Dine with a View: Must-Visit Cafes & Restaurants in Hunza
Welcome to the mountainous paradise of Hunza, where culinary delights await you at every turn. From charming cafes to exquisite restaurants, this region offers diverse dining experiences that will satisfy your taste buds. Hunza Valley is a paradise, boasting mighty mountainous landscapes, iconic glaciers, fertile apricot farms, and breathtaking turquoise lakes that create a picturesque setting. Let’s look closely at some of Hunza’s must-visit cafes and restaurants. If you plan to visit Hunza, take advantage of these culinary gems that offer a delightful blend of flavors and picturesque views.
Best Cafés in Hunza
Café de Hunza
Café de Hunza is a charming café that was established in 1994 and has three stories. One of their specialties is walnut cake, made by the owner using wholly organic and natural ingredients like honey and butter. You’ll be delighted by the fantastic music playing in the background when climbing the stairs. The café offers a wide variety of sweet dishes that are served fresh. They have an excellent price board, allowing you to choose your food and enjoy self-service coffee, known for its delicious taste. The café’s ambiance is reminiscent of the best places you’ve ever been, where music and flavor combine perfectly. If you’re a fan of chicken cheese sandwiches, Café de Hunza serves a mouthwatering one.
Moreover, the café is exceptionally clean, and the prices are very affordable considering the satisfying taste of the food. While enjoying your meal, you can also admire the magnificent view of the Baltit Fort from the café. No visitor leaves before trying the walnut cake, which is truly exceptional. Additionally, you can purchase organic apricot oil, a particular product of the café. This cafe is in Karimabad Bazaar, famous for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage.
Fortina Garden’s Café
At Fortina Garden’s Café, you can enjoy a peaceful setting with beautiful garden seating and breathtaking views. Fortina Garden’s Café boasts an unmatched menu, offering an array of dishes and refreshing juices. Visitors and tourists can savor the exquisite taste while enjoying the splendid view. The menu includes signature items such as Chap Shoro, Hoilo Garma, Giyalin, Mulida, Brush Shapik, Cherry Juice, Apricot Juice, Herbal Lemonade, Sandwich, and Chili Dry. When you look out from the café, you’ll be amazed by the broad and beautiful view of Karimabad. On the other side, you’ll see the magnificent Baltit Fort, a famous place many tourists visit. The café’s staff is outstanding; they care greatly for their customers.
To get to the café, you must go up from the lower area to the upper side, starting from Karimabad Bazaar and heading towards Baltit Fort. As you reach the end of the hike, you’ll see a road on the right side that will lead you to the café’s location.
Mountain Cup Café
When you visit Hunza Valley, don’t forget to visit the Mountain Cup Café. It’s a must-see place with a stunning view to help you relax and unwind. The café has various food and drink options, including coffee, cakes, juices, and other items you can buy. People also enjoy their refreshing iced lattes, and the café has a peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you. One thing more you can enjoy with fish and chips and can feel the astonishing romantic view.
You’ll also enjoy a fantastic view of the Baltit Fort, precisely what you’d expect from this café. They host lively musical nights on Saturdays, adding entertainment and enjoyment to your visit. Coffee and cake are famous here; customers often leave positive feedback about their experience.
Alongside their delightful cakes and beverages, they also serve traditional Paratha, tea, and other delicious food options.
The Mountain Cup Café is at Fort Chowk, Karimabad. It’s a place where you can experience the region’s charm and indulge in the flavors of traditional cuisine.
Café Culture Hunza
Café Culture Hunza, run by a family, serves authentic Central Hunza cuisine, catering to both locals and travelers. Café Culture Hunza offers a complete experience of flavors and traditions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic taste of Central Hunza cuisine.
If you’re hungry, try the cafe’s famous rose dumplings, mami, and almond chapati. You can pair these tasty dishes with a cup of tea. The menu at Café Culture Hunza reflects the surrounding area’s natural beauty. You can taste a traditional soup called Poppy Relaxing Soup or enjoy Burus Shapik, which crepes are made from barley flour. Indulge in the warmth of Hoi lo Garma, a stewed meat dish, or savor the delightful combination of Xamik Xe Berikutz and barley crepes served with Fenugreek stew. Try the cafe’s delicious poppy seed soup and refreshing mojitos to end your culinary journey. The café focuses on providing a farm-to-fork experience, ensuring both taste and nutritional value. They prioritize traditional Hunza cuisine and offer authentic dishes that take you to the heart of Central Hunza. Each dish captures the essence of Hunza’s culinary heritage. They use seasonal vegetables freshly picked from their gardens and fields, ensuring the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Ginger Fort Café
Café Ginger Fort opened its doors in 2020, offering their famous and signature dishes. This well-known eatery was designed by the renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarna, making it a beautiful place to visit. At Café Ginger Fort, you can enjoy coffee, snacks, or a full meal.
