The brekkie before work and why it could be the perfect start to the day

Shakshuka Eggs, which were a light but filling start to the day. Pics/Tanisha Banerjee

There's something refreshing about not rushing into your day. A slow morning on a late-start work day, especially a Saturday, feels like a small gift. And the best way to unwrap it is with a breakfast that's fun, unpredictable, and rejuvenating.

Ice pops always melt faster than you expect in the heat but that's the fun!

Start with a plan

Late mornings aren't for alarms and instant coffee. Instead of grabbing whatever's closest, think of breakfast as an outing. Pick a place that feels indulgent but easy - somewhere you can sit, talk, and stretch time a little. For me, that meant heading to Bombay Brioche - a spot that already feels like a slow exhale the moment you walk in.

The rule? No rushed decisions. Scan the menu, debate a little, steal bites from each other's plates. I went for shakshuka eggs paired with coffee that felt like it deserved its own moment. My boyfriend chose a full Irish breakfast, like a feast. Naturally, my coffee became "our" coffee. That's part of it too. After all food is always more fun until your loved one steals off of your plate.

Let breakfast spill into a walk

A good breakfast doesn't end at the table. Since Bombay Brioche sits close to Versova Beach, the plan extended itself naturally into a walk. A simple act of moving from one calm space to another.

On the way, we grabbed ice cream because that's the fun in summer. Mine started melting faster than I could keep up, dripping onto my fingers as I tried (and failed) to look composed. It breaks the illusion that mornings have to be polished to be perfect. The heat does not hit your body like on a usual work day because you start early and get accustomed to the gradually changing humidity.

Decide your vibe

Versova Beach has its own rhythm. Away from the constant hum of traffic, it gives you space to just exist. We walked along the shoreline, music playing softly, conversations drifting between nonsense and something meaningful. The wind had its own agenda, of course, turning our hair into something worth laughing at. But that's part of the charm. You're not there to look put-together; you're there to feel present.

By the time we wrapped up, there was a sense of fullness. Not just from the food, but from the morning itself. It didn't feel rushed or wasted. I was ready to finally log in for the day.