Bharat Cafe — Restaurant in Mumbai

Ah, Cafe Bharat, the beacon of mediocrity in Ghatkopar! If you’re craving lackluster food and service that’s as invisible as a magician’s disappearing act, this is your paradise! But fear not, its one shining glory is its impressive proximity to the Ghatkopar railway station.

Let's dissect their culinary prowess: the food is as exciting as watching paint dry. But hey, that’s forgivable—everyone loves a thrillingly unremarkable meal. Now, onto the main act—the service! My lunch thali decided to take a leisurely 20-minute stroll during the lunch rush, despite the restaurant resembling a ghost town. Who knew an Udipi joint could challenge the concept of time with such finesse?

Picture this: I, a starved and forsaken soul, surrounded by three supervisors engaged in what I can only assume was the most gripping gossip session of the century. When I dared interrupt to inquire about my food, they looked as clueless as a fish out of water. Five minutes later, a bewildered waiter drops the thali in front of me, utterly bewildered when I dared to request puris instead of rice. A swift debate with the higher-ups, and lo and behold, puris on a separate plate!

But hold your horses, no spoon? Cue my interruption of their thrilling chat for basic utensils. Meanwhile, the food? About as flavorful as cardboard. Definitely not worth enduring their disappearing act. Oh, but it gets better! The original waiter returns to argue about the spoon saga, only to be scolded by a supervisor who miraculously found a gap in their gossip schedule.

As I’m almost done, I ask for the bill, and what do you know, there was supposed to be chaas accompanying the thali! Silly me, I thought it was a mere sidekick, not the pièce de résistance. Swiftly paid up, making a mental note to never grace their doors again.

Lesson learned? Cafe Bharat excels in providing a black hole of service, rescued solely by its cosmic proximity to Ghatkopar station. Without that, they'd have shut down faster than you can say “order up!” Hats off to the...

Situated a stone's throw away from Ghatkopar Rly Stn, and one of the oldest restaurants in the vicinity, Bharat Cafe ( formerly a south Indian speciality restaurant ) is a multi-Indian cuisine restaurant.

This was my third visit to the restaurant, and I tried the same primary dishes which I had tried on previous occasions - Butter Sada Dosa and Butter Onion Uttapam. The former was as crispy as it always is, a medium portion coming out of the plate. Both were eaten with chutney, which may not be amongst the very best eaten in South Indian speciality hotels, still it was very good. For the latter, it was medium-soft textured, had a good quantity of onions in it and was medium-sized. Taste consistency has been maintained well.

I also tried their special Mysore Pak Ice cream, this was my first try of this flavour. It was authentic, and one could feel the rich ghee flavour which is associated with Mysore Pak. The ice cream was available only in one size ( small ) and was decently priced.

One thing in particular which I have liked in all these visits has been the efficiency of the staff. This cafe has over 40 tables on the ground floor itself, and the area is clearly the largest in the vicinity, yet there have never been delays in taking or bringing orders. And it is appreciating given that the cafe is busy and largely occupied throughout the day. Come in the evening hours ( and onwards ), and the queue just gets bigger.

One thing which the restaurant may want to change is that the Wash basins don't have mirrors and are not separated by a curtain or any barrier, such that people who have seats close to it will have a direct view of it.

There is an AC unit on the first floor. The cafe is more of a restaurant one can say given it's tables ( one type of table at medium height ) and has a comparatively less-fashionable background. I found the fans attractive through. Cards are accepted, and the cafe is pure vegetarian. On the weekends, it will take a long time to get a seat, and prior reservations...

Bharat Cafe, nestled directly opposite Ghatkopar West Station, is a hidden gem I’ve crossed paths with numerous times over the past 15 years. Despite its humble exterior, I always noticed the multitude of smiling faces exiting, sparking my curiosity about the allure of this cafe. Initially, I assumed it would be overly crowded due to its prime location, which deterred me from visiting until now.

In a world where we often crave exotic cuisines, Bharat Cafe remains steadfast in celebrating traditional Indian culinary roots, aptly justifying its name. I recently ventured in with a friend for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised by the cafe's warm and welcoming atmosphere. The retro decor gave it an old-school Mumbai charm, a nostalgic reminder of simpler times.

The menu features a wide array of vegetarian options, with a notable emphasis on South Indian cuisine. We opted for misal and filter coffee, which were served in traditional tamba plates and glasses. This retro-style presentation added to the comforting ambience, making us feel right at home. The food itself was nothing short of fantastic—the misal was perfectly spiced, and the filter coffee was a delightful surprise, reminding me why I usually trek all the way to Matunga for the perfect cup.

Bharat Cafe is spacious, accommodating a considerable number of patrons, and even offers an air-conditioned upper floor for a more relaxed dining experience. Reflecting on all the years I missed out on this wonderful establishment, I can only wish I had discovered it sooner.

For anyone in or around Ghatkopar West, visiting Bharat Cafe is a must. With its delicious, authentic offerings and charming atmosphere, it promises a satisfying culinary experience rooted in the heart of India. Don’t miss out on this...