A Few Of Mapcha Design Studio Founder Lhanzey Palden's Favourite Things

Good Earth. They get the balance right — traditional craft and culture meet quiet luxury. I admire their attention to detail. A brand that has always inspired me. 

Nappa Dori. Sleek, no fuss, and always on point. Their stores are like design therapy, and the cafes always have great coffee!

Pahadi Local. They are a brand that sells Himalayan simplicity, bottled beautifully. Their Gutti ka tel is my favourite. It’s clean, it works, and it smells like home.

Brigitte Singh. She is a master of block printing and timeless textiles. Her work is quietly luxurious. 

Norbulingka. A lot of respect for this institution. They’ve preserved Tibetan craft like few others. 

VitrA. It is a haven for design nerds. Their pieces are statements, balancing functionality with form. Love how they’ve collaborated with world-renowned designers, architects, and artists. 

Marimekko. With flowers, bold prints, and Nordic design, they stitch joy in fabric form, and I’ll never not be obsessed.

Mapcha, my own brand, was born from the quiet calm I’ve always carried. Mindful design, rooted in Himalayan culture, everything we create is meant to feel like a breath of mountain air.

Sidecar. Killer cocktails, warm staff, and a vibe that never tries too hard. Love that for them (and me).

Coast, Hauz Khas is my comfort spot, I’ve been going for over 10 years, and nothing beats their appams. 

Leo’s Pizzeria! Classic, unfussy, and delicious. Their Margherita pizza with a cold beer is my idea of a perfect, easy meal.

Chor Bizarre. Wazwan is one of my all-time favourite cuisines, and they serve it with proper old-school flair. Never disappointed.

Fig at Malcha: Beautiful space, beautiful food. I mainly go for that slow-baked chocolate cake. Sinful and worth it.

Aro Momo. They serve killer kothay momos, cucumber salad, and beer. Another one of my favourite meals!

Nyema Droma’s thought-provoking and vibrant work, Raghu Rai’s photography that always pulls me in, and his daughter, Avani Rai’s as well, Isamu Noguchi’s lanterns that speak volumes, Monet’s light and colour play that hits differently, Alvar Aalto’s simplicity and effortless use of wood and glass, and Issey Miyake’s genius with fabric and form; they are just a few whose work I’m always drawn to.

Abode Bombay, chic and cosy, is situated in a great location.  

Pro Tip: This guide will help you with your Mumbai staycation!

Flamingo Marari in Kerala, my girlfriends and I had the most amazing weekend getaway here. 

Pro Tip: Let our Kerala guide help you! 

Namra Hotel, Tingmosgang Ladakh, I am here every year for a couple of days. Small, family-run, and surrounded by the rhythms of Ladakhi village life. 

Pro Tip: We have the ultimate Ladakh guide here!