Mokai

Yes, they go big on skits with celebrities online. But you know what? I’m going out on a limb to say that’s not even the most interesting bit about this place.

Mokai at first feels classically Bandra – easily blending wabi-sabi calm, Harajuku touches, a skylit balcony (in the middle of Bandra!), and an upstairs matcha bar. That’s all very good and decent. What I like are the funny little interruptions. Say, the wall of photos celebrating collaborators, or cushions by the window that read ‘what nonsense’. What could have felt overly curated (the too-pretty-to-touch trap that swallows too many spots whole) instead feels lived-in, even affectionate.

The staff match the mood, entirely. At 9am, they are unhurried, warm, and happy to walk you through a menu that includes, without any apparent irony, a pistachio tiramisu that arrives as an iced latte. Curious? Good, there’s more where that came from. 

The menu offers plenty for a meaningful early start (and who isn’t trying to snatch one of those), but the real highlights are the drinks. Specialty coffees and matchas are thoughtful and varied here, crafted to suit every snob, morning person and casual drinker. The bowls are substantial and will carry you through the day, but come early and order the eggs: European bakehouse fare with Asian egg techniques. Fear not if you’re vegan or vegetarian, they’ve proudly got picks for you too, some even gluten-free. Also – a chilli oil on the side that… well. Someone bottle it and get it to me. Please.

PS – they’ve got valet parking.