Dhokaima Café: A Doorway to Peace of Mind


The inner and outer structure, the floor and the walls, the decoration along with the lights, all reflects the old era. Not much has been changed here since those days

If you are searching for a quiet and hushed environment in a restaurant along with a wide assortment of food and drinks, it ends at Dhokaima cafe. Located right beside Patan Dhoka, the restaurant is named after its proximity to it, and has been serving customers for the last eight years.

According to Kirti Raj Syangden, the entire structure of the restaurant is 120 years old. “The place belonged to Madan Sumsher. It was used as his storing house, shed for cows and his Buggykhana,” informed Syangden. The inner and outer structure, the floor and the walls, the decoration along with the lights, all reflects the old era. Not much has been changed here since those days.

The restaurant is divided in the inside dining hall and the outer courtyard. The walls of the dining hall are adorned with ancient looking lamps, with numerous painting hung almost everywhere. Worth mentioning is a separate dining inside, named Van Gogh dining room, after the famous Dutch painter. The walls of the room are decorated by copies of his art, as a tribute to him. The room was inaugurated by Dutch Consulate Kari Cuelenaere, said Syangden.


The outer courtyard is the place to relax, with a tranquil environment, big trees and plenty of flowering plants. There is also an internet lounge in the courtyard for staying connected. The garden also has landmark, an electric pole from Beni, which was shattered by bullets in the attack there during the time of conflict. The restaurant replaced the pole with a new one, and brought it, and is here for everyone to see. The place can accommodate a hundred people, 70 in the courtyard and dining and 30 in the outside bar.

Rabindra Khadka, the In-charge of the café said that the customers here are a mix of foreigners and locals. “We are renowned in the vicinity for our ambience and food,” said Khadka. The café specializes in Chinese and continental cuisine. Appetizers like roasted vegetable soup and hot and sour soup are favorites of customers here. The most popular main course meal here is Spicy Whole Fish, fresh water fish fried whole and stewed in Chinese secret ingredient, an ideal meal for two. Also, grilled skinless chicken breast topped with brandy mushroom sauce is loved by the regulars. Besides, there are numerous salads, snacks and appetizers to choose from. After a full meal, the oven fresh apple pie and signature Dhokaima brownie could be the ideal dessert.

There is a bar, named ‘rukh muni’ that is secluded from the main structure. The bar is right under the big walnut tree in the courtyard. The bar can accommodate 30 thirsty customers, and serves all possible spirits you can think of. Numerous cocktails, mocktails and hot alcoholic drinks like Irish coffee, Italian coffee and hot rum punch is the specialty of the bar. The entirety of the place is very peaceful, with delectable dishes, an adequate bar and homely service. Step in and feel the difference.