Kathmandu, Nepal—‘An endless well of creativity’ 🇳🇵

*Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photos courtesy of Coffee of Promise*

It turns out the most fascinating thing about the Filter guide below is not the in-depth exploration of one of our world’s most colorful cities—though it is all that and more—but the behind-the-scenes look at the coffee industry in Nepal. Coffee of Promise is a coffee retailer in Kathmandu, founded by Promish Muktan who is focused exclusively on Nepali coffee farmers. Promish shares his perspective on his country’s specialty coffee scene, and a few of his favorite gems in Kathmandu.

Filter: What do you like to do for fun around Kathmandu?

For me, Kathmandu embodies the seamless fusion of adventure, resilience amidst challenges, and an endless well of creativity. Despite the city's rapid urban evolution, nothing beats the simple joy of riding my scooter through the maze-like alleyways, winding my way back home from a day at the office.

On days when I wrap up work early, our go-to destination is Patan Durbar Square, a stone's throw from my place. This ancient hub, blending historical relics with a modern community vibe, creates a picturesque setting. And oh these winter days? They hold a cherished routine—a leisurely stroll with a comforting bowl of ramen from our favorite Japanese eatery, Sanchen Ramen, marking moments of coziness and connection.

Whenever the weather's good, those nearby hills at Shivapuri are like a magnet for me, [especially] Nagi Monastery. Just a short ride away, they treat me to the most epic sunsets and a chill time with nature. Oh, and up in those hills, there's this awesome Italian ice cream joint—Marbella Italian Ice Cream—it's like a sweet bonus to the whole experience!

Weekends are a mix of nature and hanging with the community. Whether I'm out hiking the trails in nearby national parks or helping our crew at Coffee of Promise, sharing our brews at the local farm market, each bit brings its own awesome vibe. And let me tell you, the weekend scene at Labim Mall in Patan? It's buzzing with this fantastic community energy that just lifts everyone's mood.

Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them?

If a pal paid a visit, my Kathmandu tour would be the bomb. Kathmandu is mostly about its people, food and temples (culture).

First up, even if they're not into coffee (I might still sneak in a mini coffee guide, though!)...Coffee of Promise office & roastery—coffee or not, gotta show off our space!

Then, we'll hit Boudhanath Stupa for a slice at Roadhouse Cafe's rooftop, taking in the epic view. They can't leave without diving into the nation's fav meal—the Thakali rice set—and later a breather at the serene Botanical Garden. No museums on my radar, but Newari cuisine is a must. (Newari cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition originating from the Newar community of Nepal. It features a wide array of flavorful dishes, often characterized by bold spices, unique ingredients, and intricate cooking techniques. Some popular Newari dishes include momo (dumplings), bara (fried lentil patties), yomari (sweet dumplings), and various types of choyela (marinated meats). Newari cuisine offers a delightful exploration of Nepali flavors and cultural heritage.)

To add some hands-on fun, let's do a pottery or painting class—creative vibes only! And how about a pub crawl hitting Sam's Bar and Beers N' Cheers? Gotta catch a music gig and hey, more coffee, always more coffee!

And hey, momos! They're practically a national dish, so we'll pair them with coffee (just kidding) but a momo and a Coke for an unforgettable experience. [I recommend] Ambo Momo.

Filter: What touristy things in Kathmandu are worth the hype?

Let me tell you, some spots around Kathmandu totally live up to the hype for tourists! I have lived here for almost my entire life and I am still amazed to go to these places.

First off, Boudhanath Stupa—it's this incredible Buddhist site with prayer wheels, this amazing spiritual vibe, and it's just stunning.

Then there's Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. You've got this huge stupa and, you guessed it, monkeys everywhere! Plus, the view from up there? Unreal!

Patan Durbar Square is like stepping into history with all these ancient temples and stunning Newari architecture—it's a must-see.

Thamel's another gem, this buzzing hub with shops, food joints, you name it. It's a whole vibe in itself.

And Nagarkot? Trust me, the sunrise or sunset views over the Himalayas. [especially at] Hotel Country Villa, are something you won't forget.

Filter: What's another coffee shop around there that you really admire, and what about them stands out to you?

I have got quite the collection of coffee spots! Here's a rundown:

Cafe Soma: Right in Jhamsikhel, this place nails breakfast vibes and is just the right size for a cozy catch-up with friends. Saturdays here for brunch? That's our jam!
Ektafe Cafe: This newbie in a bookstore serves up some seriously special coffee. The owner's got the coffee game strong—knows their beans inside out!
Kar.ma Coffee
Chikusa Cafe: A classic! Nestled behind Thamel, it's probably the oldest joint in town. Their tea game's on point, and it's been our go-to for that perfect cup for ages.
Snowman Cafe: A small gem in Basantapur Durbar Square. I discovered that apple crumble and tea make a dream team here. Plus, soaking in the history and authenticity is worth the visit.

Filter: How did you end up in the Kathmandu coffee scene?

