Brew like the Burmese
For a regal Burmese tea experience, this restaurant’s dedicated tea room is unmatched. Interiors of every address are unique, but mainly feature warm wood tones, soft amber lighting, and subtle traditional accents that transport you to an exclusive imperial parlour.
Elevate your monsoon afternoon by exploring their extensive, rare leaf tea menu featuring floral, white, and oolong infusions served ceremoniously. You can take this a notch higher by indulging in their cold teas from their extensive Bubble Tea menu.
PICS COURTESY/BURMA BURMA
Complete your high-tea ritual by ordering the Samuza Salad, delicate steamed buns, or a palata.
AT Burma Burma, Gourmet Village, Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel; other outlets in Fort, Powai, Goregaon, Thane.
COST Rs 1800 (for two)
Chai and adda
PIC COURTESY/Tea Pea Cafe
Here’s a neighbourhood nook where you won’t find Regency era vibes, but will still get a variety of chai and green teas. To build your makeshift high-tea experience here, start by ordering their classic Desi Chai or Gud Ki Chai, or a fragrant signature Rose Chai.
Complement the cup with a classic, comforting Bun Maska alongside a plate of crisp Cajun Teriyaki cottage cheese sandwiches or light vegetarian quick bites for a budget spin on an aristocratic salon.
AT Tea Pea Cafe, Shop 4, Rashmi Heights, Kamla Nagar, MG Road, Kandivli West.
COST Rs 200 to 500 (for two)
Community vibes
More than just a cosy nook, this café is a celebrated solidarity project. It’s founded by Amin Sheikh, and run by youth who transitioned from life on Mumbai’s streets to running a thriving hospitality space. Flanked by towering shelves of books, it offers an intellectual, artsy energy. Grab a window-facing table as the monsoon pours outside, order a steaming cup of spiced Masala Chai or a classic European brew, and pair it with their signature Carrot Cake and finger foods for a sweet afternoon bite.
AT Bombay to Barcelona Library Cafe, Timmy Arcade, 778, Makwana Road, Marol, Andheri East.
COST Rs 900 (for two)
Let the party begin
PICS COURTESY/Taj Mahal Tea House
Housed inside the stately, heritage Sanatan Pereira Bungalow on Mount Mary Road, this café evokes the charm of old-world European manors blended with Indian warmth. To curate your own Regency-era afternoon, settle into one of their roomy cane chairs and order a steaming pot of their signature Gulkand Paan Tea, or a soothing infusion from their menu of over 40 distinct varieties.
Pair your brew with their artisanal cheese platters, delicate small plates, and soft-centered bakes, giving you a royal spread.
AT Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea House, Plot No 1, 36/A, Sanatan Pereira Bungalow, St John Baptist Road, Mount Mary, Bandra West.
COST Rs 1800 (approximately, for two)
Nature’s bounty
PICS COURTESY/BANYAN TREE CAFE
Set inside a 143-year-old repurposed ice factory that forms part of the IF.BE multidisciplinary art space, this café centres around a sprawling banyan tree growing right through the architecture. Retaining original stone walls and industrial elements, you can sit in the semi-outdoor greenhouse section.
While their tea menu is small, it suffices. Lean into the setting by ordering a refreshing Hibiscus Tea or a hot artisanal brew, and pair it with their signature Mushroom Toast, fine-crust continental bakes, or a decadent burrata salad.
AT Banyan Tree Café, 7-9, Calicut Street, Ballard Estate.
COST Rs 1500 (for two)
