Nestled in the heart of Borivali West, Kaffiene started its journey in 2017 as a small coffee shop, born out of Varun Sonaiya’s passion for good food and warm hospitality. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged family cafe cum restaurant offering pure vegetarian and Jain cuisine, making it a go-to spot for a diverse crowd.
The place exudes a welcoming, pet-friendly vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, creating an environment where you can unwind over coffee and comforting bites.
Curious to see what Kaffiene had to offer, we dropped by for an evening meal, and here’s how it went:
Paneer Chilli Tacos |
We kicked things off with the Paneer Chilli Tacos. The crunchy taco shell held crispy paneer tossed in soy sauce, but while the texture was enjoyable, the dish leaned more towards salty rather than bringing in a balance of flavours. The paneer itself wasn’t as juicy as expected. However, Varun shared his inspiration behind this fusion dish: “We wanted to bring a rare mix of Mexican and Chinese flavours, something you don’t usually find, and we think it works well with our flavour profile.”
Sobo Maggi |
Next up was the Sobo Maggi, a creamy, cheesy take on the beloved instant noodle dish. The creamy sauce was thick and indulgent and coated the Maggi perfectly, making it a comforting, nostalgic bite. It turns out this dish holds a sentimental value for Varun. “As a kid, we used to add cheese to our Maggi at home. Later, during my college days, I frequented a pasta stall outside the World Trade Center in South Bombay, which served extra cheesy pasta that always hit the spot. I wanted to recreate that feeling but with Maggi,” he explains. If you love your Maggi creamy and cheesy, try this!
Chatpata Khichiya Papad |
The Chatpata Khichiya Papad turned out to be a flavour bomb—a mix of tangy, sweet, and nutty flavours with just the right amount of crunch. This one was an easy win.
Avocado Toast |
Moving on, we tried the Avocado Toast, which was fresh and creamy but lacked depth in flavour. Served on nutty, multigrain bread, it had a nice crunch but could have used a bit more seasoning to elevate it.
Pita Bread with Peri Peri Hummus |
One of the café’s popular items, Pita Bread with Peri Peri Hummus, was next. The pita was thin and crunchy, while the hummus was creamy with a hint of spice and a peri-peri kick.
The drinks & dessert
We couldn’t leave without trying their in-house coffee. The Classic Cold Coffee was smooth, well-balanced, and an easy go-to. However, the Passion Fruit Coffee was an interesting surprise—it had a subtle fruity tang without overpowering the coffee’s bitterness, making it refreshing and unique.
Tres Leches |
For dessert, we went for their Tres Leches. Made with evaporated, condensed, and whole milk, the sponge cake soaked up the milky flavours beautifully, creating a soft, pudding-like texture. It wasn’t overly sweet, and the hint of rose flavour added a delicate touch. Definitely a good way to end the meal.
Vegetarian bites await for you!
Kaffiene is a cosy, casual spot that’s perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family. Although the food didn’t impress us much, the welcoming ambience, pet-friendly atmosphere, and thoughtful menu curation make it worth a visit—especially if you’re in the mood for comforting vegetarian bites paired with a great cup of coffee.
Where: Kaffiene, Borivali West, Mumbai
Cost: Rs 1,500 for two people
