In a nation where tea once reigned supreme, a revolution brewed when Himalayan Java planted its first coffee seeds in Kathmandu in 1999.
Thus sparked a coffee culture that would forever change how Nepalis gathered, worked, and connected. From small beginnings to a nationwide phenomenon, coffee became more than a drink; it became a way of life.
Planting the Seeds of Coffee Culture
Himalayan Java’s evolution from a single Kathmandu outlet to a global brand with over 40 locations sparked a nationwide coffee culture in Nepal.
When Gagan Pradhan and his partner, Sunny, opened the first Himalayan Java in Kathmandu, coffee shops were a rarity in Nepal. Inspired by Pradhan’s experiences abroad, particularly in Australia, they envisioned a clean, welcoming space where people could enjoy high-quality coffee. Their first location wasn’t just about coffee; it was about creating a lifestyle.
Pradhan, a one-man army then, remembers those early days with a smile. From designing the café to training staff, he handled everything.
He laughs as he recounts their first order: a banana smoothie, an ironic start for a coffee shop! But that hands-on approach helped establish the strong foundation the brand needed to grow.
Driven largely by word of mouth in the initial days, now the brand has grown into a coffee giant, boasting over 40 outlets in Nepal and abroad, with locations as far as Omaha, Nebraska, and Toronto, Canada.
The inviting ambiance, consistent quality, and the simple pleasure of sharing a cup of coffee continue drawing in customers. Moreover, their franchise model allowed investors flexible options based on their budget and level of involvement, ensuring thoughtful planning for each new location.
But the business has not been without challenges. Frequent power outages, or load shedding, meant investing in expensive backup generators to keep the cafes running smoothly.
Inconsistent supply chains and the high cost of maintaining imported equipment added to the difficulties. Yet, Himalayan Java adapted, learning to navigate these hurdles with resilience and smart strategies.
“You have to be financially savvy and always ready to adapt your pricing and operations to meet external pressures.” Pradhan highlights the importance of flexibility.
Brewing Community and Sustainability
With initiatives like a coffee farm and creating “third place” cafés, Himalayan Java emphasises sustainability, community, and collaborative spaces for its patrons.
What truly sets Himalayan Java apart is its commitment to community and sustainability. The company operates a coffee farm in Ilam, Nepal’s eastern hills, which not only supplies top-quality beans but also creates jobs and promotes coffee tourism.
For Pradhan, the farm is more than a business; it’s a way to give back. “It’s our passion project,” he adds enthusiastically.
Himalayan Java’s success also stems from its focus on connections and collaborations. Pradhan believes in building strong relationships, whether with customers, landlords, or suppliers.
The brand is currently exploring the idea of going public and expanding its international footprint. Their new project is a members-only workspace for collaboration and creativity.
Today, Kathmandu alone boasts over 4,000 cafes, a testament to the movement the brand helped ignite. Coffee is no longer just a drink; it’s a way of life for many Nepalis, thanks to pioneers like Gagan Pradhan.
The brand’s journey is marked by overcoming challenges like power outages and supply chain issues through strategic innovation.
Even as it expands, the enterprise remains committed to its mission: offering a welcoming space beyond home or work where people can connect, unwind, and savour their coffee.
From its humble beginnings to its ambitious future, the brand continues to inspire a love for coffee, one cup at a time.
Pratikshya Bhatta is a junior editor at Nepal Connect.
