Coffee culture in Nepal is quietly brewing into something remarkable. Once overshadowed by the nation’s deep-rooted tea traditions, coffee is now finding its own rhythm in Nepali cities and communities. Amid this shift, Cinnamon Garden introduces a unique take on coffee — the Himalayan Pink Salt Coffee — inspired by Vietnamese roots but grounded in Himalayan flavor.
Located within the elegant Maya Manor Boutique Hotel, a heritage-style hotel in Kathmandu, Cinnamon Garden is more than just a dining destination — it’s fast becoming recognized as one of the best cafes in Kathmandu. Here, guests can enjoy thoughtfully crafted brews and a serene ambiance that blends modern comfort with timeless charm.
Early Beginnings
Coffee farming in Nepal traces back to mid-20th century experiments, with regions like Gulmi and Palpa becoming early pioneers. These hilly regions offered the ideal altitude and climate for Arabica beans to flourish.
Rise of Local Cafes
Urban Nepal, especially cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, has seen an emergence of independent cafes that serve more than caffeine -they serve culture. These cafes have become places for collaboration, community, and creativity, especially among younger generations.
Local vs. Global
Nepal still holds a strong attachment to milk tea, but third-wave coffee trends -single-origin beans, pour-overs, and slow brews -are steadily gaining traction. Today’s coffee drinkers are increasingly looking for meaning and story behind their cup.
Cinnamon Garden is not just a cafe; it’s a lifestyle space that blends food, creativity, and calm. With a menu curated for intention and experience, the cafe brings a distinct aesthetic and innovative approach to its offerings.
In this spirit of thoughtful creativity, Cinnamon Garden introduces signature creations that tell stories. The Salted Brew is one such story.
The Origin Story
Owners Trisha and Adhish discovered Vietnamese salted coffee during a trip to Vietnam. What they expected to be odd turned out to be a rich, creamy, balanced experience. That unexpected delight became a seed for something new.
The Inspiration to Create
They brought the idea home and reimagined it through a local lens. The twist? Himalayan pink salt. Chosen not only for its subtle, mineral-rich flavor, but also for its symbolism of grounding, balance, and regional pride. At Cinnamon Garden, we use pink salt instead of the sea salt traditionally used in Vietnamese coffee -adding a distinctly Nepali touch.
The Brew Itself
Visually, it’s a drink that invites curiosity: layers of espresso, milk, and a light salt-infused foam. On the palate, it surprises – the salt gently rounds out the bitterness of coffee, letting its natural sweetness shine. It’s smooth, comforting, and just different enough to feel new.
Salt is more than a garnish; it’s a quiet flavor enhancer. It tempers bitterness and draws out natural sweetness. Around the world, cultures have used salt in drinks — from salted lassi to salted caramel hot chocolate. Himalayan pink salt was the perfect fit: local, mineral-rich, and mild. Its taste and story both complement the Nepali palate and reflect the Cinnamon Garden ethos — honoring local roots while offering something refreshingly unique.
The Salted Brew is about more than flavor. It invites you to pause, to notice, and to taste with intention. It’s the kind of drink that opens a quiet moment of reflection or a thoughtful conversation. It also mirrors the spirit of Cinnamon Garden where global inspiration meets local soul, and every offering is crafted with care.
If you haven’t yet tried the Salted Brew, let this be your invitation. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply curious, it offers a unique experience grounded in story and flavor. Cinnamon Garden continues to craft a space where global ideas meet Nepali roots. And as Nepal’s coffee culture grows, this drink is a humble but flavorful chapter in that evolving journey.
If you’re staying at the charming Maya Manor Boutique Hotel, don’t miss the chance to try this signature coffee at Cinnamon Garden. A perfect start (or pause) to your day in the heart of Kathmandu.