Irani Cafe — Restaurant in Pune

Visiting an Irani cafe in Pune is like stepping into a time capsule, offering a blend of history, culture, and delightful culinary experiences. One of the standout cafes in the city is Vohuman Café. Located on Dhole Patil Road, this iconic spot is renowned for its simple yet delicious menu. The cafe’s bun maska, a buttery bread roll, and cheese omelette are particularly famous, often drawing long queues of eager patrons. The ambiance is relaxed and nostalgic, making it a perfect place for a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon snack【16†source】【19†source】.

Dorabjee & Sons, situated in the Camp area, is another gem among Pune's Irani cafes. Established in 1878, this cafe has maintained its old-world charm and continues to serve traditional Parsi dishes such as patra ni macchi, keema pav, and dhansak. The cafe’s decor is modest, featuring red plastic chairs and simple tables, which adds to its historical authenticity. The owners have preserved the original menus, offering a glimpse into the cafe’s storied past【16†source】.

For those looking for a more contemporary twist, Shisha Jazz Cafe on Koregaon Park Main Road offers an intriguing mix of Irani cuisine and live jazz music. The cafe’s ambiance is a blend of rustic and modern, with legs-up seating options adding to its unique charm. Here, you can enjoy classic Irani dishes alongside more mainstream options, all while listening to soothing jazz tunes【17†source】.

Another notable mention is Cafe Goodluck, near Fergusson College. Established in 1935, this cafe is almost always bustling with people. Known for its Parsi and Maharashtrian fusion dishes, Cafe Goodluck is famous for its keema pav, liver masala, and caramel custard. The cafe’s lively atmosphere and quick service make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike【16†source】.

Despite their popularity, many of Pune’s Irani cafes face the challenge of modernization and changing tastes. However, their ability to retain a loyal customer base speaks volumes about their timeless appeal and the unique experience they offer. A visit to any of these cafes is not just about the food but also about soaking in a piece of Pune’s rich culinary...

We went for some evening snacks. The ambience is good, typical of other Irani cafés. There is some seating which is open, a display counter of all baked goods and some indoor seating as well.

We ordered Mutton kheema, bun muska, chicken cutlets, chicken mayonnaise toast sandwich. The mutton kheema was decent, not bad but we have had better. You need to order the bread separately and doesn’t come with pav. They actually don’t have laadi pav at all so your options are either bun or slice bread. We asked the waiter to get us 4 slices - 2 plain and 2 toasted. Instead we got 4 toasted slices! He considered it to be 4 plain toasts meaning toasts without butter. Anyway, the cutlets were delicious and went well with the toast. The bun muska was good too. The chicken mayo sandwich was little sweet due to the sweetness of mayo. My partner said that it was usual for Irani cafés to have sweetish mayo. I have experienced the same and I like it in burgers but not in chicken mayo sandwich. All other bakeries where I have tried the chicken mayo sandwich in Bandra (Mumbai), didn’t have the sweet mayo in sandwiches.

Because we enjoyed the chicken cutlets the most we got a few more to go for a house party we were attending later. We also asked for Kubideh kebabs to go which are described on menu as barbecued minced mutton mixed with Persian herbs and saffron. Because I didn’t know how to pronounce the name and didn’t want to confuse the waiter, I pointed at the dish in the menu card. When we received our parcel and the bill, I noticed we were given Joojeh Kebab instead, which is barbecued boneless chicken mixed with Persian herbs and saffron. When I confronted the waiter about this, at first he denied that I asked for the mutton kebabs. Then he said actually we don’t have the mutton kebabs so we gave chicken instead. In that case, I would have expected him to ask us first before replacing the dish. Anyway, people at the house party enjoyed both the cutlets and kebabs.

Overall the food and ambience is good. The service can be improved by avoiding...

Nestled in the bustling streets near Garware College, Irani Cafe offers a nostalgic journey into Pune's rich culinary heritage. Stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, with its charming decor of vintage furniture, old photographs, and the aroma of freshly brewed chai lingering in the air.

The menu boasts an array of classic Irani delights that cater to both the adventurous palate and those seeking comfort in traditional flavors. Their bun maska and Irani chai are legendary, striking a perfect balance of sweetness and robustness. Each bite of their akuri or keema pav transports you to the heart of Persian influence fused seamlessly with local Maharashtrian tastes.

What truly sets Irani Cafe apart is its ambiance. The lively chatter of students and families, coupled with the clinking of tea glasses, creates an atmosphere that is both vibrant and welcoming. The staff, clad in traditional attire, adds to the authenticity and warmth of the experience, making you feel like a cherished guest rather than a mere customer.

While the seating may be cozy and the service relaxed, the food arrives promptly and is served with genuine hospitality. Prices are reasonable, making it accessible for students and families alike to enjoy a taste of history without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, Irani Cafe near Garware College is not just a place to eat; it's an institution preserving Pune's cultural tapestry through its food and ambiance. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a visit here promises a delightful journey through flavors and history that is sure to leave a...