Pune prides itself on its mutton and missal, but there are only so many times you can drive down the Expressway to indulge in it. The city now has a kissaten on Prabhat Road, dishing out croissants that have gone rogue, udon bowls, desserts, ample matcha options, and even pasta made the Japanese way.

Why drive to Pune for a cafe? Because it’s a kissaten. Japan has perfected the art of making the everyday feel like a ritual. And a kissaten is exactly that — a retro Japanese cafe that prizes familiarity and slow living. With Momoka, Bandra-born chef and founder Brainard Colaco leans into J-everything. He brings forth fresh bakes that are all made in-house alongside breads, cookies, and even desserts. Unused bread is chopped up to make croutons and croissants are sliced to turn into cookies for their retail offerings — all done to minimise food wastage.