Deshaj, a charming store and cafe on Old Ballygunge Lane (near Bohemian), will take you on a journey across India with their collection of handcrafted lifestyle products.
Deshaj is a celebration of Indian handicrafts and textiles. Walk in and it’s a medley of colors and quirk. Musical instruments are stacked on the floor, racks are stacked with lac toys from Midnapore, and Dokra and clay toys from Bankura whereas handmade jewellery made by women from Bolpur villages get a separate section. Madhubani and Kalamkari paintings, palm leaf patachitra scrolls, Chhau masks, ceramic and wooden boxes, leather lampshades — there’s something here for everyone. You are sure to find something unusual for your loved ones. They’ve got a separate section of apparels — sarees, dresses, kurtis, stoles and shirts.
Once you are done shopping, take a seat at their cafe. They have free WiFi — get comfortable with a book or a cup of tea. Silver Tips, Earl Grey, kahwah, Cocoa Green and cutting Bombay Chai — there’s more than 20 varieties of speciality teas to choose from. Caffeine addicts, they serve coffee too. Feeling peckish already?
Gorge on some sandwiches, burgers and pastas. The bruschetta is popular here — choose from the Capsicum Basil or Tomato Basil. Their special egg section offers scrambled eggs, omelettes, and sunny side up with bacon and sausages on the side. The Meat Platter — with sausages, pork ham, bacon, egg pouch and a side of cheese toast — is perfect for hardcore carnivores.
So, be sure to stop by this cafe-cum-store if you're in the area.
