Tucked away on Khar’s 17th Road, Affogato has become a favourite for dessert lovers, recently marking its first anniversary. As you step inside, the café’s design immediately evokes its namesake—the Italian dessert where creamy gelato meets a shot of espresso. From the broad steps leading into the subterranean space to the concrete floors and gently curving walls, everything echoes the experience of watching gelato melt into hot coffee.
Affogato is the result of a collaboration between restaurateur Suren Joshi, known for his stylish Mumbai venues such as Joshi House and The Conservatory, and Shalini Rattan, the founder of Crèmeyum Creamery, an artisanal gelato brand. The café celebrates the union of two beloved treats: rich gelato and strong espresso. Joshi was instantly impressed by the quality and flavour of Shalini's gelato, leading to a partnership that has now blossomed into this delightful café.
The signature affogato is the obvious starting point, and the salted caramel gelato paired with espresso offers a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. If you’re looking for variety, the menu allows you to customise your affogato with flavours like Madagascar vanilla, Belgian chocolate, or even a refreshing mango and passionfruit sorbet.
However, Affogato offers more than just its namesake dessert. The menu features a wide range of gelato flavours, as well as an assortment of viennoiserie, cakes, and cookies. Gelato, which is lighter and lower in fat than traditional ice cream, is at the heart of the café, reflecting the growing trend in Mumbai for this Italian treat. Shalini, a certified gelatiere trained at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University, has poured her passion into every scoop served at Affogato. Although her love for gelato-making began during a trip to Italy in 2013, it wasn’t until the pandemic that she fully dedicated herself to this craft, transitioning from her long-standing career in corporate social responsibility to become a full-time gelato maker.
What makes Affogato stand out is its dedication to quality and inclusivity. Shalini places great importance on both technique and ingredients, using premium products like Madagascan vanilla, South American blueberries, and Sicilian pistachios, alongside fresh, locally sourced produce. The café is also mindful of various dietary needs, offering no-added-sugar options made with imported sugar alcohols, pure fruit sorbets, and alternatives suitable for those on keto, vegan, or diabetic-friendly diets.
In an area where dessert spots are plentiful, Affogato distinguishes itself by focusing on both indulgence and health. It offers desserts that cater not only to those with a sweet tooth but also to individuals with specific dietary requirements. The secret to their success lies in the use of high-quality, imported sugars from Italy that don’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels, making them suitable for weight management. Additionally, the café excels in customising flavours—customers can request a unique flavour, and it will be crafted within a day.
Affogato’s first year has been a journey of blending tradition with innovation, driven by a passion for creating quality desserts. As the café looks forward to the future, it continues to set the bar for what a modern dessert destination should be—delicious, inclusive, and utterly satisfying.