Kurseong Times
Made In Kurseong
Est. 1976 / Reborn 2019
Haamro Kharsaang
Kurseong, known as the perfect midpoint between Siliguri and Darjeeling, has always been more than a stop for tea and refreshments. It is a place of simplicity, where locals start their day as early as 5 AM, embodying a magnetic force that pulls people back home.
The town gained popularity for its British-era boarding schools like St. Helen's, Dowhill, Victoria School, and Goethals Memorial, which have hosted royalty from Nepal & Bhutan and Bollywood celebrities alike.
The Bindra Legacy
A business opportunity was identified by Late Sardar Kesar Singh Bindra, who was posted in Kurseong during his service with the Railways. In 1976, he established Amarjeet Restaurant near the Toy Train station. Hot Samosas & Gulab Jamuns along with Amarjeet ki Chai soon became popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
The business expanded into The Amarjeet Hotel & Bar. The second generation under Sr. Satendra Pal Singh and Mrs. Ravinder Bindra faced many hurdles but let nothing deter their spirit — together they were the finest example of how a family-owned business should run.
Amarjeet Hotel - 1984
Reimagined for 2019
Cafe Kurseong Diaries is the brainchild of Jaz (Jaspal Singh Bindra). After establishing a successful restaurant in Siliguri, Jaz returned to his roots with a vision to put Kurseong back on the map of Darjeeling district — not just another food joint, but a new landmark.
Every element celebrates the town's heritage. Tables named after historic schools, cocktails inspired by the "7 turns" of the hill roads, and caricatures on the walls representing local life. The large Toy Train model is of the first train from Kurseong to Darjeeling (No. 792-B).
True local flavors like Nanas Momos (Elder Sister's Momos) and Badi ko Aloo Dum are prepared with authentic ingredients from local markets.
The People Behind It
Cafe Kurseong Diaries
Since 2019
The Family
The hotel became a hub for boarding kids & their parents who flocked in numbers to savour Daal Makhani, Chicken Curry rice, and Chilly Chicken. Meeting any alumni of Kurseong's schools will always bring up nostalgic food stories from Amarjeet Restaurant.
Sr. Satendra Pal Singh
Mrs. Ravinder Bindra
Mrs. Ravinder Bindra took charge, making it a first for a woman of the house solving for business. Whether facing a business crisis or defeating critical illness, the couple were hand in glove for all decisions. Together they set the standard for family-run hospitality.
The Vision
Jaz spent his entire childhood in Kurseong with vivid memories of things unique to this town. He wanted to create something more — a landmark that brings back the locals and provides a world-class place to bond over food.
Jaspal Singh Bindra
The Atmosphere
The cafe offers a beautiful view of the TV tower on one side, endless tea gardens on the other, along with the toy train station and bustling town life. The sunset is best viewed with a cup of steaming hot coffee or cocktails named after the sharp bends — Saath Ghoomti (7 turns), Baali Ko Rakhsi (Bucket full of alcohol), Maza ko Jarbutti — names unique to Cafe Kurseong Diaries.
Named After Heritage
Tables are named after the historic British-era schools. The caricatures on the walls represent the life of locals here.
St. Helen's
Himali
Goethals
St. Anthony's
The live bands are local talent performing for you. The old man smiling at the door is our oldest staff member, "Balle Bada" — also the most photographed asset of ours. Go ahead and pose for a selfie with him and see how your social media reacts.
Our staff will be happy to take you through the menu and suggest choices based on your mood & palette. We will be happy to customise the dishes or offer an alternate option with a little extra time to serve you.
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from our people on everything from flavors, to service.
Priya Sharma
"The pineapple pastry is absolutely divine! Reminds me of the old-school bakeries in Darjeeling."
Rahul Basnet
"Best rum cake in town! Pure Darjeeling taste — moist, rich, and full of flavour."
Ananya Pradhan
"Ordered a custom birthday cake and it was stunning. Everyone loved the fresh cream frosting!"
Tenzin Dorjee
"Their fresh fruit pastry is unlike anything else. The cream is light and not too sweet. Perfect."
Maya Rai
"The chocolate truffle cake is pure magic. My go-to bakery in Kurseong for every celebration!"
Priya Sharma
"The pineapple pastry is absolutely divine! Reminds me of the old-school bakeries in Darjeeling."
Rahul Basnet
"Best rum cake in town! Pure Darjeeling taste — moist, rich, and full of flavour."
Ananya Pradhan
"Ordered a custom birthday cake and it was stunning. Everyone loved the fresh cream frosting!"
Tenzin Dorjee
"Their fresh fruit pastry is unlike anything else. The cream is light and not too sweet. Perfect."
Maya Rai
"The chocolate truffle cake is pure magic. My go-to bakery in Kurseong for every celebration!"