Brunch Hot Spot: Chhaya Café

On August 21, Chhaya Café hosted its grand opening at its brand-new location (1819 East Passyunk) to great fanfare. I was fortunate to talk to chef and owner Varnana “V” Beuria, also a Penn alum, about her stories that went into developing the café.

Chef Varnana “V” Beuria made her creative mark on South Philadelphia when she opened Chhaya Café in 2010 at a location two doors down from the new location in South Philadelphia. Chhaya’s new space is nearly double in size compared to the old place, and features seating for 50 inside and 10 outside. Beuria’s philosophy is simple: provide delicious uncomplicated food that comforts and delights. Her innovative and passionate approach to her food is far from simple.

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Chef V transforms popular fare into interesting, delicious, and flavorful dishes. Her menu draws its inspiration from local favorites and international classics. Her belief is that a meal should warm the heart and draw people together – and that her creations are as much about connecting and community as they are about ingredients. Many of the ingredients are local and coffee beans are roasted locally.

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The design of the coffee brewing bar is purposeful, with the final layout designed to be set up like a bar, not a traditional coffee shop. Beuria wants guests to communicate and interact with the baristas like a customer does at a bar.

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“The centerpiece of the new location will feature a coffee bar with seating in the front for baristas and customers to interact with each other, not just place to order and run,” said Beuria. “Our employees have always had an intimate relationship with customers, and will continue to in the larger space.”

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I found this idea to be very interesting as I at one point considered becoming a barista for a part-time job. However, other coffee shops that I have been to made it hard to have conversation with baristas as I had to order and move for the next customers to order.

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On top of its signature coffee, its arugula salad, grilled sandwich, and veggie chili were very delicious.

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An especially attractive aspect of the café is the artwork, all done by local artists; drawings are drawn by Brenda Brown and photographs are taken by Patrick Barnes.

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The artwork is available for purchase when a customer expresses interest. As Chef V explains, “Expanded space also means additional room for Chhaya’s art program. Local and regional artists will be able to hang more pieces on the walls, and Chhaya will have space host three dimensional pieces. The art program will be led in-house, with two long-time baristas taking over the program.”

For more information about the café such as menus and prices, visit Chhaya’s website.

-Youngji Kim

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