The first time I went to Boojee cafe was when I went with friends who were once juniors of mine. MBA batchmates I had recruited to the agency I was in. figured soon that they were a couple and sure enough, they got married and are parents of two children who make them very proud.
I was recommended a coffee called cortado by a reader when I wrote about not liking cappuccinos after I took a liking to espressos. I found cappuccinos to be too milky, I said. They had cortado on the Boojee menu and I ordered it. The drink was served in a cutting chai-like glass, had less milk and was pleasantly strong. Since then I have ordered a cortado wherever it’s available and is good. Subko for example. I am not a fan of the Blue Tokai cortado as it is too milky, though I order it when there. I have even started a hashtag called #cortadocartel.
My friends were happy with the herbal teas that they had. I packed chocolate cookies for K who was taking a flight later that day for work. She told me that she loved them.
We first heard of Boojee when it was recommended to us by a friend. K and I went there for breakfast soon after. It was packed. They had taken a second shop next door. The seating area was not-air-conditioned. It was not that hot and we settled down. How life takes a full turn. 15 years back and earlier, we would want the non-AC section at places such as Crepe Suzette at Carter Road or Barrista at Bandstand to see the sea. Now we are spoilt AC Babies!
I ordered avo toast with poached egg and K, the egg bhurjee. K a cappuccino in a takeaway cup (as she tends to) and me, a cortado. We loved both the dishes and our coffee.
We had just one ‘problem’ with Boojee cafe. We never got a seat again. I recently met a young lady at a McD at Kandivli who came and introduced herself as a reader. She said that she took my recommendations seriously. “Boojee in particular.”
I smiled bashfully while the thought bubble in my head went, “argh, now you know!”
Well, guess what? The folks at Boojee took over a glum Chinese restaurant space next door and converted it into a cheerful 56-seater. Or is it 58? The decor is minimalist, The grey walls and big windows remind us of the cafes of Tokyo and Berlin that we loved. Modern chic, yet not in your face.
We have managed a table every time since then. We have been lucky given that all 3 spaces, including the big one, run full. Quite an achievement for a brand with minimal social media presence in a suburb where restaurants and cafes are opening up dime a dozen, all backed with heavy media, social media and influencer marketing (non-disclosed), paid in currency or food.
Boojee has become our favourite weekend breakfast spot. Rarely has there been a visit where we have not bumped into a friend there. Tells us that we are not the only ones in our bubble to be its fans
We like our coffee of course. Other favourites are avocado toast, both sliced and as guac, with or without poached eggs. The best thing is that the avo is well seasoned. The sourdough which it is served on is toasted just right. Neither too crisp. Nor too chewy. I like the egg benedict ( a royale actually) where the salmon is well balanced and the Hollaindase is so sensuous. The touch of cream cheese that they add is sheer genius. I went with friends once recently and I liked the minced lamb on sourdough that one had. We were all very impressed by the orange biscotti with a dark chocolate filling. Adding the smoked salmon toast which I had today (19 March. Very well balanced).
The service is always with a smile no matter how busy they are. The toilet is always clean.
What I would not order again. The Turkish egg which has too much-hung curd compared to eggs. The lamb burger where there was too much happening inside in terms of salad leaves and sauce and the patty was too dry. Could be because they served me a lunch item for breakfast when I pleaded and made puppy eyes. The dark chocolate cookie which is too sweet.
A few things to keep in mind. They serve no pork or buff. If you like your poached eggs runny (the only way to be) then specify it as they over poach it otherwise. Specify that you want your cortado in a glass as they might give it in a cup otherwise. They charge 5% sc in case you want to round it to 10.
As you can make out from such a detailed account, we are regulars at Boojee Cafe and will continue to be so.
PS: All pics are from the new outlets
