Pause Opens in Bandra: A New Plant-Based Ingredient-forward Café in Mumbai

Pause, an ingredient-forward café that opened in Mumbai's Bandra neighborhood, is committed to sustainability, community, and guilt-free enjoyment. Created by Rohit Dadlani and Mohit Menghrajani, Pause serves a plant-based food in an area that evokes Bandra's comfortable living room while balancing indulgence and purpose. This small 32-seater restaurant in Bandra, which is over 500 square feet and was designed by Parzan Daruwalla and Natasha Chawla of Studio Sixty-One Fifty-Eight (6158), is an invitation to take a time to relax and enjoy the moment rather than just eat.

Co-Founder Rohit Dadlani sees Pause as a continuation of his conviction that food can be a potent catalyst for change and community. Having worked in sustainable finance, he had an idea for a place where people could eat delicious, plant-forward food without sacrificing taste or experience. The smooth functioning of the café, from its marketing strategy to its visitor experience, has been greatly influenced by his Co-Founder Mohit Menghrajani, a specialist in brand development and hospitality consulting.

Pause's strong façade, which features the name in both Devanagari and English, together with ellipses that represent an open-ended idea that suggests the café's fluid and individualized experience, makes a statement at first glance. 

Even before you enter, the eye-catching blue-bracket exterior serves as an integrated bench, promoting conversation. Once inside, a well-designed area is illuminated by the flood of natural light coming through big glass windows. Pause easily adjusts to its visitors' demands with a blend of comfortable couches, high tables, and Japanese-style seating that accommodates casual gatherings, remote workers, and lone diners. From reclaimed Burma teak furniture to Rajasthani marble accents, every design decision reflects the café's dedication to sustainability, resulting in an atmosphere that is both environmentally friendly and hospitable.

At the heart of Pause is an ingredient-forward menu that celebrates the vibrant flavors. The menu is entirely plant-based, with a large selection of gluten-free options as well. Crafted by consultant Chef Pooja Masurkar, each dish is made with fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients and a focus on in-house preparation. Breakfast offerings include Kale Kala Channa Toast, Tropical Smoothie Bowl, and Kimchi Pancakes, while vibrant small plates like Rainbow Salad Rolls, Broccoli Millet Salad, Enoki Wings, Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Stack, and Loaded Nachos with house-made jowar chips add layers of flavor and texture. Signature mains, such as the Mediterranean Bowl with kodo millet tabbouleh, Tofu Schnitzel Wrap, and Jackfruit Makhni, reimagine plant-forward dining. Indulgent desserts like the 24 Carrot and diabetes friendly Chocolate Orange Mousse offer a sweet finish, balancing decadence with wholesome ingredients.

"In a city that never stops moving, Pause is meant to be an escape. We always wanted to create a space that blends indulgence with responsibility, where food is more than a meal, but an experience rooted in mindfulness, quality, and conscious choices. We’ve been deeply involved in every detail, from the smallest elements such as the hemp napkins, and seeing Pause come to life has been incredibly fulfilling," share the co-founders.