Uttarkashi, Those who are in Uttarkashi or plan to visit the town must jot down ‘The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery’ in Netala, on their ‘must-visit’ or ‘to-do,’ list.
The first of its kind German Bakery is an attempt by young dynamic duo, Aakriti Rawat from Pauri and her German partner Stephan Pöllman, to bring bakery delights to the hill town of Uttarkashi.
The couple strategically chose Netala to be their base citing increasing footfall during the Chardham Yatra season as a reason along with the place tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main city.
The idea behind the café is simple! Allow customers to take in the breathtaking view while treating their taste buds on savouries and sweets, cooked and baked by Aakriti and Stephan.
Aakriti tells us, “efforts are dedicated towards creating and building a self-sustainable unit that grows its own food in a garden based on the principals of Permaculture,” adding, “The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery boasts of a bakery with a German who offers genuine, authentic products.”
The café, still in its nascent stage is being built in sync with its surroundings, in the traditional pahadi style complete with pathaal and intrinsic woodwork.
Before the joint venture, Aakriti who holds a Graduate degree in Economics was in Goa setting up an office for an ex cricketer, while Stephan born and raised in Germany, worked with a German NGO in New Delhi, India.
Giving it all up. The duo moved to Netala in June, and set up home and hearth. Aakriti acquired a patch of land on lease and with Stephan, is setting up an organic farm along with the café. They tell us, “youngsters love and patronize what we do. They understand our value. Our elders, though supportive, consider us outsiders. An image that we are trying to break,” Aakriti tells us.
Making their mark at the recently held Apple Festival in Hursil, the couple baked three hundred apple cakes based on nine different recipes along with an interesting mixed juice from Rhododendron and apple which sold out within a couple of hours.
Their hard work and enthusiasm is a sure-shot sign that their maiden joint venture i.e. ‘The Farmhaus Cafe & Bakery’ promises of leaving a mark, as they learn and move up the ladder every passing day.
Away from the hustle bustle of the city, on the Dehradun-Mussoorie road, Malsi is Café Commune. Done up in earthy shades of grey, yellows and brown, the Café stands out and is easy to locate.
