Pause Cafe in Bandra: Where Plant-Based Meets Comfort and Style

If you're in Bandra and craving indulgent comfort food that’s also sustainable, Pause is the place to be. This trendy café is tucked in a sunlit corner on Pali Mala road and focuses on plant-forward dishes, offers a delightful twist on comfort food, blending indulgence with sustainability. Whether you’re vegan or not, the vibrant flavours and fresh ingredients will have you coming back for more. Local Samosa sent out a couple of non-vegetarians to check the space out and talk to Rohit Dadlani, the co-owner, and we are giving it two thumbs up!

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Good Food that’s Good for the Earth too

We tried several dishes at Pause, and each one was a delightful surprise. The Mushroom Slider was a standout – juicy, earthy mushrooms tucked into a soft bun that made us forget it wasn’t meat. The Jackfruit Tacos were another highlight, with jackfruit soaking up all the right flavours for a satisfying bite. The Tofu Wrap was packed with flavour, offering a solid balance of soft tofu and crunchy veggies – a comforting and wholesome choice. We also loved the Tomato Hummus Toast, which was simple but delicious, bringing together creamy hummus and fresh tomatoes in sweet harmony. 

For a sweet treat, the Dates Chocolate Milkshake, originally a coffee milkshake, was indulgent and refreshing with its rich chocolate twist. The Blue Pea Iced Tea was not only refreshing but a real experience with its vibrant colour and light flavour. If you’re into cheesy comfort food, the Korean Cheese Bun is a must-try – crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Finally, we couldn’t resist the Hazelnut Praline Cheesecake, which was a great end to the meal, with its crunchy praline topping and creamy base. Every dish at Pause was delicious, making it a spot we’ll definitely be visiting again.

We also asked Rohit about his recommendation and he mentioned,"Our mac and cheese has become a crowd favourite, even for those who aren’t typically fans. It’s an example of how we’ve managed to create great substitutes that feel innovative without compromising on taste."

The Vibe and Vision

Pause isn’t just about food – it’s a space where you can relax, unwind, and truly “pause” in the middle of your busy life. "We wanted to pivot into something purposeful, aligned with our beliefs. Food is integral to society, community, sustainability, and the environment. Pause fits perfectly into that vision," says Rohit as we sit at a table at Pause, surrounded by people indulging in deliciousness.

Created by Rohit Dadlani and Mohit Menghrajani, Rohit made a bold pivot from banking to food, aiming to create a place that is purposeful and aligned with values of sustainability, community, and indulgence. The food here isn’t preachy; it’s flavour-packed and creative, designed to appeal to everyone, regardless of whether they follow a plant-based diet. "We didn’t want to fall into the stereotypical 'vegan' box because it can become preachy. We wanted to create plant-based dishes that are intriguing, indulgent, and full of variety without compromising on taste,” he insists.

Talking about the prime spot the cafe is in, Rohit states, "Bandra is the perfect place for trying new concepts, offering a unique blend of openness to new ideas and a significant ability to pay. It's the sweet spot for businesses like ours.”

With a menu curated by renowned Goa-based Chef Pooja Masurkar, Pause offers a variety of dishes that celebrate textures, colours, and flavours without compromising on taste. The dishes are not only plant-based but also indulgent and satisfying, proving that plant-forward food can be just as rich and delicious as its non-vegan counterparts. The co-owner highlights, "Good food is about indulgence in moderation. While we may not have deep-fried stuff every day, we're all entitled to enjoy some indulgence – and sugar isn't as bad as people make it out to be."

Pause is ideal for anyone who enjoys delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere, whether you're vegan or just looking to try something new. With its carefully curated menu and focus on sustainability, it offers an unforgettable dining experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome. So next time you're in Bandra, make sure to stop by and pause for a while!