Deshaj Store and Cafe

Where: 32 Old Ballygunge First Lane (near Bohemian)
Meal for two at the cafe: Rs 500
Timings: 11.30am-10pm, open through the week
The cafe is equipped with Wi-Fi

Terracotta tiles from Jharkhand, wooden fence, tables and chairs laid al fresco and twinkling lights. You would push open Deshaj’s door out of sheer curiosity. Inside the 32 Old Ballygunge First Lane store and cafe, a certain warmth embraces you. Is it the chiaroscuro? Is it the aroma of the steaming cups of tea? Well, it is all of that but also of the handmade art and crafts that fill each and every corner of Deshaj — the warmth of hands from across the country that weave, paint, carve, cut and colour to bring alive what is ‘indigenous’ to our heritage.

While the apparels, all flowy in cotton and natural colours, and a section of the accessories, jewellery and saris are from Deshaj, made in Santiniketan, the store is packed with artefacts from across India. Chhau masks from Purulia, papier mache art from Odisha, lac toys from East Midnapore, gramophone from UP, paintings from Karnataka, stone craft from Odisha, blue pottery from Rajasthan, tribal musical instruments from north Bengal, craft from the Sunderbans... there is a lot to browse and buy. “The main challenge with these craft forms is whether the artists will continue doing the same work,” says Sonali. 

Deshaj’s interiors, spread over 1,200sq ft, are cosy and “eco-friendly”. Especially the 35-seater cafe that is just a couple of months old. Sip on Darjeeling or Silver Tips tea, or Cocoa Berry while munching on Capsicum Basil Bruschetta and Fried Fish ’n’ Chips. Meat lovers can gorge on the All Meat Platter (chicken sausages, pork ham, bacon, egg and cheese toast) or the Pork Ham Three Layer Sandwich. 

Text: Saionee Chakraborty
Pictures: Pabitra Das