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Ever been to a place that makes your heart sing? Now, add shake a leg and groove as you eat to that, at Janu by Blondie. This absolutely cool, cartwheeling-into-fun eatery at Juhu by Blondie Hospitality is an all-vegetarian café that takes a step back into time. And ever since it took off, it’s been grabbing the buzz for its chilled vibe.
We recently caught the recommendations for Janu and did a taste test. The streetstyle chaats aside, you’re in for innovative flair with rasmalai matcha and rasgulla tiramisu latte putting desserts in a desi spin. P.S. Automatically changed the playlist back to the 90’s post the visit here!
Being close to the Juhu beach seafront brings some of that balminess into Janu, co-owned by actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Founder & CEO, Bastian Hospitality, Ranjit Bindra. It packs energy and is inviting and warm, with comfortable seating for 150, set around archways and beneath colourful pendant lights.
Talking about it, Ranjit tells Manifest, "Janu—the name says it all. One of the projects closest to my heart, it's a place where all generations can feel comfortable without any fuss. Nostalgic in terms of the menu, decor and music and modern, when it comes to the beverage program."
The walls are adorned with shelves of ceramics, giving a very holiday feel, too. You enter, immediately find reconnaissance with the music with an ‘oh hey, that remember that song?’ thought, and settle into the sofas to discover more familiarity on the menu.
It’s a Monday and the afternoon hour sees it packed, which is a cue on how well its doing. Cut to the food, this is what you may find anywhere, but the difference lies in quality. Chhola bhatura is suggested, so is the palak patta chaat, which brings together so many textures —crisp fried spinach, that meets sonth and mint chutneys, sweetened dahi, onions, tomatoes and fresh pomegranate seeds. “We are actually quite inspired by Delhi,” explains head chef Parveen Singh Rawat of Janu, adding, “At its heart, Janu is about basic food and people love that as they identify with it. In fact, the Raj Kachori is so popular that we’re doing 150 pieces a day.”
The mushroom kulchas are another filling start, made soft, with truffle oil. If South Indian is your thing, a must try is the 3 Cheese Dosa with generous additions of parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella. Or the fun fusion in the way of the Avocado Benne Dosa. What also drives up the conversation is the Maharashtrian-inspired thecha, with paneer marinated in a garlic-chilli mix, making for a piquant bite.
The menu has a lot of small bite options, so you can even dive into the Chaknas section and go for nachos or the batata harra, with crisp smashed baby potato salad, harissa, crispy onion, with a touch of garlic and pickles.
Toasties and sliders seem to be the perfect pick-me-up as its raining, so ask for the Herbed labneh or Muhammara if you see the chilli cheese toast but still decide on trying a different dish.
Health aficionados who always want that one salad dish on their table will be spoilt for choice here. Janu has so many choices with the good ol avocado, The Cobb with house greens, chilli cilantro dressing, avocado, jalapeno, parmesan and crispy tortilla.
What’s really nice is how Janu takes the menu into a regional spin with Mathura Bedmi Puri, a Punjabi Saag Aur Missi Roti that doesn’t get too heavy and of course, the Dilli 6 Chole Bhature, very reminiscent of the style you get in the Capital.
As the meal ensues, the peppy ‘Hawa Hawa’ song is playing, and it takes one back to the good ol Sanju Baba tracks of Bollywood in the 1990s. Clearly, the diners love it all.
Bombay is redolent in spirit here, not just in the décor elements. The idea is to linger and enjoy those conversations in a neighbourhood café and the cocktails and mocktails fuel just that. 'From Bandra To Juhu' has rum, caramelised pineapple and curry leaf, referencing warmth about one of the city's favourite routes. 'The Queen’s Necklace' brings together bittersweet citrus and tequila in tribute to Bombay's most familiar view, and these are just a few of the drinks that pay an ode to the City of Dreams.
You have to leave space for the desserts. The Apple Jalebi has the fritters soaked in apple syrup with rabdi, while the Mishti Doi is just as comforting with oven-baked caramel yoghurt brûléed with brown sugar. The chef suggests we try Malaiyo, the frothy winter food that harks back to north India. This saffron-infused milk foam is a mousse-like dessert, sprinkled with nuts and does not overdo the sweetness—a gem!
The standout? Sourdough Waffle, which has sourdough ice cream with granola and caramel sauce.
Before you wind up, also make it a point to ask for Shilpa Shetty’s fave sweet—sattu ladoos. She never misses them once she’s here!
Perhaps Janu’s playbook rides on ease and nostalgia and weaning off anything high-octane and luxe, which gives it the right connect. And perhaps it’s because the space plays host with warmth and sincerity, making for the right foreground to meet your date. Either way, it definitely infuses the charm and energy into your date out around town, while also getting you to lose your stress with some great music!