When you visit, try their refreshing ginger ale, which visitors highly recommend—a wide range of menu options, with pasta and cappuccino being trendy among previous guests. One of the highlights of the café is its rooftop seating area, where you can sit and enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking view of the majestic mountains. Café Ginger Fort caters to various tastes and preferences, offering a selection of English and Italian dishes. The menu has something for everyone. The cozy and inviting atmosphere of the café, with its charming wooden decor, adds to the overall experience. You can find Café Ginger Fort located in Karimabad, Hunza.
Best Restaurants in Hunza
Yak Grill
Yak Grill is located in Passu, 47 kilometers from Hunza City, along the KKH (Karakoram Highway). The journey to the restaurant offers scenic views from the side. Yak Grill’s use of yak meat in their dishes makes it special, which adds a unique flavor and texture to the food.
Beyond its delicious menu, Yak Grill is known for its beauty. Visitors often mention that traditional food is prepared here using a modern approach. When you visit Yak Grill, try their signature dish, the Yak Burger, and explore their diverse menu. Take the chance to taste their yak steaks, known for their exquisite flavor. At Yak Grill, you can enjoy a satisfying meal and picturesque surroundings. Visit for delicious food and breathtaking views; a must-visit destination for tourists and locals. So, please make your way to Yak Grill and indulge in the flavors of their unique dishes, especially the yak-based specialties.
Hunza Food Pavilion by Laal Shehzadi
Laal Shehzadi is a remarkable woman who has been running this café for 11 years. She opened this restaurant with a reputation for serving organic food. The signature dish of the café is Chap Shoro, a traditional and healthy meat chapatti. They also offer delicious menu items like Holigormi Spinach Pasta and Burutz Berikutz, a fresh cheese chapatti.
The café takes pride in using natural ingredients sourced from the Hunza region. They incorporate locally grown vegetables in their dishes. Traditional recipes like Shap Shoro, a meat chapatti, are prepared using natural and healthy ingredients. They also utilize root (walnuts) and giri oil in their cooking, adding a unique touch to the flavors.
Laal Shehzadi is not only a talented chef but also a kind-hearted woman. She supports other women and their families in Hunza, empowering them in various ways. Interestingly, all the staff at the café are women, creating a supportive and empowering environment. When you visit Laal Shehzadi’s café, not only will you enjoy the delicious and organic food, but you’ll also contribute to the empowerment of women in Hunza. It’s a place where you can savor traditional flavors and experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
Hidden Paradise Hunza
Hidden Paradise Hunza was established in 1983 in honor of the late Mr. Lutfi Ali, the restaurant’s founder. He introduced traditional Hunza food to the region, with the signature dish being Chap Shuro. Chap sure is out of this world. Another popular dish is Supra, made with delicate dry meat from local animals, particularly yak. This unique flavor uses natural herbs and spices without adding sodium. Traditional food is incredibly delicious and always fresh. With 37 years of experience, Hidden Paradise Hunza has become a renowned restaurant serving the best of traditional Hunza cuisine. The traditional dishes are even more enjoyable. The restaurant is located in the main Karimabad bazaar, making it easily accessible. One of the must-try dishes at this café is Hoilo Grm, another delightful specialty from Hunza.
Pizza Pamir
Pizza Pamir is a popular pizzeria offering diverse pizza flavors prepared with high-quality ingredients. They cater to different tastes and preferences, offering thin or thick crusts. Pizza Pamir has four branches, one in Aliabad, the second in Karimabad, the third in Hussaini Village, and the fourth at Attabad Lake. One of their standout offerings is the Yak Pizza, which provides a unique culinary experience with its natural herb-infused taste. The restaurant is known for its fabulous service and fast WiFi, making it an excellent place for individuals or groups to enjoy fantastic pizza. It’s worth noting that Yak meat takes a bit longer to cook, so a little patience is required. The beautiful views of the mountains and valley around Pizza Pamir make the restaurant even more special. It feels nice to eat there because of the fantastic atmosphere. You should go to Pizza Pamir if you love pizza or want to try something different. However, once the pizza is served, the deliciousness is undeniable. Pamir Pizza prides itself on bringing the organic flavors of mountain herbs from the Karakoram ranges to its pizzas. If you’re in the heart of the Hunza Valley, visit Pizza Pamir and savor the best pizzas in the area.
Glacier Breeze
The peaceful atmosphere and river flow make it even more enchanting. WiFi facilities are available for guests to stay connected. On-demand barbecue facilities are available for outdoor dining. The buffet offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. “Indulge in our award-winning Glacier Breeze Apricot Cake, a signature delight that elevates us to the top of the culinary scene in the area.” For those who enjoy the outdoors, “Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature’s wonders with our 360-degree panoramic view showcasing Passu Glacier and Passu Cones”. Glacier Breeze is a charming restaurant with stunning views of Shisper and Ultar peaks. The restaurant also organizes short day treks to explore the stunning surroundings of Passu, with a guide provided to ensure safety and enjoyment. Glacier Breeze offers a romantic atmosphere, a peaceful environment, and a delightful family meal. Glacier Breeze restaurant, located in Passu, Gilgit-Baltistan, is a lovely place that offers a range of services to its guests.