10 Best Budget Cafes in Shimla for Delicious Food Under ₹500
Your Complete Pocket-Friendly Café Guide in Shimla (With Addresses & Menu Advice)
Shimla, the queen of Himachal Pradesh hill stations, is not only famous for its breathtaking views and mountains, but it also boasts a vibrant café scene with many budget café options in Shimla that serve mouthwatering food at costs no more than ₹500 per person. Whether you are a backpacker, student traveler, couple, or family, this guide has the most budget-friendly café options in Shimla, where you can relish coffee, snacks, meals, and chill-out sessions.
From the right corner cafes hidden in the picturesque lanes to the most popular spots near Mall Road, this guide is your complete pocket-friendly café guide in Shimla.
What Makes a Great Budget Cafe in Shimla?
Budget cafe in Shimla = a cafe where you can enjoy food and drink for around ₹200-₹500 per person.
✔ These cafés are all about delicious local or international bites, hot drinks, snacks, sandwiches, pasta, and lots more—all at budget-friendly prices.
The budget cafes in Shimla vary from traditional filter coffee joints to trendy rooftop bars or local gems with breathtaking views—perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
1. The EBR Cafe Shimla
Location: The EBR Cafe Near GSSS Bhattakuffar, Sanjauli, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171006, India
One of the most popular budget cafes in Shimla, The EBR Cafe Shimla, is famous for its affordable pricing (₹200-₹400) and cozy environment. This place is a favorite among locals and visitors for its laid-back seating, delicious snacks, and beverages.
Cuisine and Menu
What to order: Veg burgers, sandwiches, momos, coffee, and cold drinks.
Ambiance: Relaxed and casual—perfect for groups or solo travelers.
👉 A must-visit if you are looking for good food without burning a hole in your pocket.
2. Meeza Cafe—Rooftop Restaurant Shimla
- Location: top floor,
- Nh5 Meraki,
- Ghora Chowki,
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004, India
Meeza Cafe—Rooftop Restaurant Shimla is a favorite café and restaurant situated on top of NH5 Meraki in Ghora Chowki, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. This restaurant is famous for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas and its laid-back environment.
Ghora Chowki, Shimla
Meeza Cafe is a slightly upscale café experience, still remaining within the budget café parameters in Shimla. This café is located on a rooftop and provides a fantastic ambiance with a laid-back setting and stunning views of the mountains.
The dishes to order: hot coffee, wraps, pasta, and shakes.
Budget: Approximately ₹200-₹400 per person.
Why visit: Scenic seating, great service, and a favorite among young travelers.
3. Cafe Homies
📍 Chotta Shimla
Cafe Homies is a hidden gem in Chotta Shimla—a warm and welcoming budget cafe in Shimla with very affordable prices (often under ₹200). It’s ideal if you’re walking around Shimla and need a quick bite.
What to order: tea/coffee pairs, quick bites, sandwiches, and snacks.
What to expect: Friendly and warm with good service.
4. Cafe Summer Hill
📍 Summer Hill, Shimla
This café is located close to the peaceful environment of Summer Hill and is ideal for those who want to avoid the tourist spots but still enjoy a budget-friendly café in Shimla with great food for less than ₹500.
What to order: Coffee, pastries, and snacks.
Ideal for: Families, couples, or anyone looking for some peace with their coffee.
5. Lord’s Cafe
Lord’s Cafe is a traditional option for tourists looking for a budget-friendly destination right in the heart of the action zone, close to Tourism Lift on Mall Road. You can have your drinks and enjoy your snacks without burning a hole in your pocket.
Best bets: iced coffee, sandwiches, and fast food.
Budget: ₹200-₹400 per person.
Why visit: The best location combined with budget-friendly rates makes it perfect for tourist halts.
6. The Corner Cafe
📍 Sanjauli, Shimla
This café is very popular with the locals and tourists. Famous for its lively atmosphere and delicious food, The Corner Cafe is one of the top budget cafes in Shimla.
What to order: cold beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and sweets.
What’s special about the location: It is relatively quiet compared to Mall Road.
7. Cafe Yummy’s
📍 Panthaghati, Shimla
Cafe Yummy’s is a place that lives up to its name—it has yummy and affordable food. It is a little away from the main tourist area, so you can expect good seating and service.
What to order: Coffee, sandwiches, and snacks.
How much: ₹200-₹400.
It is a great place to visit if you are in the Panthaghati area or if you are planning to visit a series of cafes.
8. Cafe Hangout
📍 Middle Bazar, Mall Road
Located right in the heart of Middle Bazar, Cafe Hangout is a great place to grab some light bites and beverages at very affordable prices. It’s a great place to visit while you are exploring the famous markets of Mall Road.
What to order: tea, snacks, and vegetarian dishes.
Why to visit: It’s a budget-friendly hangout spot that costs around ₹100-₹200.
