If you were to wander down memory lane in old Bengaluru, you'd likely recall the comforting weekends spent at your grandmother’s house—those moments brimming with treats and love. For many who grew up in the 80s and 90s in Bengaluru, it’s the nostalgia of red oxide floors, simple dining tables with benches, the scent of flowering trees, and sprawling courtyards that tugs at the heartstrings.
You might remember savouring jaggery-sweetened filter kaapi during a rainy evening or gorging on homegrown jackfruit, guavas, or mangoes in the summer heat. These timeless memories of Bengaluru’s old homes have been lovingly revived at Ajji House by Subko, a newly opened café in the city, offering a modern-day homage to those treasured times. While the homegrown fruits may not be available, you can expect the shade of a raintree, seasonal treats, artisanal bakes like their range of croissants, and specialty coffee where there is a cuppa for everyone.
"Ajji" translates to grandmother in Kannada, and Ajji House aims to capture that cosy, nurturing essence of grandma’s home, not just in name but in spirit. You will be greeted by an enticing selection of seasonal treats, specialty coffees, and artisanal chocolate creations. The café continues Subko’s tradition of craftsmanship, which began with their flagship locations like The Craftery in Byculla and Mary Lodge in Bandra, Mumbai. Now, Subko Coffee Roasters' flagship has arrived in Bengaluru at a meticulously restored 70-year-old bungalow that seamlessly blends the traditional aesthetics of old Bengaluru with contemporary design elements.
Founders Rahul Reddy and Daniel Trulson have retained the soul of the bungalow, ensuring that each corner speaks to the character of the city’s heritage homes. Yet, they’ve managed to infuse modern touches that add a stylish, fresh vibe to the space. Ajji House is more than just a café—each room is dedicated to one of Subko’s signature crafts: an artisanal cacao room, a specialty coffee room, a wheat room for baked delights, and even a Khel Kona for indoor games. There's also an On-Air room and a charming dukaan where customers can purchase some of Subko’s offerings.
The house itself holds a story that dates back decades. Originally owned by Kamalamma’s family, she moved there with the singular goal of providing her son with the best education possible. The bungalow, situated near Bishop Cotton Boys' School, became home to her grandchildren, Sharath Reddy and Swetha Gowri, who spent their childhood playing under the shade of a sprawling raintree in the courtyard. Today, their memories are etched into the walls of Ajji House, preserving the legacy of a time when homes were filled with stories, community, and the warmth of belonging. Ajji House is not just a tribute to the city’s architectural past; it’s a heartfelt nod to the heritage of Bengaluru’s older homes, inviting both the young and old to reconnect with their roots through the medium of specialty coffee and artisanal treats.