this mountain town.
6 places for breakfast in McLeod Ganj
Illiterate books and coffee
The quaint café has shelves with books and cozy corners where you can relax
Whether you’re a book nerd or not, this cafe draws a lot of visitors because of the surreal views of the snow-capped Dhauladhar Mountains. Combine this with a cup of strong espresso and breakfast specialties and you have a winning combination of your own. Our suggestion? Take a seat outside on the balcony overlooking the valley and give you a sense of privacy just with the mountains for company. In addition to a wood-burning fireplace, sofas and potted plants, the place has shelves with books of all kinds, from contemporary politics to art and philosophy, so you can indulge in a leisurely read. The products used are predominantly local and organic, with an influence from French and Mediterranean cuisine. Think pancakes with homemade jam, granola with honey and fresh yogurt, scrambled eggs, waffles and seasonal juices. Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Moon Peak espresso
McLeod Ganj is sure to find great Italian style espressos, one of which is on Moon Peak. Photo: Moon Peak Espresso
This quiet bakery and cafe on Temple Road is considered to be one of the first cafes in McLeod Ganj to offer an Italian-style espresso. They are popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s an ideal place to have a piece of cake and coffee in the morning. You can choose from a variety of coffees paired with dishes from the compact breakfast menu, including omelets in different ways, sandwiches and salads. Temple Street, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Nick’s Italian cuisine
Another popular option in McLeod Ganj, Nick’s Italian cuisine has great views with people friendly dishes. It tends to be a bit crowded in the evenings so breakfast is a good time to take in the views in this cozy cafe. You can choose from an extensive selection, from an American or English breakfast to classic waffles, French toast and homemade Tibetan bread with butter, cold cereal and fruit salads. The place is also known for its selection of desserts. Bhagsunag Road, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
Common Ground Cafe
An exterior view of Common Ground, McLeod Ganj. Photo: Facebook / Common Ground Cafe
This relaxed space, with its communal tables and low, cushioned seating, may be a little off the radar, but connoisseurs swear by the Tibetan and Chinese cuisine on offer, as well as a bit of Western cuisine that includes gluten-free and vegan options. Whether it’s a plate of momos, pancakes, thukpa soup, coffee, and tea from French Press, treat yourself to a hearty breakfast here. Sewarg Ashram Road, Tushita Road, McLeod Ganj
Zomsa Laundromat Cafe
This laundromat also doubles as a café and serves plates of hot momos in variations such as spinach and cheese, mutton or chicken, as well as various soups and noodles, Tibetan bread, pancakes, eggs in various ways, and various types of tea. Tipa Road, Restaurant Opp Zomsa, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.
Morgan’s place
In addition to eating, you can also enjoy great views at Morgan’s Place
Morgan’s Place is in the village of Dharamkot, next to McLeod Ganj. With its facade, it may look humble and easy to miss with a maze of steps leading to the cafe, but the hike is well worth it. Treat yourself to fresh juices or a hot lemon-ginger tea, breakfast pizza, paninis, pancakes and salads with a wonderful view of the valley. Dharamkot, McLeod Ganj.
