Shisha Lounge and Bar: Want a cocktail? Here’s where to go

Bars are a dime a dozen in Thamel in Kathmandu. There are at least a few in almost every street. Most of the bars in this party zone are nice and have their own unique points. But it would be fair to say that only some are really outstanding and thus popular too. One of them is the Shisha Lounge and Bar. The place is always packed, especially on the weekends. The food is great. The drinks are even better. And the music is loud and gets you in a happy mood.  While enjoying my drink, I spoke briefly with Kiran Shrestha, co-owner of the bar. He talked about how his hunt for and love of good bars pushed him to start his own. But he didn’t want to serve just drinks. As the name suggests, Shisha, or hookah as you may know it, is one of their specialities. “While visiting a bar, I met an Iranian guy who suggested I get into serving hookah,” says Shrestha. Eventually, Shisha Lounge and Bar was established in 2006 and till now has the reputation of being one of the best places for hookah in Thamel. “We were one of the first places to start serving hookah,” he says.  The place is also popular for their daily live music performances. It’s true that not everyone enjoys loud music. But the seating arrangements here ensure those who want to talk to their friends instead of listening to music can easily do so. You can sit outside where the music won’t bother you, but you aren’t completely cut off either and will be able to enjoy a song or two, should you want to. 

“We make sure the music is good and we complement it through good food, drinks, and cocktails,” says Shrestha. And I couldn’t agree more. 

One of the popular drinks at Shisha is the Aperol Negroni. It’s a Negroni cocktail that uses Italian Aperitif Aperol rather than the usual Campari. It’s served on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass showcasing its vibrant orange hued. It comes with big round ice and spiral orange peel. Every sip packs a zesty punch. A blend of bitter citrus, herbs, and aperol with ice is refreshing, and a really great choice for summer.  Choco Martini is a good cocktail to try if you’re just getting started. It’s a decadent drink that mixes the classy flavors of a martini with the rich and velvety texture of chocolate. It’s like a liquid dessert. It has martini, vodka, Baileys, and a touch of chocolate syrup. The martini glass makes it look like a premium cocktail.  Whiskey Smash is another great choice. Those who like whiskey won’t be disappointed by this drink. You can even customize it according to your preference. Just tell the staff how you want it to be.  Another one of my favorites is Chinese Blue. It’s light and fragrant and the blue hue makes it look so majestic. If you’ve never had a cocktail before, start with this one. Hot Chicks on the Rocks is a spicy summer cocktail that you could try if you want something you’ve never had before. It’s a tequila based drink that has chili in it. But the Cucumber Mojito is unquestionably the best choice for hot summer days. White rum is mixed with lemon and cucumber slices are added to it.  Shisha Lounge and Bar also has a good selection of food to complement their drinks menu. Also, in an area as busy and crowded as Thamel, parking can be a nightmare. But Shisha has its own parking space right next to the bar. So, what are you waiting for? I’d suggest you head to this vibrant place the next time you want to grab a drink.  Their Specials:

• Aperol Negroni
• Chinese Blue
• Whiskey Smash

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu  Drinks for two: Rs 2,000 Opening hours: 6:00 pm - 2:00 am Contact: 01-4701104 Online Payment: Accepted Parking: Available