Mauji Café, located in Pune’s Bhosle Nagar, offers a unique ‘Pay-by-the-Hour’ concept where patrons pay ₹170 per hour for the time spent rather than for the food or drinks. Upon entry, customers scan a QR code to start their time, which logs their details. They can then choose a spot among the tables, swings, or sofas and order unlimited beverages such as coffee, iced tea, and lemonade through an app. Meals like pasta, wraps, sandwiches, fries, and nachos are available at an extra cost. Patrons can also bring their own food or order from delivery services like Zomato or Swiggy.
The café, founded by Vandita Purohit in 2020, emerged from her research, which revealed that most café-goers sought a space to work, relax, or read rather than for coffee or food. Mauji Café addresses this need, offering a relaxed environment without the pressure to order. The café provides a 10-minute buffer after the first hour, and there’s a maximum daily charge of ₹900, making it more affordable than traditional cafés.
Mauji Café’s aesthetic is a blend of an artsy café, a chill-out lounge, and a cozy living room. The ground floor features tables for two, colorful sofas, cozy nooks, and beanbags, while the upper floor has a library, co-working space, and a pantry for assembling or reheating food. An open-air balcony shaded by a mango tree adds to the charm. The most popular spot is the yellow sofa, reminiscent of the one from Friends, around which much of the café’s activity centers.
Mauji Café has gained popularity among students, freelancers, couples, and artists. It sees around 80-100 visitors daily, with an average stay of two hours, and spending between ₹350-500. Purohit noted that people come to read, work on projects, watch movies, play on the PlayStation, and even sleep on the sofas.
Mauji isn’t the only time café in India. GVQ Café in Kochi, which joined the trend in 2023, charges ₹150 for the first hour and a rupee for each subsequent minute. It offers free refreshments, refills, cookies, and a complimentary butter crepe. Low operational costs, minimal service staff, and a short menu have contributed to Mauji’s profitability in its first year. Purohit emphasized their informal and communal vibe, noting that regular customers are sometimes asked to pick up their coffee when the place is busy.
Mauji’s well-curated, welcoming atmosphere, quirky art, whimsical furniture, potted plants, and black-and-white photos from Purohit’s travels enhance the café’s charm, making it a popular destination for a diverse crowd.
Source – The Hindu
