The best bars and cafés North India

Timetable

Coffee shops are open during the day and close late in the afternoon in small towns and late in the evening in large cities. Bars generally open in the late afternoon and close between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., depending on the license they have, which varies by state.

Budget & Tips

Alcohol is relatively expensive in most Indian states, but less so in the Union Territories. All strong spirits are distilled in the country: vodka, whisky, gin, rum, but they are generally of poor quality. You can also find wine produced in the Nashik region of Maharashtra or around Bangalore. It's fairly expensive (Rs. 1,000 for a bottle in stores) and of average quality. Beer is also brewed in India. Imported spirits are available in major cities and boutique hotels.

Prices for an espresso or cappuccino in hotels or cafés are much the same as in France. That said, you're in the land of tea, so make the most of it! Prices are considerably lower in street stalls and other small shops.

Age restrictions

Please note that in India the legal age to buy and consume alcohol varies from state to state. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. In reality, some establishments do not take this seriously and serve alcohol to young tourists.

Consumption and purchase of alcohol is prohibited in Gujarat, Bihar, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and some holy cities (Haridwar, Rishikesh, etc.).

Legal age to consume and buy alcohol:

- 18 years: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Sikkim.

- 21 years: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.

- 25 years: Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab and Meghalaya.

What's very local

Although Indians don't drink much alcohol (in public), there's one tradition you won't want to miss: masala chai. This milk tea, sweetened with spices (ginger, cardamom, black pepper... depending on the recipe!), accompanies Indians at all hours of the day. There's even a quasi-official break at 10 a.m. in government offices. The best masala chai is served in disposable clay cups and boiled in copper pots.

It isforbidden to bring alcohol from one state to another, as laws vary. Watch out for the hefty fine!

Kids

Children are not welcome in places where alcohol is consumed, with the exception of certain restaurants. However, you can take them anywhere else, especially small cafés.

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in public places. Smoking areas are available in some restaurants and bars. Smoking is sometimes tolerated in some bars and restaurants with open terraces in tourist towns.