Mumbai rarely slows down. But in Kandivali West, a new cafe is quietly asking the city to take a breather. Actor and social media influencer Viraj Ghelani, along with his wife Palak Khimavat, has opened Slow Cafe, a vegetarian cafe and bakehouse that is already becoming a talking point across MaKaBo, which covers Malad, Kandivali and Borivali.
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Launched on December 5, 2025, Slow Cafe is not positioned as a flashy celebrity venture. Instead, it feels personal. Intimate. Almost domestic in spirit. As Viraj shared on Instagram, the cafe is Palak’s long-standing dream to serve people the kind of food she eats every day. That honesty sets the tone for everything Slow Cafe represents.
A space designed to help you pause
From the moment you step inside, Slow Cafe delivers on its name. The interiors are minimal yet warm, with soft lighting, uncluttered seating and a sense of calm that is increasingly rare in Mumbai’s cafe culture. There is no pressure to order quickly or leave early. The space invites you to linger.
For MaKaBo residents, this is a welcome change. Slow Cafe fits perfectly into everyday routines—morning coffees, mid-day work breaks, solo meals or long conversations with friends. It is not trying to be loud or hyper-trendy. Instead, it focuses on comfort, balance and breathing room.
This design philosophy mirrors a larger shift in urban dining, where cafes are no longer just about food. They are becoming lifestyle spaces. Places where ambience matters as much as what’s on the plate.
Clean, vegetarian food with personality
Slow Cafe’s 100 per cent vegetarian menu is one of its strongest draws. The food strikes a thoughtful balance between indulgence and intention. One of the most talked-about drinks is the Espresso Coconut Float. It’s a refreshing, unexpected combination that has already found favour on social media.
The food menu includes globally inspired yet accessible dishes like Gochujang noodle bowls, tomato confit bread with burrata, avocado toast and sweet potato fries served with in-house dips. The emphasis is on flavour without excess.
Desserts are where Slow Cafe truly leans into its philosophy. As a cafe and bakehouse, it offers in-house cakes, cookies and baked cheesecakes made without processed flour or refined sugar. Guests can also customise desserts, adjusting sweetness and flavours. It is indulgence, minus the guilt and rush.
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Relatability that converts to buzz
Viraj Ghelani’s digital presence has undoubtedly amplified the cafe’s visibility, but the content feels natural rather than promotional. Reels featuring the couple highlight food, moments and mood, not hard selling. That relatability resonates.
Slow Cafe’s viral appeal lies in its simplicity. It reflects a lifestyle many Mumbaikars aspire to—healthier choices, calmer spaces and food that feels personal. In a city obsessed with speed, Slow Cafe offers something rare: permission to pause.
Slow Cafe is not trying to compete with South Mumbai’s legacy cafes or Bandra’s trend-driven spots. It is firmly rooted in MaKaBo, designed for locals and inspired by everyday habits. By combining clean vegetarian food, thoughtful design and genuine storytelling, Viraj Ghelani and Palak Khimavat have created more than a cafe. They have created a mood—and Mumbai is clearly ready for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Slow Cafe located?
Slow Cafe is located in Kandivali West, Mumbai.
Who owns Slow Cafe?
Actor and influencer Viraj Ghelani and his wife Palak Khimavat.
Is Slow Cafe vegetarian?
Yes, the cafe offers a 100 per cent vegetarian menu.
What is Slow Cafe known for?
Clean-ingredient desserts, customisable treats and calming ambience.
When did Slow Cafe open?
The cafe opened on December 5, 2025.
Images courtesy: Instagram.com
