In the heart of Mumbai, Mysore Cafe stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, a family restaurant that has masterfully intertwined tradition with innovation. Naresh Nayak, the third generation to helm this legacy, has returned to his roots after a stint in the banking sector in Australia, bringing with him a fresh perspective and a desire to modernize the family business.
The restaurant, established by Naresh’s grandfather in 1936, has weathered the storms of time, enduring World War II, India’s independence movement, and the food scarcity crisis of the 1970s. This resilience is a testament to the Nayak family’s dedication and adaptability. Naresh’s return coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that forced the restaurant to temporarily shut down. He saw this as an opportunity to infuse the business with new ideas, drawing inspiration from the innovative food and beverage scene in Australia.
One of Naresh’s key initiatives was a focus on sustainability. Mysore Cafe now boasts 42 kilowatts of solar panels, making it the largest solar power producer in Matunga. The restaurant has also eliminated the use of tissues by implementing sensor automation for hygiene, saving hundreds of kilos of tissue waste annually. Naresh is exploring non-plastic alternatives for packaging and has introduced high-tech rinse taps that reduce water usage by up to 40% and hot water systems that cut down electricity consumption by 80%. These efforts ensure the restaurant is prepared for future water and electricity shortages, particularly in a city like Mumbai.
While embracing sustainability, Naresh has also introduced new delights to the menu. He has incorporated contemporary flavors into traditional South Indian cooking, offering vegan versions of popular dishes, like the iconic filter coffee made with non-dairy milk. Modern twists on classics, such as peri peri idli fry and peri peri dosa, have become top-selling items, catering to evolving tastes. For younger customers, there’s the Dil kush Dosa, a pizza dosa with cheese, tomato, and capsicum.
Despite the modern touches, the core of Mysore Cafe remains unchanged. The traditional dishes, beloved by prominent figures like the Ambani family, continue to be a cornerstone of the menu. The Ambani family’s fondness for these dishes is well-documented, particularly their appreciation for the traditional coconut chutney. Naresh fondly recalls a poignant memory from the restaurant’s history: “Indira Gandhi once requested our coffee, and after tasting it, she sent her compliments, saying it was excellent. This kind of recognition from such high places is a proud moment for us.”
Naresh reflects on this moment with pride: “Food has a unique way of bridging gaps between people from all walks of life. Our restaurant has been a gathering place for everyone, from prominent business leaders to everyday customers, and we are honoured to have played a part in that.” Today, Mysore Cafe stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, innovation, and a dedication to serving delicious food with a dash of modern flair.
