Yalamaya Kendra

Yala Maya Kendra is a conference centre and cultural oasis located right beside the historical Patan Dhoka, the grand white gate that leads to the ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal. The property showcases Rana Era architecture with a distinct Nepali aesthetic, featuring traditional materials like wood, brick, lime plaster, and mud mortar.

It serves as a space for cultural events, conferences, and gatherings, with multiple halls available for use. Visitors also have access to Dhokaima Café, an adjacent restaurant connected by a secret passageway to the Patan Book Shop.

The name Yala Maya carries special meaning:

“Yala” is the traditional Newar name for Patan or Lalitpur.

“Maya” means affection or love in Nepali.

Together, Yala Maya reflects affection for the city of Patan and pays tribute to its cultural traditions.

The Yala Maya Kendra–Dhokaima Café complex dates back to the 1920s, when it was originally a Rana-era stable and cow shed. It retains much of its original architectural character, with walls made of brick and lime, and designs inspired by traditional Nepali craftsmanship. The complex even includes parts of the original city walls of Patan, and a large walnut tree shades the courtyard, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Overall, Yala Maya Kendra is a unique blend of heritage, architecture, and culture, honoring the traditions of Patan while serving as a modern space for art, community, and connection.

Yalamaya Kendra

Yala Maya Kendra is a conference centre and cultural oasis located right beside the historical Patan Dhoka, the grand white gate that leads to the ancient city of Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal. The property showcases Rana Era architecture with a distinct Nepali aesthetic, featuring traditional materials like wood, brick, lime plaster, and mud mortar.

It serves as a space for cultural events, conferences, and gatherings, with multiple halls available for use. Visitors also have access to Dhokaima Café, an adjacent restaurant connected by a secret passageway to the Patan Book Shop.

The name Yala Maya carries special meaning:

  • “Yala” is the traditional Newar name for Patan or Lalitpur.
  • “Maya” means affection or love in Nepali.

Together, Yala Maya reflects affection for the city of Patan and pays tribute to its cultural traditions.

The Yala Maya Kendra–Dhokaima Café complex dates back to the 1920s, when it was originally a Rana-era stable and cow shed. It retains much of its original architectural character, with walls made of brick and lime, and designs inspired by traditional Nepali craftsmanship. The complex even includes parts of the original city walls of Patan, and a large walnut tree shades the courtyard, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Overall, Yala Maya Kendra is a unique blend of heritage, architecture, and culture, honoring the traditions of Patan while serving as a modern space for art, community, and connection.

Yalamaya Classic

Although classical music is the main pillar of all music, in the current situation where the state has not taken any initiative to preserve it, Yalamaya Classic (a classical music program) has been regularly being held at the Baggikhana Sabha Hall of the Yalamaya Center at Patan Dhoka since 2063/2/2 with the aim of preserving, promoting and developing this music as well as promoting it among the youth of today.

Yalamaya Classic

Although classical music is the main pillar of all music, in the current situation where the state has not taken any initiative to preserve it, Yalamaya Classic (a classical music program) has been regularly being held at the Baggikhana Sabha Hall of the Yalamaya Center at Patan Dhoka since 2063/2/2 with the aim of preserving, promoting and developing this music as well as promoting it among the youth of today.

About Dhokaima

Heritage Preserved

The Baggikhana room represents the rich architectural heritage of Patan. This space showcases traditional Nepali craftsmanship with intricate wooden carvings and original structural elements that have stood the test of time.

We have carefully preserved these historical features while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can experience the authentic charm of ancient Nepal while enjoying modern comforts.

Where Tradition Meets Comfort

Our interiors blend traditional Nepalese aesthetics with contemporary design sensibilities. Every corner tells a story of craftsmanship, from the handpicked furnishings to the carefully curated decor.

The warm tones and natural materials create an ambiance that invites you to slow down, savor your coffee, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic location.

Gateway to Ancient Patan

Dhokaima Cafe is placed right at the entrance of the ancient city of Patan, which was a walled city state. In fact, the eastern wall of Dhokaima was part of the old walls, and some of the evidence is seen in the exposed slim maa-apa bricks that date back to the Malla Period (1201-1779 CE).

Dhokaima as a name was created so that visitors need not add a preposition when saying, "Let us meet at Dhokai-ma!" (Let's meet at the gate!) To say Dhokaima-ma (at-at the gate) would be redundant, thus saving us an extra syllable!

Spacious Parking Available

Enjoy a hassle-free visit with ample on-site parking for our guests.

About Dhokaima

Heritage Preserved

The Baggikhana room represents the rich architectural heritage of Patan. This space showcases traditional Nepali craftsmanship with intricate wooden carvings and original structural elements that have stood the test of time.

We have carefully preserved these historical features while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can experience the authentic charm of ancient Nepal while enjoying modern comforts.

Where Tradition Meets Comfort

Our interiors blend traditional Nepalese aesthetics with contemporary design sensibilities. Every corner tells a story of craftsmanship, from the handpicked furnishings to the carefully curated decor.

The warm tones and natural materials create an ambiance that invites you to slow down, savor your coffee, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this historic location.

