Nepal's Coffee Culture Grows as Tea Tradition Faces Change

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Coffee consumption is rising in Nepal, a country traditionally dominated by tea, as local cafes gain popularity and contribute to a burgeoning coffee culture. This shift is evident in urban areas such as Kathmandu, where the emergence of trendy coffee shops is transforming consumer preferences.

Historically, tea has been an integral part of Nepalese culture, often served sweet and milky, and customary greetings center around the question, 'Have you had your tea?' However, the landscape is changing as more Nepalis are exploring coffee, with estimates suggesting that there are approximately 7,000 cafes across the nation. Gagan Pradhan, the founder of Himalayan Java, a leading coffee chain in Nepal, has played a pivotal role in this transition. Starting from a single location, Pradhan has expanded the chain to 84 cafes, revolutionizing the coffee experience in the country.

Pradhan notes that while traditional tea shops offer limited choices, coffee shops provide a diverse menu that can include 10-15 hot and cold beverages. He emphasizes the investment in ambiance and quality, stating, 'When it comes to coffee shops, we are more serious not only with machines but also with everything like the lighting, the setup, and the furnishings.'

Despite the popularity of coffee, most of the beans consumed in Nepal are imported. The National Tea and Coffee Development Board of Nepal reported that in the fiscal year 2021-22, the country produced 400 tons of coffee, a mere fraction compared to the 26,000 tons of tea produced in the same period. However, the board predicts significant growth in the coffee sector as farmers in the eastern tea-growing regions begin cultivating coffee.

The rise in coffee consumption in Nepal reflects a broader trend across Asia, where middle-class consumers are increasingly seeking out novel flavors. Deep Singh Bandari, a social worker and regular coffee patron, observes, 'The idea of drinking coffee was initially about elevating one's standard of living, but many people have come to genuinely enjoy it.'

Coffee is positioned as a premium beverage in Nepal, costing about $2 at Himalayan Java, which is equivalent to the price of a meal at a local cafe or five cups of tea. This pricing indicates a shift in consumer willingness to pay more for coffee, suggesting that it is becoming a desirable social experience.

As cafes bustle with students and professionals, the trend towards coffee consumption is expected to continue growing. 'Both young and old people in Nepal just love coffee, and the number of coffee drinkers is growing every day. This trend is just going to grow,' Pradhan adds, highlighting the potential for further development in the sector.

In conclusion, as Nepal's traditional tea culture faces competition from an emerging coffee scene, the implications are significant, affecting local agriculture, consumer habits, and economic opportunities for entrepreneurs across the nation. The coffee trend represents not only a shift in beverage preference but also an evolving social landscape in Nepal, where coffee is increasingly embraced as part of daily life.