This Versova cafe will change your Nazariya

Food SatisfyingAmbience CosyService InvitingCost AffordableVerdict 35We have to halt on our trail to locate a new cafeacute in Versovarsquos Aram Nagar neighbourhood because wersquore lost despite checking the Instagram account of bambainazariya for directions Finally we call Diego Miranda the cafeacutersquos founder ldquoWait where you are Irsquoll come out to receive yourdquo the 21yearold assures usWhen we meet him he tells us that the issue with Google Maps will be sorted soon We step into Aram Nagar 2 passing by quaint bungalows that are home toproduction housesBambai Nazariya is nestled in a nook Once inside we follow a whitepebbled path towards the small al fresco section and into a charming indoor area Therersquos a retro vibe mdash we spot a boxy TV set and a gramophone placed on a sewing machine these props are remodelled to serve as tables apart from a mini library and colourful bohemian cushion covers The cafeacute spells quirk with its word play A frame reads ldquoWe work for tips aholerdquo Another says ldquoNazariya Badlo Nazara Badlegardquo while a mirror displays the words ldquoDekho magar pyar serdquoThe cafeacute has al fresco and indoor seating options PicsAshish RaneMiranda gives us the back story ldquoThe idea surfaced seven years ago but the will to help the transgender community began thanks to my dad He was respectful of them and whenever they came to our door he always gave them money He told me to always help them as no one hires them I grew up in a chawl and so during Christmas when the hijra community came for donations he would offer them sweets and foodrdquo he recalls He entered the hospitality industry after college had a short stint at a friendrsquos cafeacute and later opened burgerandhot dog stalls across the cityIn December 2018 his father passed away and he was forced to take up a job ldquoThe dream never left me My girlfriend Glenice DrsquoSa who is my partner at the cafeacute has a screenshot of a chat we had when I first told her about my dream the name of the cafeacute was Bambai Nazariyardquo he recalls proudly While continuing with his fulltime job he researched and networked to understand what was needed to create a safe space that employed transgender individuals Mirandarsquos cafeacute has hired three staffers mdash Mahii Suhani and Sunya mdash from the transgender community through Tweet Foundation and Humsafar Trust He trains them to manage the front end as well as the kitchen while a chef friend makes weekly visits so they can hone their culinary skillsSeated in the al fresco area we soak in the sun rays that play hideandseek through the tree cover as well as the view of the tastefully done interiors We order the Kashmiri pink tea Rs 120 it is boiled with chai masala like cinnamon along with almond while beetroot powder adds the colour Mildly spiced itrsquos warm and soothing The Passion fruit cooler Rs 150 is a thirstquencher that tastes like a homemade ice tea For now itrsquos an allbake menu and so we try the corn and spinach quiche Rs 100 itrsquos a welldone pastry that packs in a cheesy and sweet filling The GBT puff Rs 60 with fresh basil tomato and cheese filling is a winner but itrsquos the ham croissant Rs 250 that is our table favourite Next we opt for a sweet deviation and order the custard roll Rs 60 and cinnamon roll Rs 60 The former is creamy and on target but the latter is a tad dryBambai Nazariyarsquos quirky deacutecor gives off a retro vibe ham croissantSuhani a transgender server who identifies herself as sheher checks if wersquore enjoying our meal We invite her to join us ldquoI hail from Kurukshetra Haryana It is my first time in Mumbai the city is wonderful Itrsquos tough since itrsquos my first time away from home but working here is easier It gives my life a fresh startrdquo she shares adding that she struggled to find acceptance in her hometownShe excuses herself because the place is filling up and orders need to be taken as we open our laptop to begin our work day This cafeacute deserves a revisit to work read a book catch up with friends or find inspiration Good job DiegoQuiche and pink chaiAt Bambai Nazariya Chai house lane next to Pinorsquos Pizza behind Mukesh Chhabrarsquos production house Aram Nagar 2 Versova AndheriTime 1030 am to 9 pm CALL 961973105045 Exceptional 35 Excellent 25 very Good 15 Good 05 Average Bambai Nazariya didnrsquot know we were there The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals