Growth in the culinary world is a delicate balancing act. When a newly minted neighborhood favorite decides to expand, the challenge lies in maturing without losing the soul that drew people in to begin with. The Simple Fare’s recent expansion is rooted in thoughtful, intentional growth.

A Thoughtful Evolution

Founded by local couple Ashima and Saurabh Mehra, The Simple Fare began as a pandemic-era passion project. Ashima, an architect with a master’s degree in urban design, and Saurabh, a pastry chef who trained at the French Culinary Institute, set out to create beautiful, clean-ingredient baked goods free of the artificial dyes and preservatives so prevalent in modern food. They leaned into their heritage, utilizing the natural vibrance and aromatic warmth of saffron, rose, cardamom, and pistachio. That ethos now has blossomed into a fully realized, all-day dining destination.

The Simple Fare’s new aesthetic is clean and undeniably inviting. “We’ve recently unveiled a beautifully updated interior along with an entirely new breakfast and lunch menu,” Ashima shares. The redesign offers a sophisticated canvas that allows the restaurant’s layered, spice-forward menu to take center stage, inviting guests to linger over a cortado.

A Menu Reimagined

Moving beyond their renowned pastry case, the culinary team has introduced a savory lineup that reimagines traditional Indian flavors through a refined lens. The new Samosa Puff is a comforting blend of spiced potatoes encased in house-made pie dough. Baked to a golden finish and served with a bright chutney, it bridges the gap between classic bakery techniques and Indian street food.

For a midday meal, the Aloo Tikki Burger is a standout. Two golden potato patties are tucked into a toasted all-butter brioche bun, then balanced with crisp onions, tangy tamarind chutney, and an herbaceous mint mayo. Diners seeking dietary accommodations are met with equally thoughtful options, including the gluten-free Masala Quiche, made with flavorful, crustless masala eggs and cheese.

Elevated Offerings

When it comes to scaling up, the Mehras have tightened their standards. “As a one-of-a-kind Indian-inspired café, we remain committed to being 100% seed-oil free and prioritizing organic, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible,” Ashima explains. “Everything is made from scratch, with food prepared the way it would be at home—fresh, wholesome, and thoughtfully crafted.”

The Simple Fare has managed to capture nostalgia and serve it on a distinctly modern plate. The Mehras have successfully blurred the line between a quick-service coffee shop and an upscale, conscious dining room. “Our offerings continue to feature a unique combination of house-made bakes, artisanal coffee, and a diverse selection of made-to-order dishes,” Ashima says. For those who haven’t visited lately, stepping into the new iteration is highly recommended; stay for a while and enjoy a dining experience that feels as good as it tastes.

Photograph courtesy of The Simple Fare