A literary indulgence: Cafes and books in Mumbai

Food For Thought, Kitab Khana, Fort

Food For Thought (FFT) is a book café inside Kitab Khana at Flora Fountain. Housed in a heritage structure that is almost 150 years old, the shelves here stack books that range from the contemporaries to the classics in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Urdu languages. The ambience offers a blend of the charming books coupled with the fresh aroma of coffee.

Indriyajit Sethi, Vice President—Group Strategic Sourcing, Tata Services Limited, says, “I live in Bandra but I frequent FFT a lot for its exquisite collection of books coupled with scrumptious delicacies like Greek Salad, Bhelpuri Sandwich, Aglio Olio Pasta and Quesadillas. I can fall in love with the same book over and over again when treated with my favourite mud pie and the pear and walnut cake at FFT.”

Kapil Sanghi,Owner, Food For Thought

Since 2011, Reshma’s cooking coupled with Kapil’s friendly demeanour has allowed the café to carve a niche amongst the office crowd of the Fort area as well as casual diners looking for a unique culinary experience whilst they enjoy their reads. “It is a quiet place, perfect for having meals and sipping coffee over conversations with friends and colleagues, or even by yourself in the company of an intriguing book,” says Shriya Sen*, a frequent visitor at FFT, “I’d highly recommend this place, if you want to seclude yourself.”

Priya Khanna, an advertising professional, says that she doesn’t mind coming all the way from Kandivali to FFT just to enjoy a relaxing read with her favourite coffee. She tells us, “Kitab Khana has a lovely feel to it. I love the high-backed chairs and the silence the store provides. The smell of coffee mingled with the quiet atmosphere is brilliant. It’s nice to buy a book and just sit in the café, lost in a different world.”

Cha Bar, Oxford Book Store, Churchgate    

Oxford Book Store may be one of the most famous book stores in Churchgate but not many Mumbaikars are aware about the little café tucked within the store. From college students to professionals to literary mavens, this café attracts everyone. “An elegant and contemporary book café, Cha Bar provides the much needed space a book lover needs to spend hours browsing through the latest bestsellers along with a sip of their gourmet tea. The Moroccan Mint Tea, Japanese Macha or the Masala Chai are an absolute must-try if you are a tea lover,” asserts Nupur Shah, an IT professional from Pune, who now works in Mumbai.

Crossword Book Store, Kemps Corner

While Crossword book store has been a favourite haunt with readers across India, the one at Kemps Corner allows you to carry a book to Café Moshe’s located on its mezzanine floor. “I don’t mind coming all the way from Andheri just to explore the wide range of books at Crossword and read while I sip on my cuppa,” says Shraddha Patel*, a regular visitor.

The Pantry, Kala Ghoda

The Pantry provides the writer in me with the much-needed reading and writing space in the ambience of an idyllic Parisian café. European in its feel and décor, The Pantry is no less than a writer’s abode.

The café at NCPA

For those of you who do not wish for a quiet corner but are on the lookout for interesting conversations on the subjects of art and theatre, Café at the NCPA is the place to be. Grandeur combined with a tasteful décor set against the breezy backdrop of Nariman Point, Café at the NCPA is where South Bombay’s elite catch up with friends and family.

So people, where shall we find you next with a book?

*names changed on request