Book Cafes In Delhi: Where Delicious Roasts Meet Great Stories

If you are someone who feels like spending a solo day out but is also worried about being judged of being a "loner", you are not alone. On such days, pick up a book from your collection or just walk into one of the Delhi's best book cafes to sit, unwind, read, and allow yourself to simply be.

From some iconic booksellers turning to cafes to street-side eateries in the gullies of the national capital, at these spots, books and food come together at these book cafes in Delhi, each of which are eager to host you.

Best Book Cafes in Delhi

Cha Bar, Connaught Place

Nestled inside the Oxford bookstore at Connaught place, the iconic Cha Bar is everyone's favourite book cafe in Delhi. The tea room’s journey began at Park Street in Kolkata in 2000, after which it has occupied a spot at other Oxford bookstores across the country. And thus, the iconic book cafe found a spot in Delhi's CP.

After you have skimmed through the numerable shelves of books that span across all genres at the bookstore, consider taking a halt at the cute tea cafe. When here, sip on one of their 150 varieties of teas, sourced from the dhabas across India and tea shops around the world. Their masala cha is a patron's favourite. Other options include The Tiger Hill, a minty variation whose leaves are picked from the Nilgiri Gardens; and the strong, Gingered Truck Driver 100 Mile Ki Cha. With each sip, your worries will dissolve and you'll find yourself immersed in the book that you are leafing through. 

Pair it up with a Greek Salad or their loved Jalapeno Cheese Poppers. The fish and chips are quite a fury, as is the Chettinad Biryani. Cookies and pastries with your tea or coffee are a good pairing, too. The menu also provides a separate section for children called "Little bites for the little ones."

Address: N-81, Barakhamba Rd, Block N, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001

Price for two: INR 450

Bahrisons Bookseller And Cafe, Saket

Located opposite Select City Walk in Saket, Bahrisons Bookseller And Cafe is one of Delhi’s most celebrated bookstores. After you have snaked through the narrow lanes of the bookstore and picked a read for the day, make yourself comfortable at the other half of the bookstore where the cafe sits. Together, both halves have been brought to life as a collaboration between two iconic brands: Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, and the booksellers.

Most visitors don’t need a menu while ordering; regulars have their chosen staple sips and dishes decided much before they walk in. 

Bahrisons Bookseller And Cafe have more outlets around Delhi. The one in Saket is in collaboration with Third Wave Coffee. The one in Khan Market and the other at the Galleria Market in Gurugram are in collaboration with Blue Tokai coffee roasters.

Irrespective of where you go, pick your favourite coffee and pair it either with a cookie or a sandwich. My pick on my visit to the Saket bookstore was "The Trial" by Franz Kafka, paired with my all-time favourite Vietnamese-style iced coffee, and cherry tomato and olive flatbread.

Address: Multiple locations 

Price for two: INR 1,500

Jugmug Thela, Saket

Nestled in Champa Gali, the Earthy street side cafe called Jugmug Thela is loved by many. I was introduced to the love poems of Pablo Neruda at a poetry recitation at the cafe, making it even more special. 

Whether it is a catch-up with friends or a day out with your loved one, Jugmug Thela is an absolute must-visit. An evening featuring either a poetry recitation or an art workshop at the cafe will make you feel as if you are part of a community. You could walk in with your own book or do what I personally love doing—walk in, put a finger on a random read, and spend the rest of the evening playing a blind book date! With no particular genre, the books here are diverse.

When it comes to food, this diversity continues. Indulge in the Chaat de Pizza or Mumbai Ragda Pattice, and pair it with the Jugmug’s Cocoa No. 258 or DIY Hot Chocolate. They also offer a wide variety of teas. My staple? The Mousse Milano or Strawberry NY Cheesecake.

Address: Champa Gali, Westend Marg, Saket

Price for two: INR 850

The Grammar Room, Mehrauli

At the Grammar Room in Mehrauli, a love for food embraces the love for a good read. The cosy cafe is stocked up with books and board games. Try their Halloumi Katsu Sando, Cottage Tofu Ramen, or Winter Lasagna. You can pair it up with a drink from their large roster of mocktails, cocktails, shakes, and coffees. Another outpost of the cafe has opened up in Khan Market, too.

Address: One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Price for two: INR 2,400