9. HimIra Premium Store and Cafe, Chotta Shimla
📍 Chotta Shimla Area
This gem is one of the cheapest budget cafe experiences you can get in Shimla, and it’s all about friendly prices, great coffee, and local snacks.
Must try: tea, cafe snacks, and local food.
Ambiance: casual, quiet, and perfect for budget travelers.
10. Bistro Hut
📍 Lower Bazar, Shimla
Though more of a budget restaurant than a café, Bistro Hut finds a place in this list due to its very low prices (often below ₹200) and delicious pizzas & snacks—just what you need if your budget café in Shimla also serves quick meals.
Order: Pizza slices, burgers, and snacks.
Best for: Snack joints with friends or families.
What You Can Eat at Budget Cafes in Shimla
The budget cafes in Shimla may be budget-friendly, but the menu is not simple. Here is what you can expect to find:
🥪 Light Meals & Snacks
- Sandwiches & wraps
- Burgers & rolls
- Momos & spring rolls
- Thukpa or soups
☕ Beverages
- Filter coffee & espresso
- Hot chocolate & cold coffee
- Lemon tea & herbal teas
🍰 Desserts
- Pastries, brownies, cakes
- Honey toast and waffles
- Ice cream shakes
Most cafes are centered around light meals, beverages, and snacks that work well within a budget of ₹500 per person.
Tips for Visiting Budget Cafes in Shimla
🔥 Timing is everything: Cafes in and around Mall Road, Middle Bazar, and Sanjauli are crowded in the evenings. Opt for early afternoon or late morning for better seating.
🍽 Off-season benefits: Visiting Shimla during the winter months (Nov-Feb) may ensure fewer people and better seating in popular budget cafes.
📍 Café-hopping & sightseeing: Several budget cafes in Shimla are located near popular tourist spots like The Ridge, Mall Road, and Lower Bazaar markets.
💸 Street food & café-hopping: Don’t forget to sample local street food between café-hopping—it’s usually cheaper and yummy.
🗺️ Best Areas for Budget Cafe Hopping in Shimla
✔ Mall Road & Middle Bazar: Shimla’s central hub, an easy walking area with plenty of options.
✔ Sanjauli & Lower Bazaar: Relatively quiet, more local flavor, and possibly cheaper cafes.
✔ Chotta Shimla & Knollswood: Offbeat cafes and hidden gems, mostly frequented by locals.
✔ Summer Hill & Panthaghati: For a more scenic and serene café experience.
Final Thoughts
The café scene in Shimla is a treat, and it won’t burn a hole in your pocket either. Whether you are enjoying your coffee alone after a trek or visiting cafes with your friends, these 10 best budget cafes in Shimla are the ideal places to relish your food without spending a fortune.
If you are planning a trip to Shimla, save this guide and visit these cafes along with the best tourist attractions in Shimla, such as Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, or Mall Road.
FAQs
- What is the best budget cafe in Shimla?
The best budget cafe in Shimla depends on your location and preferences, but some of the best cafes in Shimla include Cafe Homies, The Corner Cafe, Lord’s Cafe, and Cafe Hangout. These cafes provide delicious food and drinks within ₹500 and a great ambiance.
- Are there budget cafes in Shimla near Mall Road?
Yes, there are many budget cafes in Shimla near Mall Road, including Lord’s Cafe, Cafe Hangout (Middle Bazar), and Bistro Hut. These cafes are easily reachable and ideal for tourists visiting Mall Road.
- Can I have good food in Shimla under ₹500?
Of course! Shimla has many budget cafes under ₹500 where you can have coffee, snacks, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and even full meals without burning a hole in your pocket.
- Are budget cafes in Shimla family-friendly?
Yes, most budget cafes in Shimla are family-friendly and provide comfortable seating, clean food, and budget-friendly options that are suitable for kids and adults.
- Which budget cafe in Shimla is best for students?
For students, Cafe Homies, Cafe Hangout, HimIra Cafe, and Bistro Hut are the best options. These cafes are extremely budget-friendly and a favorite among locals and students.
- Do budget cafes in Shimla have vegetarian options?
Yes, almost all budget cafes in Shimla have vegetarian options. Some cafes are purely vegetarian and have sandwiches, burgers, momos, pasta, and snacks.
- Are there budget cafes in Shimla with nice views?
Yes, cafes such as Meeza Cafe (Rooftop) and cafes around Summer Hill have nice views while still being within the budget cafe in Shimla criteria.
- What is the average price at a budget cafe in Shimla?
The average price at a budget cafe in Shimla is between ₹200 and ₹500 per person, depending on what you order.
- What is the best time to visit cafes in Shimla?
The best time to visit budget cafes in Shimla is in late mornings or early evenings. Budget cafes around Mall Road get crowded after sunset, especially during peak tourist season.
- Are budget cafes in Shimla open in winter?
Yes, most budget cafes in Shimla are open in winter. In fact, having hot coffee and snacks while it is snowing outside makes the cafe experience even more enjoyable.
