Café Crawl with Ashish — Part 1

One thing you learn fast in Tapovan: you can measure time not by the clock, but by the café you’re sitting in. So, I thought I’d start a little series on the places I find myself at most often — my unofficial second (and third, and fourth) homes.

King’s Café

My second home for years. The kind of place where you drop in for a chai and three hours later you’re still there. Music floats around all day — playlists in the afternoon, and by late evening, impromptu jams between friends and strangers. Add good burgers and hearty food, and you’ve got yourself the Tapovan living room… with better acoustics. There is no set agenda, and it’s almost like you calm down in this café.

Raha Café

Run by the beautiful and amazing Preet and Ravi — friends of mine for years. I still go almost every day for a coffee and more. The décor is warm, the hugs are free, and the vibe is always alive. Raha is where the crowd is today, buzzing with conversations, music, and that easy feeling of being right at home. It’s not just a café, it’s a whole universe — a mix of community, décor, food, and laughter that keeps pulling you back. You might walk in for a quick cup, but chances are, you’ll end up staying long enough to feel like part of the family.

Ira’s Kitchen

My morning ritual spot. For years, Ira’s has been my French press-and-breakfast haven. The mornings here are sunlit and calm, the food fresh and wholesome, and the energy simple and grounding. It feels less like a café and more like starting your day at a friend’s home.

Secret Garden Café

A place where you can easily spend the entire day — sipping coffee in the garden, watching people monkey around doing yoga, and soaking in the sun. Coffee, food, and vibes are always on point here, and time seems to stretch in the best way.

Bodhi Café

Another favourite, especially among locals. Bodhi has its own school and a lively community vibe. It’s the kind of spot where you go for a meal, run into half of Tapovan, and leave with three new friends.

Rock Café

One of Tapovan’s little secrets. They open early, serve truly great coffee, and sit right by a stream of water. Go in the morning and it’s unbelievably peaceful — sipping coffee with the sound of running water in the background. Small, simple, and quietly perfect.

Ra Bakery

And of course, Ra Bakery — practically next door to Aavya. Probably the best breads in town, always fresh, and dangerously close enough that I keep going back. Sometimes it feels like an extension of our own kitchen. The most chill vibes, also perfect for working from home.

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These are the places I find myself in again and again. Aavya may be where I live and work, but half the joy of Tapovan is wandering into these cafés — each with their own flavours, quirks, and characters.

Apologies to the other cafés I haven’t covered yet — don’t worry, your turn is coming in the next editions. Tapovan is too full of gems to fit into one sitting.