It’s Not Just a Cafe, It’s a Dream.
Gargi’s Cafe Kasauli
Siddu Cafe + German Bakery
—— Open Daily ——
7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Welcome
to the World’s First Siddu Cafe
Dine In | Takeaway | Delivery
5PM Chatterbox
Spill the tea (or coffee!) at 5pm Chatterbox – Open discussions on everything and anything.
Travel Tuesdays
Travel the world (without leaving your seat) at Travel Tuesdays – Share your adventures or dream destinations.
Bookish Wednesdays
Turn the page on the ordinary at Bookish Thursdays – Discuss your favorite reads, hidden gems, or writing journeys.
Philosophy Thursdays
Uncork the big questions at Philosophy Fridays – Explore life, meaning, and everything in between over a cuppa.
Open Mic Fridays
Poets, singers, comedians welcome! Unleash your talents and share the spotlight at Gargi’s Open Mic.
Our Story
It was a cold winter day when i first got introduced to Siddu. The story goes back to 2019 in the enigmatic village of Malana. The crisp snow crunched beneath my feet, while the frosty air nipped relentlessly at my nose. Gargi, my love, my wife, had regaled me with tales of her grandmother’s famed Himachali delicacy ‘Siddu,’ which she promised would warm our bellies and spirits after our arduous trek.
Malana, while notorious for its cannabis cultivation, held a deeper, more intriguing narrative. The villagers, bound by the wisdom of local legends, believed their hamlet to be the dwelling of Jamlu Rishi—a sage who not only inhabited this place but also laid down the rules and regulations that governed their lives.
As we approached Aama’s home, my anticipation for the culinary delight awaiting us grew, but so did my curiosity for the people and culture that had flourished in this enigmatic land of legends, leapords, snow, and Siddu.
As we approached Aama’s house, tendrils of smoke rose like a welcoming embrace from the chimney, whispering of the warmth and comfort that awaited us within.
The old kitchen, where Aama presided with grace and wisdom, was a testament to the village’s rich heritage. Wooden floors, worn smooth by the passage of time, creaked gently beneath my feet, while stone walls and a roof of slate stones stood steadfast, sheltering us from the biting cold outside.
Aama, Gargi’s grandmother, sat regally by the fire, her deft hands expertly stuffing the Siddu with a sumptuous medley of walnuts, apricot kernels, and poppy seeds.
Aama glanced up at me, her eyes twinkling like stars in the night sky, as she extended a bronze plate towards me. Nestled in its center was a steaming Siddu, glistening with generous dollops of ghee, its aroma promising a gastronomic delight.
I took my first bite, my senses enveloped in a symphony of flavors. The dough was soft and fluffy, a cloud that cradled the exquisite filling within, which burst forth with an unparalleled richness of taste.
The delightful taste of Aama’s Siddu, coupled with the warmth of the village’s customs, etched a memory in my heart—one that would linger long after the last remnants of ghee had melted away.
Idea of a Dream
As I savored the final bites of the Siddu, Aama shared her concern about the gradual disappearance of this culinary treasure from the kitchens of younger generations. Her words stirred something within me, prompting a sense of urgency and responsibility to preserve this distant dream of siddu and rich cultural heritage.
And so, with a heart full of determination and a soul infused with the flavors of the Himalayas, we set out to dedicate ourself to this remarkable delicacy and the Idea of a ‘First Ever Siddu Cafe’ was born. “Gargi’s Cafe” a chronicle of resilience, love, and the delectable delight that has captured the essence of a people and their land.
Taste Our Siddus
Explore The Menu
Dine In | Takeaway | Delivery