More than a meal: Inside Nepal’s only zero-waste cafe

Cafe Zero, Nepal's sole zero-waste establishment, aims to minimize waste from sourcing to service, educating patrons on sustainable living. Opened in 2025, it operates as an experimental platform centered on conscious consumption.

The cafe's mission is to demonstrate that waste can be reduced, repurposed, and reimagined without compromising quality. Three founders, Jenson Maharjan, Nabin Bikash Maharjan, and Ronish Shakya, identified a gap in Nepal's waste management, which often took a temporary approach. They envisioned a comprehensive lifecycle management system, leading to the creation of Cafe Zero Nepal in Bakhundole, Lalitpur, with support from DCA and in collaboration with ISET Nepal.

Produce is sourced from local farmers, and any pre-consumed food scraps are ingeniously converted into new menu items. For instance, potato skins are transformed into chips, and cauliflower branches become pakoras. "Our team has been trying to come up with new food inventions; sometimes it's a hit, other times we have to start from scratch," shared co-owner Nabin Bikash Maharjan, indicating ongoing culinary experimentation.

Beyond the menu, the cafe's design embodies its philosophy. Visitors can explore various composting methods, and the cutlery is crafted from discarded wine bottles. The decor features items made from salvaged materials, including a striking bag made from WaiWai noodle plastic, highlighting a practical, albeit unusual, use for a popular Nepalese snack.

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Our team has been trying to come up with new food inventions; sometimes it's a hit, other times we have to start from scratch.