Cafe Newyork

Our place, Cafe Newyork, sits on Alaraju Muniswamappa Lane near Chowpatty. It’s been here for a good while, through all the changes in the city. The name sounds a bit grand, but it’s really just a straightforward spot for a meal or a tea. We’ve got the old tiles and the fans that have been spinning for years. People come in after walking on the beach or when they need a break from the heat on the lane. It’s not the quietest street, so you’ll hear the horns and the people outside while you eat. We don't have a fancy menu with photos. It's just written out, and we tell you what's available today. Some days are faster than others. We spend a lot of time cleaning the counters and making sure the glasses are clear. It’s a family-run kind of thing, so you might see different generations helping out behind the counter. We don't really follow any trends. We just stick to the way we’ve always done things. Sometimes the electricity acts up, or we have to wait on a delivery, but we manage somehow. It’s a honest living here in this part of town. You get all sorts of people walking through the door, from students to old-timers who have been coming since they were kids. We just keep the lights on and the food ready for the next person who stops by.