Balcha Cafe: Good food and great view

When it comes to restaurants, I prefer ones with rooftops where I can sit and enjoy my meal after a tiring evening. The combination of subtle lighting and chilly air is quite soothing, especially if it’s during summer. As summer is here, I’m glad I’ve found a place like that. Balcha Cafe in Samakhusi, Kathmandu, is a great place where you can relax and indulge in a delicious meal. The restaurant is aesthetic. It’s built in a Newari-style house, with traditional arts and crafts for decor, giving off a local vibe of Kathmandu. Along with the rooftop, the restaurant also has inner seating areas for the not-so-outdoorsy people. The outdoor area is decorated with warm lights, giving it a cozy vibe. I find it to be a perfect spot to enjoy some good food and a drink on the side. Whether you are alone or with someone, you will find this place to be the perfect fit. It’s a lovely restaurant that caters to everyone. And their food is equally good.  Let’s start with their Peri Peri Chicken. It’s perfect for meat lovers. Chicken is marinated and cooked in a sauce that’s both tangy and spicy. It’s served with a side of veggies like cucumbers and carrots, which too is marinated in the sauce. With every bite you can taste the smoky flavor of the chicken, which is both tender and juicy. If you are wondering whether the dish is spicy, there’s no need to worry. The heat is well-balanced and you can easily finish the dish on your own.

Also, try Smoked Chicken Cheese Fries, especially if you love fries. It’s covered with melted cheese which is already appealing, but also has smoked chicken smeared on top, bringing out some extra flavors when you eat it together. It’s served with garlic-mayo sauce and ketchup. Dip those fries on both, and it becomes just right. It’s a perfect appetizer before you dig into the main course.

You can’t go wrong with their Mustang Aloo. Crispy potato wedges are sprinkled with different spices along with a burst of szechuan peppercorns, making the flavors tingle your taste buds. It’s not that oily unlike most fried potatoes. The outside is crispy, whereas the inside is soft and creamy. And the best part is, it doesn’t even need a dip. It’s just perfect for our Nepali taste buds.  For the main course, I suggest you try Grilled Chicken, which is a bit different from what you get in other restaurants. Chicken is coupled with mashed potatoes and it’s drizzled with creamy mushroom sauce which makes it both presentable and delicious. It comes with some boiled vegetables on the side. The chicken is perfectly cooked and is slightly grilled, giving it a bit of a crispy texture when you take a bite. It’s a good choice for a main course. The portion is enough for two people.   You will also find a separate section called Balcha Special Dishes in the menu. That includes Oyster Chicken, Chicken Satay, Sushi and Prawns. They also serve burgers, sekuwa and khaja sets if you are looking for a Nepali cuisine, along with pasta, salads and pizzas. They have something for everybody on the menu.  They also have a small bar area for drinks where they serve local as well as imported drinks. There’s wine, beer, cocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, milkshakes, soft drinks, and smoothies. A private cabin and a karaoke room are also available for groups. It’s usually busy on special occasions like New Years, or if a sports match is happening. They even have an allocated space outside for live music. The service is quick and the staff is friendly, warm, and welcoming. You will not regret visiting the place.  Their species:

• Oyster Chicken 

• Chicken Satay

• Sushi

Location: Samakhushi Meal for two: Rs 1,200 Opening and closing time : 10:00 am to 9:00 pm  Call: 9849519363 Online payment: Accepted Parking: Available for bikes