Mumbai Mania

There are very few places in Mumbai where you can just relax and sip a hot cup of tea without being surrounded by a cacophony of sound.

Prithvi Cafe, the open air cafe in Juhu, still retains its laid back feel; the dimly lit paper mache lanterns, stone benches placed under trees, and the bamboo fencing around it has a charm of its own.

The cafe, which is part of the well-known Prithvi Theatre, started as a meeting place for artists and art lovers, and it still is, but it also attracts couples, college kids, aspiring theatre artists, who just come to chill and have a quiet conversation.

I remember during my college days I use to visit this place, feast on hot samosas and Irish coffee, which is Prithvi's speciality. I went there recently and noticed the reinvented menu with a lot more choices, I guess to keep up with the ever-changing tastes of Mumbai.

The new management Riyaaz Amlani of Impresario Entertainment, who also looks after Mocha, has done his best to retain the cafe's airy, non-pretentious look. Although it was a bit disappointing when they asked me not to click pictures, well, photography is prohibited in Prithvi Cafe, that was news to me!

Prithvi Cafe's new menu
The menu, hold your breath, is an interesting concoction of Mumbai's culinary delights. Vada pavs are from a popular vendor from Mithibai College, samosas from Gurukripa in Juhu and mawacakes from Merwan’s in Andheri, chaat and pav bhaji from Sharma’s at Juhu, sandwiches, pattice and khaari biscuits from American Express Bakery in Bandra.

The popular bun maska from Irani cafes, if you want something more spicy then kebabs are served from Noor Mohammedi. Desserts, any guesses, are from some of the best places, Mocha, Brownie Point and Pot Pourri.

In spite of the change, the cost of the food was fairly reasonable. We had a cutting chai (Rs 15), mocha shake (Rs 75), samosas (Rs 20) and dahi batata puri (Rs 30). This theme and various food items are modelled on Mumbai's Dabbawallas, who collect and deliver lunch daily to offices all around the city.

Next time you intend to watch a play, then eating at Prithvi would be a good option, or if you just want to have a quiet, peaceful time, Prithvi it is!

How to Reach Prithvi Cafe?

20, Janki Kutir,
Juhu Church Rd,
Mumbai 400 049
Contact : +91(22)26149546