When I heard they had finally opened their doors to the public, I added it to my long list of must do’s. Shambala is a permaculture venture offers hosted meal events for weddings and other celebrations but has now expanded to a farm-to-fork bakery and restaurant in the Skagit Valley area.

I can’t remember when the Shambala Farm first caught my eye but I have been an admirer ever since.

Especially those delicious fish n’ chips.

The two tables seated next to me both ordered the old menu items from Shambala which gives me hope they will remain. I have visited the new establishment once now and the overall feel is the same. Belem’s offers all day breakfast and an American-Mexican menu with a dedicated gluten-free fryer. The bakery is still in the same place and the new restaurant, Belem’s Cafe, offers their baked goods and has kept a few of the most popular vegan/gluten-free menu items in a co-operative venture. If I lived in SLC, I would return from time to time with friends for a relaxed informal meal, or for carryout.Editor’s note (6/2020): the Shambala Bistro is BACK!!!! They have a new menu (simplified version of old one), offer dine-in and curbside pick-up and are found at farmer’s markets around the Puget Sound!Įditor’s note: the Shambala Bistro itself has closed in 2019. Free parking in front, or street parking without meters. They also offer smoothies, other types of teas and fruit drinks, as well as bottled sodas. I ordered a pot of lemon tea, which was very good-it seemed to have more of an orange taste than lemon. Our group ordered and shared the following dishes, as I can best recall: Veggie Fried Mo-Mo, Chicken Fhingsha, Spicy Tofu, Eggplant Saute, Beef Fried Rice. This restaurant, located in the 'Avenues' area and close to downtown, touts Tibetan fare, which I would roughly describe as a cross between Indian and Chinese. However, if you are even a bit adventurous, and can overlook sparse furnishings in exchange for good food and service at very reasonable prices, then give this establishment a try. You probably won't like this place if you prefer frequent corporate chain restaurants.

Cafe shambala