Launched During the Lockdown, ‘Dad’s Thali’ Cafe Becomes the Signature Identity of Tapovan—Offering Traditional tapovan  Thalis Paired with Views of the Ganges and Manikoot mountain.

Rishikesh. Located in Lower Tapovan, Dad’s Thali Tradition Café has today carved a distinct niche for itself among both tourists visiting Rishikesh and the local residents. Launched by Subhol Maithani and his family during the COVID lockdown, this café has won the hearts of patrons through its unique ‘Thali’ tradition and creative ambiance.

What Makes It Special?
The café serves both a ‘Small Thali’ and a special ‘Large Thali,’ featuring a menu that changes daily. The greatest highlight of this café is the culinary magic of “Dada”—Subhol Maithani himself—who hails from the traditional confectionary lineage of the Garhwal region.

Rishikesh. In that lane of Tapovan where lush green fields once swayed, a concrete jungle now stands tall. Yet, amidst this ever-changing Tapovan, a small corner still keeps alive that old flavor, that old aroma, and that old sense of warmth—it is called Dad’s Thali.

Situated in Lower Tapovan (Muni Ki Reti), within the Narendra Nagar block of Tehri Garhwal, this unique café opened its doors at a time when the entire world had come to a standstill—during the days of the lockdown. The proprietors of this café are Subhol Maithani—affectionately known as “Dada”—and his entire family. Dada is a custodian of the traditional confectionary heritage of Garhwal, his hands holding the flavors of generations past.

Here, you are offered a ‘Small Thali’ and a special ‘Large Thali’—and every day, the menu changes, the style evolves, and the manner of serving takes on a new form. But what remains unchanged is the warmth of a home-cooked meal.

The café’s interior is an experience in itself—featuring a pond teeming with fish, blooming flowers, and cats and dogs waiting to welcome you at the entrance. The air is infused with the fragrance of grapes, mangoes, and oranges, along with the freshness of organic vegetables. Spread out before you lies a panoramic view of the Ganges, while on the horizon stands the Manikoot mountain range—that divine peak dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dada has witnessed Tapovan’s transformation—he has seen fields give way to concrete structures. Perhaps that is why Dad’s Thali is not merely a place to eat; it is an act of resistance—a tribute to that simplicity, that soil, and that tradition which remain alive to this day.
Here, it is not just food that is served in the thali; it is the very soul of Tapovan.