Category: CHEF INTERVIEWS

THIMPHU, BHUTAN CAFÉS: THE HOPE CAFÉ

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Hope Beyond the Spiral Staircase – The Hope Café in Thimphu

Kinley’s (the owner) wife, does all of the artwork for the cozy café.

Nestled atop Changlam Plaza, The Hope Café is a hidden gem that feels like a reward for those who follow the winding spiral staircase. Its journey to existence is as inspiring as the quotes that adorn its walls. Kinley Phurbo, the Bhutanese heart behind the café, brings a Starbucks-trained touch to Thimphu, having honed his craft in Kuwait before returning home with a dream.

Kinley Phurba, the friendly and passionate owner.

A Café with a Story

The Hope Café opened its doors in January 2020, a time that seemed anything but hopeful as the world shut down for COVID-19 just months later. Yet, Kinley’s passion for café culture and community resilience helped The Hope Café endure. It’s now a thriving space for locals and travelers alike, offering more than just coffee—it’s a symbol of perseverance.

Ambiance & Experience

Step inside, and you’re greeted by warm lighting, colorful local art, and walls filled with uplifting quotes. The atmosphere is both comforting and energizing, perfect for a casual coffee or a long conversation. Despite its challenging upper-floor location, the journey up feels symbolic—sometimes, you have to climb to find hope.

The Menu: Where East Meets West

Coffee lovers will appreciate the extensive drink menu, featuring familiar Starbucks-inspired favorites like caramel macchiatos and mocha frappuccinos. But The Hope Café doesn’t stop there. Its food menu is equally impressive, with hearty meals, light bites, and even alcoholic beverages for an evening wind-down. This blend of Western-style café offerings with Bhutanese hospitality makes it a standout in Thimphu.

Delicious Caramel Macchiato, 140 Ngultrum = $1.65 usd

Why It’s Worth the Climb

In a city where Western cafés are rare, The Hope Café is a refreshing retreat. Whether you’re here for a quick espresso, a leisurely meal, or simply a moment of peace among hopeful words, you’ll leave feeling uplifted.

Next time you’re in Thimphu, follow the signs, climb the spiral staircase, and let The Hope Café remind you that sometimes the best places are those you have to work a little harder to find.

I discovered this place on 29November2024, so all of the information is up-to-date.

Location:

213 Chang Lam, Norzin, Thrim Throm, Thimphu, Bhutan

Hours:

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Wednesdays- closed

Google Maps Location

IG: @the_hope_cafe

COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA: FOODIE TIME

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After a most recent two-year stint abroad, I returned to Cocoa Beach for a few months in the fall of 2023 and decided to treat it like a little foodie holiday. I love exploring towns for the best Eggs Benedict, so that’s where I started. 😊

Simply Delicious Café & Bakery 125 N Orlando Ave

After years of passing by this spot, usually with a long line, I finally got in, and it was well worth it. A true traditional Benny.

4th Street Fillin Station Gastrobar & Grill 382 N. Orlando Ave

Whenever I can, I‘ll upgrade to a Crab 🦀 Benny. Real crabmeat.

Whisk & Grind 410 N Atlantic Ave

Another Crab Benny with potato salad on the side. This was a new place since I was last here, so I was excited to try it. I think this was an off day for the staff – took a really long time, lots of faux-like apologies, and then the eggs aren‘t actually poached. Lazy, sloppy. This was disappointing, but the menu is extensive and looks like it should be tasty, so I‘d try it again, and would still encourage others to give the other items on the menu a try.

The Green Room Café 222 N 1st St The Secret Spot – Delicious chicken burrito with black beans and brown rice. Big. With chips, salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream on the side.
The Green Room Café 222 N 1st St The Backdoor Burger – A Beyond Burger with Cheese and caramelized onions Delicious!

The Green Room Café is perfect – “Colorful health-conscious cafe doling out organic sandwiches, soups & smoothies plus vegan fare” – the ONLY meat item is the chicken in the Secret Spot above. Otherwise it’s all vegetarian and vegan.

Salty Bagel 25 S Atlantic Ave Hot Honey – egg, bacon or sausage, cheese, cream cheese, hot honey drizzle

Another new place since I was last here. A great addition to the town.

Squid Lips 2200 S. Orlando Ave Thai Chicken Burger with Fries

Delicious burgers, but pricier than other spots in CB.

Taco City 2955 S. Atlantic Ave El Macho – Chicken burrito smothered in Enchilada sauce – Limitless Chips and salsa
Taco City 2955 S. Atlantic Ave El Hombre – Shredded beef burrito smothered in cheese sauce – Limitless Chips and salsa

A cool little place with staff that remembers you and wants to make sure you never run out of sour cream, salsa, water, or beer. Reasonable prices. Looking forward to trying their famous ‘chings’ and guacamole next.

Cocoa Beach, Florida – Autumn 2023