Cafés

What's on my mind- 8 June 2025

Hello Munchkins!

I just checked - I have 121 subscribers at this moment! This feels surreal, even if my average reads are hardly 60, lol. For everyone new here, let me introduce myself: I’m Aanchal, 26, an architect who’s obsessed with details, curation, clothes, observation, community, friends, and family.

I’m so glad to see coffee culture growing right in front of my eyes, and I genuinely think it’s here to stay. I’m absolutely obsessed with cafés and how the coffee community functions. Honestly, I’m not a coffee pro — but my brother is, and whatever little I know about dark, medium, or light roasts is probably thanks to him.

Alongside coffee, I’ve been developing a palate for matcha. I really enjoy the matcha at Collective Blends (Nagpur – currently my favorite) and 729 Coffee in Pune. I treat myself to coffee when I’m with company; otherwise, it gets a bit addictive, so I stick to matcha when I’m alone

.So why cafés?
I love the paradox they hold - just the right amount of chaos to feel safe, yet so much softness and vulnerability. Soft music, chance meetings, real conversations, slow time -they’re spaces where people cry, laugh, and are present. They’re places for first dates, reunions, people-watching, artists observing - where stimulation and stillness blend into something creative.

I’m a sucker for a well-designed café. It doesn’t have to be fancy - just curated thoughtfully, with cozy corners, mood lighting, personal décor, comforting smells, and most importantly, a welcoming vibe. It should feel like entering a living room, not a commercial outlet. (This is why I’m not a fan of Starbucks.)

Here are a few things I love in cafés:

1. Good Graphic Design
I adore physical menus - especially when they’re printed on hard cardboard and filled with subtle details. Whether it’s the menu, cutlery, or merchandise, good design speaks volumes. Subko is unbeatable here - from packaging and print to interiors -it’s hands down the best experience. I completely agree with Nikhil Kamath’s reasoning behind investing in them: when there’s strong design sense and deep passion, everything else follows.

2. Curated Store Corners
Knead in Mumbai had a lovely vibe. While the coffee wasn’t the best, they had a super cool little store selling curated organic skincare, haircare, and ceramics — almost like a souvenir shop paired with dark roast coffee. Bhumi Café in Rishikesh and Bai Mu Dan in Pune also had beautiful selections of jewellery and clothes. I love when cafés double as curated lifestyle spaces.

3. Ambience
Let’s be real — you can learn to make decent coffee at home in a few tries. We don’t really pay for the overpriced coffee; we pay for the ambiance. I love Boougie in Mumbai, Ganga View Café in Rishikesh, and Collective Blends in Nagpur - all for this reason.

Maybe it’s just me and my habit of romanticizing life, but I find cafés incredibly intimate. They’re canvases for connection, reflection, and inspiration. Places to rejoice or rekindle. Whether you're sipping quietly alone or sharing dreams with a friend - I’m here for the vibes.

By the way, “WTF Are Craft Beverages?” by Nikhil Kamath is a great podcast if you're into this space. It gave me a list of new cafés I’m dying to try across India.

I personally love the design, marketing, and social media strategies behind cafés -because they combine two of my favorite things: coffee and yapping. Just kidding. There are at least a hundred more components like inventory, backend work, staff, chefs — all of which I have no idea about!

It’s also my dream to have my own café someday. Until then, I’ll continue exploring as many as I can - hopping into curated shops, wearing cute outfits, and strolling through cities with a cup in hand.

See you in the next one.