January is ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival time, and we’re sure a lot of you have already made plans to go. So, here’s a ready list of cool-cat places clustered around C Scheme and Civil Lines, so you’re never too far from caffeine, chatty afternoons and a cheery vibe.
You know you’re going to need these when the discussion with your fellow bookworms gets too intense or just because pretty-looking cafes are a mood lifter like none other.
A time-tested favourite with JLF regulars, Tapri’s always buzzing with people. Their furniture reminds us of our grandparents’ home and their chai in the small, government-office glasses are endearing details that never age. Grab a quick bite on the rooftop for beautiful sunset scenes over Maggi (obviously).
This one’s an oldie, but it has matured like fine wine. With its floral furniture and white walls, it’s a slice of Shahpur Jat in the Pink City. Their tea parlour, pizzas, potato wedges and waffles are perfect for sun-kissed winter afternoons with bae and co.
Bread bowls, crazy bird cages to sit in and freakshakes… We think Jaipur’s finally jumping on the hip bandwagon. It’s heaven for chocolate monsters and mostly a pasta-and-shake kinda place.
A Jaipur resident let us in on this find, and she swears by their red velvet cupcake and nachos. When you’re sick of eating like a college student (Maggi and all), try the Italian and Mexican here. We also hear the lasagne and smoothies are worth a try.
What could be better than shopping at Anokhi and then hopping over to their quiet cafe for a quick bite? This is a perfectly comforting place to reboot if you’ve been OD-ing on pyaz kachoris and thick as hell lassis for it gives you a chance to eat healthy without giving you insipid bowls of barely edible mush. Bagels, cheesecakes and pizzettas, we’re coming to get you.
This one looks like a tropical forest set in a city, but we’re not too sure about the food honestly. The lasagna and pita are good, but we’d go here just for a good, chill time with a book than to feed a ravenous appetite.
One of C Scheme’s trusted stunners, O2 is as green and feel-good as they come. Both the indoor and outdoor seating have a charm of their own and are equally insta-worthy. Think plants, fountains, wooden chairs and a very garden-like feel. If you’re running low on cash, sit around with wedges and chai or go the whole hog and try their epic pizzas.
P.S They also organise cosy candlelit date scenes on request.
Looking to pep yourself up after a serious discussion? This quirky, colourful cafe in Lal Kothi is bigger than most of its competitors and is a great place to catch your breath {or have a dialogue}. They do an interesting Kadhai Paneer Pizza and Pav Bhaji Fondue and we hear that their Strawberry Frappe is quite the star.
You'll need to put in the extra work to find the place (it's in front of the deer park) but once you do, it's totally worth it. The artsy vibe and the calm of the place makes it the perfect place to relax and spend some alone time. Give their hot chocolate a try and you'll keep coming back for more.
Stepout is the city's first book lounge that has a cafe, library and a cosy garden too. They've got a whole bunch of author-signed books thanks to so many writers chilling here around JLF and leaving behind copies of their work. Their Pizza Paratha and Falafel Burger are other compelling reasons to make a trip.
Cafe Quaint inside JKK (Jawahar Kala Kendra) is one of those lovely places where you can find some down time amidst Jaipur's maddening crowds. With food so pretty and perfect (oh, those fruity crepes!) and Blue Tokai coffee, you'll definitely find yourself coming back for more during your time in the pink city.
Find more info here.