Reminiscing Indian architecture through cafes: How India’s bungalows are becoming Instagram-worthy hangouts

Big verandas, vintage wooden chairs woven with knitted strings, large windows through which rays of sunlight stream in, casting shadows on white marble floors, and high ceilings that keep the space cool and airy. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingers in the air, making the place feel instantly familiar. The entire setting evokes memories of visiting a grandparent's sprawling house in the countryside or stepping into one of the old Indian Coffee Houses that have become increasingly rare.


It feels like the perfect place for an afternoon nap or a moment of quiet relaxation. Instead, these spaces are now buzzing with conversations, coffee cups, laptops, and camera clicks. They are not just cafés; they are also the perfect backdrop for an aesthetically curated Instagram feed.

Across India, old bungalows are being transformed into cafés. These homes, which carry traces of past lives and architectural traditions, are being given a new purpose while preserving their original character. From the Portuguese and colonial-era houses of Ranwar Village in Mumbai to Art Deco residences in Bengaluru, these cosy family-like spaces are being restored rather than demolished.

As Gen Z increasingly seeks experiences that feel authentic and visually appealing, heritage cafés have emerged as the perfect blend of history and contemporary culture. Sipping artisanal coffee in these restored bungalows often takes us back to the old coffee houses we visited with our parents as children and to our grandparents' homes, whose memories may have faded but never truly disappeared. Here are some cafés that are making their mark by combining old-world aesthetics with speciality coffee, artisanal menus, and contemporary interiors.


Founded by Nishant Sinha in 2017, Roastery Coffee House has embraced the growing trend of transforming old bungalows into speciality coffee destinations. With outlets in cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Noida, and Kolkata, the brand evokes the charm of the old coffee houses that many Indians grew up visiting.

The chain has not only made its mark through heritage-inspired spaces but has also built its identity around locally sourced coffee from different regions of India. Its flagship outlet in Hyderabad operates from a restored bungalow in Banjara Hills, where the original verandah, courtyard, and residential character have been preserved, creating a space that feels more like a home than a commercial café. Many of its other outlets are either housed in restored bungalows or designed to replicate their architectural charm. This blend of heritage aesthetics, speciality coffee, and contemporary café culture has made Roastery Coffee House particularly popular among younger generations.

A 130-year-old bungalow in Bandra has been beautifully restored into a café that instantly feels like home. Its weathered walls, vintage wooden furniture, and old-world charm blend seamlessly to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Located in the narrow lanes of Ranwar Village, a 300-year-old hamlet in Bandra, the café is tucked away from the bustling crowds of Hill Road.


Walking through these quiet lanes feels like stepping into a corner of Europe. The neighbourhood is lined with vintage Indo-Portuguese bungalows that reflect the area's East Indian heritage, making Everhome Café as much a cultural experience as a coffee destination.

Housed inside a restored early-20th-century colonial bungalow in Kolkata's Bhawanipur neighbourhood, The Bhawanipur House is a celebration of the city's architectural heritage. The century-old structure retains many of its original features, including high ceilings, thick walls, period woodwork, spacious verandahs, and vintage-inspired interiors that evoke the charm of old Calcutta.

The Bhawanipur House stands as an example of adaptive reuse, where heritage architecture has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and culinary space while retaining its old-world charm.

Nestled in Bengaluru's leafy Jayanagar neighbourhood, Beanlore breathes new life into a 1980s Art Deco bungalow, transforming it into a café that seamlessly blends architecture, nature, and coffee culture. Rather than dramatically altering the structure, the designers chose to preserve its original character, retaining elements such as the rounded roofline, original staircase, and intimate residential layout.


The restored bungalow offers a sense of nostalgia and tranquillity that appeals to Gen Z. Combined with its aesthetic interiors and heritage charm, it creates an experience that feels both authentic and Instagram-worthy.

The restoration of vintage bungalows into cafés is helping revive a culture that might otherwise have been lost to time. While younger generations are embracing modern lifestyles and rapid urban development, there is also a growing desire to remain connected to their roots. After all, development has little meaning if it comes at the cost of forgetting where we come from.

These heritage cafés demonstrate that progress and preservation can coexist. Proving that moving forward does not always mean leaving the past behind.