The big fat morning makeover: How breakfasts and brunches are emerging as preferred meals to socialise over

The pandemic brought about a change in how we socialise. With late night parties coming to an end, the city laps up the morning vibe

Is breakfast good for you?" We've rarely heard this line in pre-pandemic times. But now, thanks to the new normal and restricted operating hours at night, restaurants and cafes have witnessed an increase in footfalls in the first half of the day. Breakfasts and brunches in the form of slower-paced meals are rapidly emerging as the preferred option.

Cold brew chocolate tart

Reisha Shetty, a magazine intern, likes sleeping in, but a brunch or breakfast plan would get her out of bed. The 22-year-old likes visiting Subko Coffee and Poetry by Love and Cheesecake, and feels the best part about waking up now is to meet friends and then realise that you have the rest of the day for so much more. “A morning plan is more relaxed and slow paced, and one can savour the meal, company and space,” adds Shetty whose morning picks include eggs Benedict, a stack of pancakes or French toast. As a child, she remembers accompanying her uncle for different breakfast options every week — be it an Udupi, a bakery or a café. “It is my fondest memory, and since the pandemic, this has become a great option” the she says.

Filter coffee

Neha Joshi, operations director of Subko Coffee, agrees that post lockdown, a lot of people are waking up early to work out or cycle. “They like to follow their experience with a hearty breakfast. People working from home find it convenient to plan meetings in the first half of the day. With restricted timings, it’s sensible to spend more quality time with friends and family than rushing through drinks and dinner.”

Veggie Benedict

Bandra resident Abhishek Jotwani is a morning person and is ecstatic when friends agree to meet up in the wee hours. “It is an amazing kick start; a hearty conversation over a good meal is a recipe for a great day. Evenings are passive in comparison,” says the 27-year-old PR professional. His breakfast options typically include traditional favourites such as poha, dosa and upma as well as English brunch breakfasts. “My recent discoveries, which include Greenr Cafe and Seeds of Life, have encouraged me to explore healthier preparations as well,” he elaborates.

Abhishek Jotwani and Reisha Shetty

“We see different kinds of patrons — cyclists and runners in the early mornings, families for relaxed breakfasts, freelancers through the day, artists, corporate types for meetings, couples on dates and friends bonding over coffee,” says Joshi.

Take Your Pick

All-day indulgence

Choose from croissants, experimental toasts and granola bowls along with specialty coffees including SIF (South Indian Filter) on the rocks.
At: Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters and Bakehouse, Bandra West; The Craftery by Subko, Byculla East. 
Time: 8 am to 8 pm

Rules, what?

The weekend No Rules Brunch includes chaat offerings from the raw seafood bar. Think cured prawn paani puri, sea bass tartare ‘sev puri’ and lump crab ‘dahi papdi’ with pomelo.
At: The Bombay Canteen, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Time: 11 am to 4 pm

Unlimited brekkie

The good old South Indian indulgence of idli, podi dosa medu vada, uttapam, upma and pineapple sheera can never go out of style.
At: Sri Krishna, Nana Chowk, Grant Road
Time: 7 am to 11 am
Cost: Rs 150-200

Super Sundays

Bastian’s Sunday brunch menu is divided into three sections: Salt, Salt + Sugar and Sugar. They serve  an array of small eats and refreshing Sunday cocktails.
Call: 8419966853 (Bandra); 7208656073 (Worli). Prior reservation recommended
Time: 12 noon to 4 pm
Cost: Rs 900 

Morning glory

The first beer that’s been sold here is at 8 am. A clear sign that morning is the new cool. Pick from truffle mushroom omelette, French toast with housemade jam, and croissant sandwiches.
At: Silly, Ground floor, 5th Road, Khar
Call: 90044 18654 
Time: 8 am to 10 pm

Vegan and vegetarian

Located on the lower floor at The Origin food store, the café offers vegetarian and vegan fare. Fig and almond milk smoothies, shaved asparagus and kale salad, and Thai warrior bowls make for delicious options. 
At: O Cafe, The Origin, 352, Linking Road, Khar West
Call: 68508888
Time: 11 am to 10 pm

Healthy kick

Get your fill of clean options for a hearty start. Pick from quinoa veggie upma, a cacao smoothie bowl or a wild mushroom and walnut salad.
At: Seeds of Life, Juhu and Bandra
Time: 11 am to 10.30 pm
Call: 9653336089

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