A cafe that plays hide and seek

Play and duality shines within a two-storied Mumbai cafe by Studio RCI

28 Jul 2025

Much like in matters of love, can distinct (design) identities co-exist harmoniously under the same roof? Well, in the case of Bomdia Café in Mumbai, a dual-storeyed establishment, spanning 2,000 sq ft, the answer is a yes. Located in the Matunga neighbourhood, two distinct food and beverage experiences are served seamlessly across two levels, each with its own culinary concept and design traits.

“One of my favourite elements to design was the coffee kiosk on the ground floor. It’s the heart of the cafe and the first thing you see as you enter, so it needed to make a strong impression, both functionally and visually,” shares Ruchika Chabbria, Principal designer, Studio RCI, who led the project with her team comprising Sanika Gangan and Tejal Ubhare.

“The visual language of the space is interactive yet intimate, with laser-cut floor tiles, a camouflaged restroom wall, open shelving with thoughtful details and a coffee kiosk” — Ruchika Chabbria

HOUSE OF INTRIGUE

From rounded table edges and chunky wooden bases to a bread display—emblazoned with a signature checkered pattern—Bomdia feels intimate and inviting in equal measure. “The visual language of the space is interactive yet intimate, with visually striking elements like laser-cut floor tiles, a camouflaged restroom wall, open shelving with thoughtful details, and a coffee kiosk,” Ruchika reiterates.

A feature that catches the eye almost immediately is the chequered pattern at the entrance. Crafted from a mix of veneer and PU finish, it instantly draws attention, setting a playful and inviting tone from the outset.

COLOUR CODE

A light and breezy palette dominates the palette of the cafe on the lower level, where soft pinks, powder blues, creams, and warm beiges are paired with ash veneer. The distinct choice of lighting across the two floors offers a hint of what’s to come.

As one takes the stairway, the colour palette deepens with earthy terracotta and rich ink blue, creating a warm, cocoon-esque ambience on the upper floor. Echoing the visual language of the cafe, laser-cut tiles continue here, but patterns are in deeper hues and arranged in a fluid, wavy layout adds a sense of movement and rhythm to the space.

The presence of charming shelves, ceiling and wall lamps from Harshita Jamtani Designs, and curated artefacts from Magnolia, Oma and Ware Innovations in the private dining area infuses a cosy warmth to this corner; Photography by Rohit Mendiratta (The Matter Studio)

The cane light by Studio RCI is eye-catching and a design marvel, with a led strip hidden inside that reflects in the ceiling; Photography by Rohit Mendiratta (The Matter Studio)

A TOUCH OF EARTH AND SOUL

Drawing inspiration from the idyllic modern-day French cafes, Bomdia embodies a design language that brims with a relaxed elegance. The sensibility is evidenced in the thoughtful coalesce of materials like ash wood, cane, and clay with pastels and organic textures—not merely for their visual softness but for the tactile comfort. And, the result? A layered, soulful space where custom furniture and fabrics gently nudge one to pause and soak up a weekend-y vibe, over a good drink, of course.