Some nonage recollections stay with us ever — the smell of spices, the sound of sizzling kissers , or the comfort of a grandmother’s kitchen. For Lipy and Chirag Bafna, those cherished moments came from the heart of a South Indian kitchen where Nila Amma prepared soulful refections. When they latterly settled in Gujarat, they noticed commodity missing authentic South Indian comfort food that felt like home.
Fueled by nostalgia and love for tradition, the brace decided to transfigure their recollections into reality. Their vision was n’t just to serve food but to produce a place where culture, warmth, and simplicity could be celebrated. This idea bloomed into Podi Café a brand born from passion and heritage.
Why the Name Podi?
In South Indian homes, podi means greasepaint — a blend of roasted lentils, seeds, and spices that adds depth and warmth to refections. further than a seasoning, it symbolizes culture, passed down through generations. Naming the café “ Podi ” reflected this substance commodity simple yet important, traditional yet indelible.
Every dish at Podi Café glasses this gospel. Be it a crisp dosa sprinkled with unique podi composites or ethereal idlis served with warmth, each bite transports beaneries straight to a Southern ménage.
From Surat to Ahmedabad A Journey of Growth
The story began in Surat, a megacity open to new flavors but with limited authentic South Indian options. Their first café incontinently won hearts, not just for the food but for the feelings it elicited. Encouraged by the inviting love, Lipy and Chirag expanded to Ahmedabad, opening a new outlet at Shree Square A, near GTPL House, Bodakdev, Sindhu Bhavan Road. This step was n’t only about growth but about erecting a community that values authenticity over transitory trends.
Beyond Food A Cultural Experience
What truly sets Podi Café piecemeal is its liar. Working with The Nouveau Studio, the authors designed an identity embedded in South Indian aesthetics — banana leaves, lotus motifs, rangoli, and yard- inspired designs. This thoughtful approach ensures the café is n’t just a place to eat but an experience that celebrates tradition and connection.
