A heritage building that once housed the acclaimed writer Nabaneeta Dev Sen, is now home to a brand new cafe in the ever-growing neighbourhood — in the context of F&B spots — of Hindusthan Park. Bunaphile is a 1,100sq ft cafe where aesthetic meets good food. In sync with the heritage property, the cafe wears a traditional Bengali look with vintage-looking chandeliers, furniture and other pieces of decor.
A soothing white on the walls lends the place an understated yet rich appearance. The menu offers breakfast to lunch and snack options and includes chef’s specials curated by 25-year-old chef Aishwarya Chatterjee.
B. Halder
“I found this place in July, 2021, when my concept was something else. But after seeing the place I changed it. The name of the house is Bhalo-Basha and everyone knows about it. I thought why not have a heritage-themed cafe and honour the heritage attached to it? This has also been the main and biggest challenge for me since our kitchen is a no-fire one and we weren’t allowed to break any existing structure,” said the owner of the 60-seater Bunaphile, Sonika Dey, who started her maiden F&B brand Krazy for Waffle in 2018. It currently has 12 outlets in Calcutta with more coming up in Delhi and Bangalore.
What: Bunaphile
Where: 72, Hindusthan Park
Timings: 7am to 10.30pm
Meal for two: Rs 1,000 (all inclusive)
B. Halder
A workstation, a reading corner or table for solo date — we loved this spot by the window, with high chairs, overlooking the south Calcutta street. This is the first indoor section that you see as soon as you enter the cafe.
B. Halder
The entrance leads to a 10-seater front porch that acts as the outdoor section of Bunaphile. The space follows the white theme, with chequerboard flooring and an overall bohemian vibe. Yellow lights add to the cosy look and feel.
B. Halder
A compact veranda with touches of greenery will make for a snug spot in the afternoons, during the upcoming cooler months.
On the menu
B. Halder
A good old club sandwich can often go horribly wrong. Thankfully, Bunaphile’s Chicken Club Sandwich doesn’t. Priced at Rs 329, the layered sandwich comes with chicken, fried egg, veggies and, of course, cheese.
There’s French fries served on the side. These are crispy with a soft inside. Make sure to have it when it’s warm.
B. Halder
Asparagus in Wasabi Cream, priced at Rs 449, is our top pick from the menu.
Slightly swaying towards the experimental side of the chart, this dish is a melange of flavours, textures and creativity.
Smokey pineapple, grilled asparagus, herb-tossed carrot, with a creamy mash, sweet feta and the star — a sharp yet mild wasabi cream — beautifully brings the dish together to create harmony on your palate.
B. Halder
Dessert in a Pot, priced at 249, amalgamates creamy with coarse, bitter with sweet, crunchy with chewy.
The elements on the plate include a cream cheese-and-mango ice cream blend with brownie dust served inside a tempered chocolate bowl, and walnut praline.
It’s almost heartbreaking to massacre the fine plating but that’s where the fun begins!
B. Halder
There are cold brews, cold brew cascaras, cold and hot coffee, tea, juices, mocktails and thick shakes available at the cafe, with prices starting at Rs 109.
B. Halder
A thick. fluffy yet crispy waffle with the goodness of nutty fused with bitter.
Priced at Rs 329 and a must-try, Belgian Waffle with Nutella, whipped cream and hazelnut is best consumed warm.