Black Coffee Cafe – Village Sunni, Tattapani, Himachal Pradesh
Spotted on the way to Tattapani & here we gorged on lunch on the way back to Baldeyan. Read & find out more about it & Tattapani.
They say if you are hungry food tastes even better. Exactly what my heartfelt while at lunch at Black Coffee Café in a laid back village called Sunni in Himachal Pradesh.
We were five famished souls on our way back to Baldeyan, Shimla Hills, after a stint of battling the rapids while rafting on river Sutlej in Tattapaani, when we chanced upon this hidden gem.
Tattapani village is located in Karsog about 29 km from Naldehra. It is situated on the right bank of river Satluj at an altitude of 2,230 ft. above the sea level. In local language, ‘Tattapani’ means ‘hot water’.
The place is known for its hot sulphur water springs that are spread over an area of one square kilometre.
However, due to the construction of Koldam Dam Hydropower Project on river Sutlej, 60 km upstream, the hot surfer springs seem to have been submerged. It seems now they are fetching water through borewell and supplying.
While they were there, the hot spring water here is said to have curative powers that provide relief from ailments like joint pain, fatigue, stress relief, and poor blood circulation, and reduces fat and skin diseases.
Tattapani is also famous for Lord Shiva’s Cave. It is located 3.5 km from the town centre and is famous for its tales of miracles and fulfilment of vows and wishes of its devotees.
As a result, a huge number of tourists visit this area. However, they fall short of decent places to eat their fill. So Black Coffee Cafe in the middle of nowhere was literally a valuable find for us.
Not to be confused with loud, blaring café lounges àl’Américaine mushrooming in its more cosmopolitan cousins, this village joint was spanking clean with functional furniture and offered an extensive non-café like a menu.
It seemed more like an honest food place, a better-built highway dhaba.
Black coffee cafe, sunni, tattapani, himachal pradesh
A printed poster glued to the door announced Black Coffee Café to be a “Quality Corner … A trusted name in homely food”. I took a consensus from the hungry brigade and in we went just to find no one in sight.
A few knocks on the door that led to the kitchen brought out a youngster who presented the menu and quickly laid the green fluorescent plates down for us. Things were looking bright already.
The Food at Black Coffee Cafe, Suni
The food was inexpensive and being hungry we ordered lavishly.
The food was inexpensive and we ordered lavishly. A plate of assorted salad vegetables appeared quickly followed by a plate of masala Maggi and a burger for the two kids.
Rajma with jeera tadka.. Nice
We also ordered for some tawa chapattis (thin flour bread baked on a griddle), desi style scrambled eggs and rajma (red kidney beans) which is the food you can never go wrong with while you are in the hills.
This is staple stuff out here and what we ate was simply awesome to Sum-it-up. I can still remember the taste of cumin tempering in my mouth and it is been more than a year since this meal.
Yet another hungry soul’s order appeared in the form of Masala Chowmein which indeed was as spicy as it was tangy – surely an indigenous but hearty preparation.
Highway noodles at black coffee cafe, sunni
As we were wrapping up, we remembered ordering vegetable momos as well – a part of the order that kind of got forgotten by the chaps in the kitchen.
This was the only experience I would not want to be repeated if ever I go back there. And we did miss ordering coffee so that surely needs to be checked on the next visit.
In all, food for filling up five hungry stomachs & drinks to wash it down with cost us just about Rs. 400 and we were ready for our climb up to Mitwah Cottage in Baldeyan, our hermitage for the trip.
I will surely stop by here again for a meal, when I am in this region. Hope you do so too.
More Glorious Food at Black Coffee Cafe
Travel Advisory for Tattapani
Be sure not to get pushed by your “contacts” at Tattapani
Travel advisory: Be sure not to get pushed by your “contacts” at Tattapani who will try to take you up to their hotel for a drink and food.
This area has become too commercial as I have been observing over my last few visits and the experience is nothing great. The Black Coffee Café, Suni was indeed a nice homely surprise as they did promise.
Things to Do in Tattapani
Places To Visit In Tattapani
Lord Shiva’s Cave – Lord Shiva Cave is an ancient religious site, nearly 3.5 km from Tattapani in Saraur. This cave is, besides its religious elements, also a location for nature enthusiasts. In the cave one can see the stalactites and stalagmites. It is a perfect place to fish and swim and can be reached either by a 10 min drive or by ascending 450 well maintained stairs.
River Rafting in Sutlej – Tattapani is a destination for water sport activity fanatics. River rafting in the cold water of River Sutlej, one of the longest rivers of India is a lot of fun and exciting. We really enjoyed it.
Hot Sulphur Springs Tattapani – The spring water here is said to have curative powers that provide relief from chronic ailments like arthritis and other joint pain, fatigue, it is said that the water has helped you relieve stress, it cures poor blood circulation, and helps get rid of skin diseases.
Adventure Activities – Apart from the hot water springs, this place has a lot to offer to the people who love to engage themselves in sports and adventure activities such as trekking, camping, mountain biking, river rafting, fishing and boating.
Adventure Park – Adventure Park in Tattapani is a picturesque destination for family picnics and adventurous events. Located in the center of nature cover and spectacular view of the Sutlej River, this park offers various exciting activities such as rope bridge, Burma Bridge, commando net and flying fox etc.
Rafting Adventure at Tattapani
Places to Stay in Tattapani
Some available hotels, homestay, guest houses & places to stay around Tattapani, Himachal Pradesh
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