Khadu Cafe (Nanni)

Tucked into Village Nanni on the Hindustan Tibet Highway en route to Narkanda, Khadu Café is one of those rare finds on the Upper Shimla stretch that manages to be genuinely dog-friendly while also serving food worth stopping for. Built from wood, mud, and natural local materials, with a valley view of Mt. Churdhar at 12,000 feet and apple orchards rolling out below, this is a café that earns its detour , and if you're travelling with a dog, the welcome here is real, not performative.

The Setting

The café's design is its first statement. Every corner is intentional , deodar leaves, branches, wood, and mud make up a space that reviewers have called genuinely immersive rather than just aesthetic. One visitor in June 2025 noted that the floor itself was covered in deodar leaves and branches, and that the building was mud-walled , materials drawn directly from the surrounding Himachal landscape. It's eco-conscious in a way that doesn't feel laboured. The valley view of Mt. Churdhar and the surrounding apple orchards visible from the café make it a genuinely scenic stop, not just a highway convenience. Relaxing music, natural materials, and an unhurried pace mean this is a place you're likely to stay longer than you planned.

The Food , Pahadi and Proud of It

Khadu Café leads with traditional Upper Himachal recipes. The standout local dish reviewers keep mentioning is red rice with rajmah and ghee , a proper pahadi comfort meal that one August 2026 visitor called a must-try. Siddu and pancakes also get mentions as local delights worth ordering. The café describes itself as serving a healthy balance of traditional recipes alongside fast food options, and meals are available across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Food takes some time to arrive , one reviewer flagged the wait , but the consistent feedback is that it's fresh, well-made, and worth it. The café accepts digital payments, offers table service, takeout, and family-style dining, and is also noted as a drive-thru stop , which is practically useful if you're on a road trip and just need a quick pahadi snack with your dog beside you.

Alpha , The Star of the Show

Let's be honest: for a lot of pet parents, the biggest draw here is Alpha, the resident Siberian Husky. Multiple reviewers have written about him unprompted. One visitor described him as speaking "I love you" in his doggy vocals , Huskies being famously vocal, this is very on-brand. Another called it "love at first sight." Alpha appears to be comfortable around guests and their dogs, though as always when visiting a café with a resident dog, it's worth observing how your own dog settles in before letting them interact freely. The café's management has been warm and responsive in their replies to reviews, which is a decent signal of how seriously they take the guest experience.

Practical Notes for Pet Parents

Khadu Café sits directly on the Hindustan Tibet Highway, which makes it straightforward to access by car , a major plus when travelling with dogs. It's noted as easy to reach and close to the highway. Parking appears to be available given the roadside location and the mention of it being a bikers' paradise. Pet charges are not confirmed, and the café's pet policy beyond general dog-friendliness has not been detailed , worth a quick call on +91 86999 78321 before you visit if you have specific questions. The café is open until 8 PM. Given its location on a mountain highway at altitude, weather conditions can shift quickly, so factor that into your timing, especially on longer road trips through the Shimla–Narkanda corridor in Himachal Pradesh.