My Cafe Confessions

Alright, here it goes. I'm fully prepared to be called out as an utter idiot, a walking-talking contradiction, and possibly even a hypocrite for even writing this. But that's what writing is about, isn't it? Penning down what feels real, even if it's uncomfortable, even if it highlights the delightfully messy duality of your own thoughts.

Time and again, I've taken aim at, taunted, and outright mocked these pastel-perfect, aesthetically pleasing cafes that seem to be popping up faster than ‘Hidden Gems reels of Goa’. Each one prettier than the last, more vibrant, boasting drool-worthy caffeinated concoctions. You scroll through their Instagram pages, witness the sheer volume of influencer collaborations hyping them further for the low, low price of a free coffee, and it's downright hilarious.

And yet, here I am, typing this very blog post from a brand-new cafe that materialized both on my Instagram feed and conveniently in my neighborhood. Someone, please hand me the medal for duality already. I've clearly earned it.

Before you call me out on my double standards, let me tell you, I have my reasons. See, once a month, I declare a ‘me day.’ My sole purpose on this sacred day is to do everything differently from my usual routine. I might skip work (don't tell my boss), sometimes even my workout. The non-negotiables, however, are reading, writing, observing the world, and exploring or trying something genuinely new.

When I venture into these picture-perfect establishments, I don't just order the things that look good. Nope. My mission is to try the cafe's ‘special’ e.g. that one recommendation they're genuinely proud of, the one most likely to be worth the price tag.

Speaking of price tags, I make a strict point not to torch my wallet on a 500-rupee matcha latte. A special coffee, clocking in around 200 rupees? Now that makes the cut. It's a small splurge, but a splurge nonetheless. Would it matter if I were just an average person earning an average income? Absolutely. But I'm not, and as long as this once-a-month ritual doesn't break the bank or exceed 1% of my income, I call it a good ‘me-spa-day’ splurge. Instead of getting uncomfortably massaged by a stranger, I'd rather feed my soul, my eyes, and yes, my tummy, with something pleasant, fragrant, and tasty. So far, I haven't been too disappointed.

Case in point: Cafe Kampu. It hit all the right chords. I tried both their recommendations, genuinely enjoyed their Korean bun (who knew?), and their Cafe Kampu special cold brew coffee. Definitely different from what I'd usually order, which, honestly, is usually just the good-old-boring Cappuccino.

The whole vibe of the place is full of positive energy for writing, for reading, for unwinding on a day when I just want to cut the umbilical cord with my sometimes stressful work life.

As I sat there, sipping my perfectly chilled brew, I noticed a young couple across the room. They were obviously here for the likes. She ( in a very commonly seen polka-dot dress) was meticulously arranging her croissant next to a perfectly placed succulent, while he angled his phone for the optimal overhead shot. I swear I heard her ask, "Is the angle artisanal enough?" My inner cynic started to eye-roll and judge away, but then I quickly remembered my own mission of aesthetic appreciation. A silent truce was called. For a fraction of a second, I thought I could offer to take their picture while they struggled to take the perfect selfie, but the introvert in me voted against becoming a prop in someone else's content.

I wouldn't do this every day, or even every other weekend, but I don't mind this once-a-month pilgrimage to a new place. It's my little step outside the daily ritual, a comfortable routine punctuated by delightful novelty.

My previous ventures: The French Treaty, Open Door Cafe, Cafe Grey Dongle, Kana Coffee Mechanics weren't disappointments either ( Although Kana was one expensive bait, I pacified my wallet, saying the vibes and its Vietnamese Coffee made up for it.)

As I finish my brew, savoring each sip in a cafe that actually inspires me to write in my own space without glaring eyes and judgment, I realize something important. All that trends on Instagram isn't necessarily bad and evil. One simply needs to have an eye, a well-trained, skeptical, slightly judgmental but open eye, to filter out the trash and the fake promotional content.

Sometimes, you'll stumble upon something genuinely worthy. Sometimes, you won't. When you don't, cut your losses short. Seriously, don't order anything else. Just move on. But if you do find something meaningful, something that sparks joy beyond the photo op, then appreciate it. Soak it in, add it to your list of hidden gems, and truly enjoy. The real win isn't the perfect picture. It's the imperfect experience and stumbling on something you genuinely enjoyed.