Public Supply

Even before you enter this café that focuses on wellness, the bright orange facade and music spilling out remind you that you’re in Hauz Khas. It’s got that easy, slightly loud, slightly fun energy. Inside, the 38-seater carries the same mood. Modern cantilever-style chairs with curved backs and loungers that recall IKEA’s Dyvlinge swivel chair keep things playful. 

A sort of visual language runs through the space too – different versions of their logo (two digital clocks without numbers) show up across artwork, uniforms, and little corners of the café. It’s a bit on the nose that this is an all-day spot.

Orange doughnut-style lights glow in one corner, while what they call ‘water lights’ throw rippling reflections across the walls. Another side stacks books like The World Atlas of Coffee and The Graphic Design Bible.

Well, clearly, the vibe’s a full score. There’s even a remote that keeps changing the lighting. But – of course – the real test is the food and drinks. 

The beverages are spelt out on large displays with punchy names clearly aimed at the Gen Z crowd. There’s Juice Energy, Power Blends, Function Over Form, Bottoms Up (inverted), followed by a block for coffee, matcha, signatures, and refreshers.

Of course, the expectations were high. After all, chefs Megha Kohli and Noah Louis Barnes – the duo behind Pendulo and Cortasso Coffee in Delhi – are behind the menu. 

My evening began with two juices. Thirst Aid, with coconut water, apple, blueberries, carrot, orange and lemon, was refreshing with a slightly sweet finish, while Pink Glow, with strawberry, kiwi, green apple and orange had a sweet-sour edge. They’ve also got blends like Iron Me Up, with apple, beetroot, carrot, orange, ginger and ashwagandha. I’m told there’s a touch of extra virgin olive oil in these blends to help things move a little more smoothly through the system.

Let's be honest, protein smoothies give me the ick, so obviously I wasn’t immediately sold on the idea. But Purple Power was surprisingly easy to get through: it was creamy, slightly indulgent, and came together with strawberries, dragonfruit, banana, coconut cream and vegan protein. You can also add ‘functional’ add-ons (as they call it) to your juice or smoothie, from creatine monohydrate to magnesium, zinc and collagen. 

I leveled up to the Function Over Form section, which thankfully doesn't embody the gym-bro energy you’d think it would. These drinks contain adaptogens (aka natural stressbusters), with each one doing something slightly specific. I went for Deflame, an anti-inflammatory mix of mango, turmeric, Greek yoghurt, pineapple and ginger – very tropical, almost like a holiday in a glass. I also tried Back in Time, a slightly tongue-in-cheek ‘anti-ageing’ blend of frozen berries, ginger, spinach, kale, banana, chia, coconut milk and collagen. Mentally, I may have felt younger, but my palate aged a little (IYKYK).

Those looking for coffee, matcha and other coolers have plenty of options too. I didn’t try them this time, but the bullet coffee with A2 desi ghee and the whisky cola fizz – a mix of Diet Coke and whisky barrel-aged coffee – are on my list. They’ve also got mini detox shots, including a raw turmeric-ginger one and a Bloody Mary-style version with tomato and celery.

It felt like I was on a liquid diet (which I didn’t mind) until my stomach asked for food. They’ve got all-day egg options and salads, but I was told the sandwiches and acai bowls are a must try. The sourdough focaccia could have been slightly softer, but still works well because of what’s inside it. I went for Caprese energy with basil pesto, buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and arugula – you can taste the freshness in the ingredients. 

I tried the Nutty Monkey with Brazilian acai berries, banana, peanut butter, berry jelly topped with granola – yes, basically a PB&J in a bowl. They’ve also got rice bowls for heartier appetites.

While most of what I ate was on the healthier side, the founder Aayush Gulati (a first-time restaurateur and Gen Z) believes there should be space for indulgence too. He calls it mental wellness. So I ended the meal with a large cinnamon roll with cream cheese and cinnamon butter. No complaints there – it was easily the best thing on the table. The French toast, though, was average. The jaggery syrup took over a bit too much and didn’t let the rest of it shine.

Well, I’m happy to say Public Supply doesn’t try to define how ‘well’ you should eat. It just puts everything on the table and lets you pick your side.