I was born in Terai hills of Chitawan (another fav destination one can visit) and we moved to Kathmandu 30 years back. Following my high school years, I pursued studies in Melbourne, where the local coffee culture deeply intrigued me, opening doors to the diverse world of coffee and culinary delights. Post my academic phase, I dedicated approximately 7-8 years to roles in software and data analysis. However, my passion for entrepreneurship eventually led me on a different path.

*Promish Muktan is the founder & CEO of Coffee of Promise in Kathmandu, Nepal.*

Returning to Nepal in 2017 was a turning point. Reconnecting with my grandfather, a farmer by profession, ignited a passion for agriculture within me. Merging this newfound interest with my inherent love for coffee, I ventured into the realms of agri-business and the dynamic coffee scene. What's truly motivating is my strong belief in the potential of Nepali coffee on a global scale. This conviction has evolved into a concerted mission with my team—to champion Nepali beans and elevate their presence on the international coffee landscape. It's not merely a pursuit; it's a passion project that fills us with joy each step of the way.

Beyond this, as not many know, I play a partial role as a Climate Advocacy Associate, where I help travelers /guests in understanding evolving climate change, especially in regions like Manang and Mustang of Nepal.

Filter: Can you share about your role at Coffee of Promise?

As the founder and current CEO, I wear multiple hats and oversee various aspects of our operations. One of the key aspects of my role is ensuring the smooth functioning of our entire operation, from bean selection to roasting and ensuring the final product's quality meets our high standards. This involves wearing the quality assurance hat, meticulously checking the quality of green beans and overseeing the roasting process. Additionally, I actively engage in business development, forging partnerships and connections, often meeting with coffee partners, including farmers and other business owners.

Beyond that, and an online-based coffee company, a significant part of my time goes into crafting and executing our digital strategy. In a small team of six, we all wear multiple hats and collaborate closely to make things happen.

The most rewarding aspect of this multifaceted role is witnessing the culmination of our efforts—seeing the quality beans we've carefully sourced and roasted being appreciated by our customers. It's the satisfaction of contributing to the elevation of Nepali coffee on the global stage and knowing that each step brings us closer to achieving that mission. Working closely with a passionate team, each playing a pivotal role in our journey, is immensely fulfilling.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move, and what shop would be the biggest reason?

Umm Interesting...Kyoto, Japan, without a second thought! The coffee scene there is something I've been eyeing for a while. Though I haven't pinpointed a single shop, I've got my eyes set on various spots I've seen on YouTube—places like Kurasu, Onibus, Coffee Supreme, and Leaves Coffee. I've got this list of around 50 cafes, and honestly, any chance to be a part of that scene would be a dream come true! I've actually got plans to visit there in a few years, and who knows, maybe it'll turn into a more semi-permanent move.

The diversity and creativity in Kyoto's coffee world seem absolutely magnetic to me.

Filter: What has it been like to work with farmers and cafes to highlight specialty-grade Nepali coffee?

When I first delved into the coffee world, it was just a casual interest (nothing serious)—but with time and research it became a mission to put Nepali coffee on the global map. However, the path ahead has been riddled with challenges. One pressing concern is the lack of generational continuity among Nepali coffee farmers. The youth leaving the country has led to a knowledge gap, putting the future of Nepali coffee in jeopardy. It's concerning to envision a future where quality Nepali beans might disappear within the next three decades.

Most of the farmers I work with or Coffee of Promise partners with are above 60 years old, and the absence of younger generations to carry forward this tradition poses a significant threat. Moreover, the heavy dependence on imported coffee, especially from neighboring countries like India, has impacted the pricing and recognition of our local beans.

Amidst these challenges, there's a silver lining. I strongly believe in investing in the female farmers of our nation. Empowering and training them to take the lead in coffee production could be a transformative step. It's about instilling necessary knowledge and skills in these women to carry the torch forward for Nepali coffee.

Despite these hurdles, the resilience of a few Nepali coffee enthusiasts, myself included, keeps us hopeful for better days ahead. It's about fostering a collective hope that, despite the challenges, we can work together to secure a brighter future for Nepali coffee.

Filter: Anything you’d like to add?

Coffee isn't just about one company or one person—it's a whole team effort! Think about it: you've got the farmers lovingly growing those beans, the talented roasters turning them into magic, the operations folks ensuring everything runs smoothly, and of course, us coffee lovers enjoying every sip. It's like a big coffee family, and everyone's role is super important for making that delicious brew we all love.

You (Filter), as a content creator, play a vital role too. Sharing stories, creating buzz, and highlighting the fantastic work of everyone involved in the coffee journey all around the world—that's crucial too! It's like you're the storyteller, weaving this amazing tale of how coffee goes from the farm to our cups. So, big kudos to you for being a part of this coffee-loving community and helping spread the love for the entire process!

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Coffee of Promise is a subscription company based in Kathmandu and sourcing coffee from partner farms across Nepal.

Food & Beverage

Sanchen Ramen

Marbella Italian Ice Cream