Monsoon season in Bangalore can be a confusing time, its not fall or winter yet but now suddenly you’re feeling chilly and looking to bring more hygge (aka coziness) into your life. During the rains the tendency is to stay at home curled up on the couch with a blanket, a hot beverage and Netflix, but if you’re looking for some cozy places outside of the house, here’s your list.
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CAFES
YOGISTHAAN
This Indiranagar café feels like a place you could easily spend a few hours tucked away. With ample cozy seating (even a hammock for those inclined!) and tons of books to flip through, this is a great place to weather out the storm. The menu has plenty of scrumptious and healthy options, make sure to ask for the ginger chai and the signature hash browns.
VINE PRO TIP: For those that are attentive, every hour on the hour, if you ring the bell at the café, you can get a chai on the house!
DYU ART CAFE
This Koramangala café has been a local favorite for some time now and as such is usually packed, even on weekdays at odd times. But its worth the wait, to experience the vibe and yummy food here. Try and get a seat upstairs overlooking the courtyard to enjoy the views of the beautiful villa and not to mention, some good people watching! The food is made fresh and tastes like its come from your mom’s kitchen.
VINE PRO TIP: Try their garlic bread (think Texas toast size) with some hot chukku kappi aka masala coffee to go with. On your way out be sure to peruse through the art gallery on the ground floor.
ARAKU
At this popular Indiranagar café, there is no dearth of warm things to eat and drink to make you feel cozy during the monsoon season. With the freshly brewed coffee sourced from the Araku valley, the coffee does not disappoint here. Try the Turkish latte for a coffee that has hints of chai flavors along with the rose Danish (tasty and instaworthy). Or better yet go for breakfast (served until noon) and try the Latin inspired masa pancake and Swiss inspired cassava rosti dishes. They have a lovely selection of books for adults and kids in the back corner that are worth checking out too.
VINE PRO TIP: For those working remotely, Araku offers a Work From Araku menu where for you pay upfront for two coffees, one main dish and one pastry, and voila you can be cozy all day.
SOUR HOUSE
Sour House is the perfect place to order from when it comes to sour dough and decadent pastries. But did you know their Koramangala bakery also has a dine-in cafe? From coffee to kombucha, toasties, croissants and more, it’s the perfect place to hide out with a book, laptop or to meet up with a friend when the rain is pouring down outside. NOTE: Closed Mondays
VINE PRO TIP: Get dropped off. It’s on a main road with little access to nearby parking if the rain is threatening to come down!
CRAVE BY LEENA
Leena is known for her awesome vegan pastries, but just this year they opened up a retail shop with a cafe. Enjoy their plant-based menu like oat milk coffee, oat milk masala chai, tea, cookies, mini burger sliders, sandwiches, quiche and tarts. And of course, save room for a slice of cake or two! Note: It’s on the 1st floor above Airtel near Maharaja Signal
VINE PRO TIP: Crave by Leena also makes awesome custom cakes that can be indulgent, sugar-free, or gluten-free. You can order on her website cravebyleena.com
CAFÉ PLUME
This French café in Domlur has got the three Cs covered, cute, cozy and charming. You can choose from a selection of teas, coffee or hot chocolate to pair with tasty French fare like quiche or the comfort food croque sandwich. Don’t miss out on the lovely desserts in the display including tarts, cakes, eclairs, and other yum sweet treats.
VINE PRO TIP: For those looking to learn or improve upon their francais, in the side room they have a great selection of French books for kids. You and your tot could spend the afternoon curled up inside a book and bring a bit of joie de vivre to your day!
COPPER AND CLOVES
This Vine’s favorite café is not only a go to for delicious vegan food but has plenty of hygge vibes as well. There are several nooks outside and inside the converted house that C&C share with Paper Boat Collective, that make this a great place to hideout and curl up for hours with a hot beverage and book (or laptop, for those productively inclined). Try the coconut and cinnamon coffee or one of their warm seasonal soups to get warmed up.
VINE PRO TIP: One of the inside rooms has a cozy armchair perfect for lounging, this has your name on it! Will feel like you’re at home but just with some upgraded food and drinks of course.
BOOKSTORES
CHAMPACA
This bookstore off of Queens road is the perfect place to spend a monsoon afternoon nestled into a corner with a pile of books. The women-owned and run shop carefully curates their selection of books, so you’re bound to find some unique treasures to flip through here.
VINE PRO TIP: They also have a children’s library so you can bring your tot along too for this outing.
RESTAURANTS/BARS
OZ BY KEBAPCI
This Turkish restaurant on the second floor of UB City mall is sure to give you all the hygge feels. In particular, they offer a unique floor seating on cushions which can be curtained off, somewhat similar to your own private dining cabana. Once you’ve settled into your tucked away nook, would recommend nibbling on the pide with cheese and the avocado hummus, followed by a strong and hot Turkish coffee.
VINE PRO TIP: Would call in advance to reserve one of the three available floor seating areas, to ensure you get to partake in this unique dining experience!
ZLB23
The best kept secret in town is the new speakeasy at the Leela Palace. ZLB is a cozy haven to sip on an expertly made craft cocktail and nibble on delicious bites while listening to some of the best live music in town. The ambiance, exquisitely curated by Maia Design (same designer as Toast and Tonic, Lucky Chan) is Kyoto meets prohibition era, with plenty of warm and plush vibes to settle into for an evening.
VINE PRO TIP: ZLB is partnering with some of the best bars in the world through frequent pop-ups or bar takeovers by visiting expert mixologists.
BIRA 91 TAPROOM
For a drink out in the open air, try the Bira 91 Taproom in Koramangala. They have tons of interesting flavors on tap all the time as well as a pretty good menu for a meal, including flatbreads from their own pizza oven. The outside terrace is covered and a great place to enjoy the monsoon weather without getting wet.
VINE PRO TIP: Bira 91 hosts a bunch of fun events like Trivia Night, Karaoke, Open Mic Night, Live Screenings, etc.