Gateway to Ancient Patan

Dhokaima Cafe is placed right at the entrance of the ancient city of Patan, which was a walled city state. In fact, the eastern wall of Dhokaima was part of the old walls, and some of the evidence is seen in the exposed slim maa-apa bricks that date back to the Malla Period (1201-1779 CE).

Dhokaima as a name was created so that visitors need not add a preposition when saying, "Let us meet at Dhokai-ma!" (Let's meet at the gate!) To say Dhokaima-ma (at-at the gate) would be redundant, thus saving us an extra syllable!

Spacious Parking Available

Enjoy a hassle-free visit with ample on-site parking for our guests.

Brand Story

vision

Our Vision

To become the #1 restaurant in Patan and Lalitpur for the local and expatriate communities as well as visiting travellers; to have a strong social connection and customer recall with Patan Dhoka, the landmark adjacent to the restaurant, itself, and to be memorable and consistent in a way that we gain a secure, large base of loyal patrons who we are happy to serve for decades to come.

Our Mission

To be a one-stop shop for every appetite, providing maximum customer satisfaction, constantly finding new audiences, and evolving with food and industry trends.

Our Vision

To become the #1 restaurant in Patan and Lalitpur for the local and expatriate communities as well as visiting travellers; to have a strong social connection and customer recall with Patan Dhoka, the landmark adjacent to the restaurant, itself, and to be memorable and consistent in a way that we gain a secure, large base of loyal patrons who we are happy to serve for decades to come.

Our Mission

To be a one-stop shop for every appetite, providing maximum customer satisfaction, constantly finding new audiences, and evolving with food and industry trends.

dhokaima-bistro

Brand Story

Our Vision

To become the #1 restaurant in Patan and Lalitpur for the local and expatriate communities as well as visiting travellers; to have a strong social connection and customer recall with Patan Dhoka, the landmark adjacent to the restaurant, itself, and to be memorable and consistent in a way that we gain a secure, large base of loyal patrons who we are happy to serve for decades to come.

Our Mission

To be a one-stop shop for every appetite, providing maximum customer satisfaction, constantly finding new audiences, and evolving with food and industry trends.

Deliciously Crafted Meals

From kitchen to table, every dish is made fresh with passion

Premium Beans

Ethically sourced from the world's finest coffee regions

Heritage & Quality

Traditional values meeting modern excellence

Deliciously Crafted Meals

Each cup prepared with attention to detail and genuine warmavth

Premium Beans

Ethically sourced from the world's finest coffee regions

Heritage & Quality

Traditional values meeting modern excellence

Our Outlets

dhokaima-bakery

• Cakes & PastriesBreadsBrownies & Cookies

dhokaima

• Breakfast & SnacksNepali & RegionalSalads & SoupsBeverages

Our Venues

From intimate gatherings to professional conferences, our versatile spaces blend traditional charm with modern amenities

Patangini

Intimate outdoor space for gatherings and celebrations

Baggikhana

Professional meeting space for corporate events and seminars

Gaushala

A calm, airy space perfect for discussions, workshops, and small gatherings.

Majlis

popular for weekly meetings and creative sessions

Rukhmuni Bar

Cocktail parties, private gatherings, evening events

Meeting Rooms

Board Room and Terrace Room are perfect for your regular meetings

Courtyard (Patangini)

Perfect for outdoor functions and celebrations

Conference Hall

State-of-the-art facility for professional events

Courtyard (Patangini)

Perfect for outdoor functions and celebrations

Conference Hall

State-of-the-art facility for professional events

Our Library

Read, Relax & Take One Home

“Enjoy your coffee while exploring our curated collection of books.

Love one? Take it home.”

At Dhokaima Café, every cup of coffee opens a new story. Our in-house bookstore is a quiet corner of words and warmth, thoughtfully designed for readers, dreamers, and curious minds. Browse through carefully selected titles, settle into a cozy seat, and read at your own pace as the world outside slows down. Whether you’re flipping through a few pages between sips or spending hours lost in a book, this space invites you to stay a little longer.

Surrounded by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the comfort of calm, welcoming interiors, Dhokaima Café becomes more than just a place to drink coffee it becomes a place to feel present. Here, stories unfold softly, conversations linger gently, and moments are meant to be savored. And when a book speaks to you, you’re always welcome to take that story home, letting it live on long after your visit ends.

Our Library

Read, Relax & Take One Home

“Enjoy your coffee while exploring our curated collection of books.

Love one? Take it home.”

At Dhokaima Café, every cup of coffee opens a new story. Our in-house bookstore is a quiet corner of words and warmth, thoughtfully designed for readers, dreamers, and curious minds. Browse through carefully selected titles, settle into a cozy seat, and read at your own pace as the world outside slows down. Whether you’re flipping through a few pages between sips or spending hours lost in a book, this space invites you to stay a little longer.

Surrounded by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the comfort of calm, welcoming interiors, Dhokaima Café becomes more than just a place to drink coffee it becomes a place to feel present. Here, stories unfold softly, conversations linger gently, and moments are meant to be savored. And when a book speaks to you, you’re always welcome to take that story home, letting it live on long after your visit ends.

What Customer Says

“Dhokaima Cafe – cozy café near Patan Dhoka Gate serving freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and homestyle Nepali meals. Friendly service, free Wi-Fi, and large parking for visitors and tour buses. Perfect for tourists, students, and casual dining.”

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