If a dhaba and a cafe had a baby, it would be Janu by Blondie, an Indian cafe by Bastian Hospitality which has opened in Juhu. And yes, you are likely to hear “Janu meri jaan” and other retro Bollywood songs played at least once during your time here.
Compared to Bandra and SoBo, Juhu has been slower off the blocks with varied culinary formats. With Janu, the once-pastel green shades of Grandmama’s Cafe and later, the Pritam da Dhaba address, have turned into a kitschy and colourful space that spells desi. The cafe serves cocktails by evening and retro music fans will be happy with its playlist. The menu cuts out European fare and focuses on chaat, papdi, toasties and kulchas. Here’s what we savoured from its menu.
At Janu, next to Bloom Hotel, Juhu Tara road, Juhu.
Time 11 am to 11 pm
Call 8655874214
Raj Kachori
Being a Juhu girl, the mention of Raj Kachori reminds this writer of the OG served at Tewari Bros. This one matches in size and taste. A kadak puri comes stuffed with potato, air-fried bhalla, sprouts and fruits, all drenched in sweetened dahi. The drizzle of spicy mint chutney sweet and tangy sonth chutney makes it a chaat to remember.
Cost Rs 300
Avocado Salad
To keep it light, the salad is a wholesome bowl packed with seasonal blue berries, house greens, feta, passion fruit chilli dressing giving it a Peruvian twist. It’s tropically refreshing.
Cost Rs 350
Baby Idli
Between Dakshinayan and not-so-recent Benne, Juhuwalas love their South Indian fare. The podi mini idlis are plump, and generously coated in podi masala. We find it to be a bit over roasted and lumpy. The sambar is home-style — not sweet, while the three chutneys add zing. The tomato-garlic packs in a spice.
Cost Rs 275
Mishti Doi Creme Brulee
A decadent kullad of oven baked mishti doi, takes on a cheesecake texture. It’s prepared with fat milk and kesar, with less sugar. The crackle of the toffee top layer adds to the sweetness.
Cost Rs 360
Salted Caramel Cold Foam
After a morning hit of Rum Barrel-Aged hot Americano, we opt for a chilled cold coffee that comes topped with frothy, buttery foam. It’s a milkshake version of Vietnam’s beloved
salted coffees.
Cost Rs 380
