Chautari, a Sikkimese‑inspired cafe on Birbal Road in Jangpura Extension, began as a friendship project to help Beena Aunty bring her culinary vision to Delhi. The space invites diners to linger over momos, green tea, and ideas, turning a simple meal into a conversation.
The cafe operates on principles of fair labour and ethical sourcing. Prices reflect fair wages, ingredients come from women’s self‑help groups in Sikkim, and all packaging is biodegradable. These practices create a tangible link between the food served and the people who produce it.
Drawing on the Nepali concept of a chautari—a stone platform under a tree where travelers pause to eat and talk—the founders envisioned a place where dialogue can continue, disagreements can be welcomed, and Sikkimese food is presented alongside its histories and politics. The walls display political history, bookshelves hold memoirs of revolutionaries, and the menu showcases traditions often missing from Delhi’s food scene.
For the author, Chautari feels less like a restaurant and more like a chill spot in the city. Whether for the Jhol Momos, the tea, or the chance to speak with a kindred spirit, the cafe offers a space where shared meals foster community and remind us that belonging is something we build together.
