Bir has seen an explosion of dining options over the last year. Shiny new bright cafes, some that could be mistaken for light showrooms also, are giving the traveller and the tourist a taste of local, continental and standard Indian fare.
In this ever expanding gastronomical arena, lies a hidden gem far from the madding crowd.
You must have had to have done something right in this or some other life time to find your way to Bir’s best dining option.
The Northern Cafe sits amidst gently terraced green wheatfileds under the watchful gaze of the majestic Dhauladhars and a sweeping vista of hills and mountains extending all the way to Palampur and beyond. In the foreground is the landing field where paragliders descend gracefully in bursts of color and occasional exuberant hoots. Wild flowers sway in the breeze, butterflies flit by vying for attention and the soft chirping of birds accompanies you the whole while.
The Northern Cafe Timings
WINTERS
10:00 AM TO 9:00 PM
SUMMERS
10:00 AM TO 11:00 PM
Fellow diners are heard counting how many layers they can see in the captivating expanse as they settle comfortably into the warm and intensely pleasing Himachali ambience created by local entrepreneurs, Maya and Moh.
The menu has something for everyone and always something just right for the ever-changing weather in Bir.
If you are like me, then you have some favorite foods that you will always order just to see if this is the best one yet or to provide as a marker for where the restaurant stands in comparison to others.
Veg Hakka noodles are a favorite food and the ones at Northern Cafe are the best I’ve had. Unlike other places where vegetables are a garnish, the veg noodles here are a heavenly bowl teeming with natures bounty and noodles in perfect proportions. These accompanied by the Veg Manchurian will completely satisfy your Chinese food craving and send you blasting off into relaxation nirvana.
Veg and non-veg starters for every munchie mood will have you licking your fingers.
Main course offers a full range of Indian veg and non veg dishes along with biryanis, pulaos and variety of rotis and parathas. Continental options include Pizzas, pastas, hummus and nachos. Himachal specials give you the authentic flavor of Siddu, Madra, Sepu Badi and the like.
And if you just feel like having Maggi and nothing else, well, that is available too. Pahadon ki Maggi will surely nourish your soul.
The best way to enjoy the Northern Cafe is to spend the whole day sampling food and drink as you soak in the beautiful aesthetics, ambience and awesomeness of this little paradise.
Every bite nourishes you and delights you with an explosion of flavors that is only possible when food is made fresh with love and passion.
As you eat your way through the day, you will find that you are in the perfect spot to catch the marvelous Bir sunset and you will realize that few places strike the perfect balance in blending aesthetic harmony and finger licking gastronomy.
As natures lights dim, the soft lights of the cafe cast a magical spell about the place and you know and feel that happiness is to be found in this place. The kind that makes you smile from the inside out.
HOW TO
REACH US
Bir lies roughly midway between Dharamsala and Mandi, 16 km from Joginder Nagar and 10 km from Baijnath. Situated at an altitude of around 1400m, Bir is home to a large Tibetan community and there are several beautiful monasteries in the vicinity. The neighboring Indian villages are surrounded by terraced fields, tea plantations, and rushing streams, with many pleasant footpaths to explore. On the edge of the Tibetan colony is the paragliding landing site, where paragliders land after taking off from Billing.
BY AIR
The nearest airport to Bir is Kangra Airport (Dharamshala Gaggal Airport), located approximately 68 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked cab to reach Bir. The journey by road from the airport to Bir takes around 2-3 hours, offering scenic views of the hills and valleys along the way.
BY TRAIN
The nearest major railway station to Bir is Pathankot Railway Station, situated about 140 kilometers away. From Pathankot, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Bir. Alternatively, you can take the toy train from Pathankot to Ahju, which is about 3 kilometers from Bir. The toy train ride offers a unique and picturesque journey through the mountains and is highly recommended for its scenic beauty.
BY ROAD
Bir is well-connected by road, and you can reach it by taking buses or driving. There are regular bus services from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala to Bir.
From Delhi: Bir is approximately 520 kilometers from Delhi. You can take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Baijnath or Bir Road. The bus journey takes around 12-14 hours.
From Chandigarh: Bir is about 290 kilometers from Chandigarh. You can take a bus or drive via NH503, passing through towns like Una, Hamirpur, and Palampur.
From Dharamshala: Bir is around 70 kilometers from Dharamshala. You can take a bus or taxi, and the journey takes about 2-3 hours, offering beautiful views of the Dhauladhar range.
Once you reach Bir, local taxis and rickshaws are available for commuting within the town and to nearby attractions.
