Nepal's Warm Coffee Culture

Born in India but raised in Nepal, those days were rooted in the Tarai regions, where life was simple.  Returning years later wasn’t just about revisiting old memories — it became a chance to walk beside farmers, baristas, and quiet changemakers building something extraordinary: Nepal’s coffee culture. Yes, Nepal has a vibrant coffee culture!

After working with the Coffee Board of India and helping share Indian coffee with the world, I longed for something deeper, not just coffee, but connection. With nothing but a backpack, a notebook, and a heart full of questions, the journey began.

The journey led through the coffee estates of Gorkha, Sindhupalchok, Lalitpur and Palpa with a mission to understand the coffee culture of this Himalayan Nation. These were places where coffee wasn’t just a drink — it was a livelihood, a legacy. Conversations with farmers shifted to changing weather and shrinking markets. Young baristas lit up when they spoke about latte art and brewing techniques. Every story felt like a spark.

Nepal’s coffee scene is still finding its footing. The beans are bold and full of potential, but the support, training, and infrastructure? Still catching up. That’s when the realisation stuck that the role wasn’t just to observe, but to listen deeply and reflect what was unfolding. There was something more to the existing Nepal coffee culture.

There wasn’t a fixed plan or polished pitch — only a sense that these stories mattered. And that sharing them could shift something. Every moment was captured in journals, on phone notes, and through primary experiences. Curly Brew was born from that space — an exclusive digital platform created to celebrate coffee and its storytellers. The aim was clear: to use it to amplify Nepal’s coffee voices. From Kathmandu’s cafes to remote coffee academies, a quiet revolution was already in motion. Coffee here wasn’t a fad—it was a movement powered with resilience.

The journey continued for 3 years till a moment came that felt surreal — receiving an international award for Excellence in Coffee Journalism & Storytelling. Standing on that stage wasn’t about the spotlight. It was about everything that had led there. This wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was Nepal’s. The award belonged to the farmers, roasters, trainers, and baristas who welcomed a curious outsider and generously shared their life stories. 

Nepal offered more than coffee, a purpose in life, and a voice that needed an outlet. And to anyone reading this, wondering if your quiet idea matters—trust it. Some journeys don’t begin with a plan. They begin with a whisper, with a question, with a backpack and a bit of faith. Trust your intuition & take the first step towards your dreams!