We recently stumbled upon a newly opened café named Acai (pronounced ah-sa-ee) in Kothrud, and what amazed us the most was their widest range of breakfast menu in Pune. From traditional Maharashtrian dishes like Thalipeeth and Misal to a full continental breakfast menu option omelettes, Sandwiches, Pancakes, they literally have something for everyone. At a time when most restaurants prefer sticking to one cuisine, it’s refreshing to see a place trying to be inclusive and cater to diverse breakfast cravings.

What we tried here-

This was probably the first time we had dishes like Thalipeeth, Misal, smoothie bowls, salads, omelettes, and waffles in one sitting.

Starting with the Maharashtrian options, the Thalipeeth was crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked in the center. Unlike many places, it wasn’t oily or fried. It came topped with a generous dollop of loni and was served with curd and mango pickle on the side. 

The Misal struck the perfect balance in terms of spice — their tarri recipe hits that midpoint between spicy and mild. Interestingly, for the mashed potatoes, they serve 2 small batate wadas. The rest of the misal comes in a platter in a deconstructed form where you can control how much matki ussal, tarri, onions to put as per your taste preference.

Next, we tried their omelettes, which were made using three eggs. Honestly that is the ideal quantity of eggs which should go into the making of any omelette! They were served with two slices of toasted bread along with sides of hash brown and stir-fried assorted vegetables.

The smoothie bowl was packed with fruits and seeds, topped with coconut cream.. It wasn’t overly sweet, which made it really enjoyable. 

The paneer cheese sandwich was another highlight. The cheese was gooey and wonderfully stringy when pulled apart, and the flavours were perfectly balanced. Good amount of Paneer was used in the sandwich.

Lastly, we tried their pancakes, topped with Nutella and fresh cream. Freshly cut fruits were added as garnish, making the dish both visually appealing and delicious.

Conclusion

Located in Gokhale Business Hub, opposite City Pride Kothrud, this is their second branch after their successful outlet at The Mills. What makes the Kothrud outlet special is that it has been designed specifically keeping Kothrudkars in mind. Interestingly, this is the only branch where they serve breakfast. And not just breakfast, but possibly the widest range of breakfast menu in Pune.

What stands out is how they have understood their customers and adapted their offerings accordingly. Instead of being rigid about their menu, they have introduced a breakfast spread that appeals to everyone. Personally, I love a continental breakfast, while my wife prefers Maharashtrian dishes. Acai has now become our midpoint where both of us can happily enjoy what we like.

The café also scores high on ambience. The interiors are tastefully designed with beautiful plants used as section dividers and even on the ceiling, creating a lively and refreshing atmosphere. The hanging lights add an aesthetic charm to the space. Apart from the planters at the entrance, they’ve creatively used greenery across the décor, giving the place a luxurious yet cozy vibe.

Overall, Acai doesn’t hold back when it comes to flavour. They are not shy about using the right amount of masalas and seasoning, which makes their food truly satisfying. If you are someone who enjoys variety for breakfast, this place might just offer the widest range of breakfast menu in Pune.

Address: Gokhale Business Bay, opposite City Pride, Multiplex, Kothrud, Pune.

Contact: +919921709596