Step into this bohemian-inspired cafe for the best Tagliatelle Bolognese in Coimbatore

Regardless of what the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi (the beauty of imperfection) would have you believe, the café that bears the expression as its name is close to perfect, except for the slightly oblong mandala decorating its wall. Bright mint green doors and windows, ceiling beams lined with fairy lights, multi-coloured pastel tables leave you feeling like you have stepped into a Bohemian-inspired Pinterest story. The first week into the opening of Cafe Wabi Sabi and partners Suresh Arasu, Balaji V, Praveen M and Ashok S are still basking in the glory of their achievements — the endless stream of youngsters looking to get a reservation, hosting multiple private parties and the social media buzz surrounding this quaint 800 sq. ft. eatery. After all, opening up a cafe in their hometown was something these 25-year-olds dreamt of while still in school. 

Beautiful inside out
Braving gnarly weekday traffic and the tiny bylanes of RS Puram, we visit the cafe on Tuesday afternoon. While the entry road to the cafe and lack of parking space may not be the most attractive of features, the interiors and dreamy boho aesthetics quite make up for it. As a reward for our efforts, we order for the fresh mojito while Suresh asks us if we have a song request. Bad Karma it is, as we sip on the citrusy goodness of the ice-cold mocktail and take a quick look around.

Secret sauce
A 40-year-old house converted into a cafe, Wabi Sabi makes the best functional use of all the space available. Consider the single seating table that was formerly a cupboard. Flanked from behind by a baby pink false door that reads ‘Forever Single’, this table is the cosiest spot for when dining alone. Back at our table, the Mushroom Surprise waits to be tasted. Plated in perfect symmetry (reminds us a little of the Doordarshan logo), the deep-fried panko-covered button mushrooms are juicy, while the accompanying cheese and mint mayo give it a well-rounded richness. The penne with the cream sauce promises familiar flavours which it delivers, but Tagliatelle Bolognese is the best offering in their pasta section. Replacing beef with minced lamb, the spicy ragú is a class apart. Well-seasoned and literally melt in the mouth, this main course requires no additional flavouring, is perfect on its own and might require some help to finish given the size of the portion. 

The subs club
While we are disappointed to learn that the roasted beef steak burger and the pork sliders have been discontinued, partner and chef Praveen sends out the crispy fried chicken burger that is a six-inch sub. Deep fried chicken with caramelised onions, pickled veggies, cheese and barbeque sauce, the mixture of sweet and spice against a crispy texture of the chicken makes this one a hit. For desserts, we recommend you try the ice-cream based Nutella banana shake or if you are looking for something a little more desi, the flavoured lassi — our pick is the mango variant.

Approximately Rs 500 for two. 
 

Pics: A Raja Chidambaram