<p>In the past couple of years, a new wave of book cafes has sprung up across Bengaluru. Each offers something unique — from manga to feminist and children’s literature. Champaca bookstore’s new outlet in Indiranagar is one such addition. <em>Metrolife</em> lists out others.</p>.<p><strong>Vast collection</strong></p>.<p>Sahakar Nagar-based Kitab Cafe opened in June 2023. It boasts a collection of 3,500 books in Kannada, Hindi, and English, about 30 per cent of which are children’s books. The selection includes series like <em>Harry Potter</em> and <em>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</em>, works by Roald Dahl, Colleen Hoover, Paulo Coelho, Manto, Premchand, Kuvempu, and Shakespeare, and a vibrant manga section.</p>.<p>It is founded and run by Swaroop Murgod. It offers custom bookmarks, serves Chinese, Continental and Thai food, has free Wi-Fi, and hosts therapy sessions, art classes, and live music every Friday and Sunday.</p>.<p>Check @kitabcafe_ on Instagram.</p>.<p><strong>Comic haven</strong></p>.<p>Opened in 2024, The Comics Cafe, Indiranagar, offers comics, graphic novels, merchandise, and collectibles. “We have something for every comic fan — from manga series like ‘Naruto’, ‘One Piece’, and ‘Spy x Family’ to DC and Marvel titles like ‘Batman’ and ‘Spider-Man’,” says founder Gaurav Kapoor.</p>.<p>Currently, around 200 titles are available for purchasing, with 500 more in storage. A buyback option is available for all book purchases. Visitors can read a selection of 70-80 books for free with a food order or rent exclusive manga and new arrivals for Rs 250 per week or Rs 100 per day.</p>.<p>The cafe also hosts workshops like miniature painting and 3D printing on Saturdays.</p>.<p>Call 63635 92130.</p>.<p><strong>For movie buffs</strong></p>.<p>Opened in 2023, Story Coffee in Kammanahalli is themed around cinema. It features a collection of around 100 books, including ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘Inferno’, ‘Star Wars’, ‘Gone Girl’, and ‘The Shining’. “We update the collection regularly with novels, film biographies, encyclopaedias, and coffee-table books,” says marketing manager Pabitra Kumar Dhal.</p>.<p>The cafe also offers board games, ’80s-’90s rock music, free Wi-Fi, and <br>is popular among those who enjoy working from cafes.</p>.<p>Call 63625 81380.</p>.<p><strong>Coming up</strong></p>.<p>Launching in J P Nagar next month, Beku Cafe will serve baked goods alongside a curated collection of 1,500-2,000 books. Feminist and queer literature will form a vital part of the selection. “We want to move away<br>from bestseller lists and spotlight less-known books,” says owner<br>Prarthana Prasad, who is also a baker. Set in a two-storey bungalow,<br>the cafe will host events like book readings and workshops.</p>.<p><em>Check @beku.blr on Instagram.</em></p>
<p>In the past couple of years, a new wave of book cafes has sprung up across Bengaluru. Each offers something unique — from manga to feminist and children’s literature. Champaca bookstore’s new outlet in Indiranagar is one such addition. <em>Metrolife</em> lists out others.</p>.<p><strong>Vast collection</strong></p>.<p>Sahakar Nagar-based Kitab Cafe opened in June 2023. It boasts a collection of 3,500 books in Kannada, Hindi, and English, about 30 per cent of which are children’s books. The selection includes series like <em>Harry Potter</em> and <em>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</em>, works by Roald Dahl, Colleen Hoover, Paulo Coelho, Manto, Premchand, Kuvempu, and Shakespeare, and a vibrant manga section.</p>.<p>It is founded and run by Swaroop Murgod. It offers custom bookmarks, serves Chinese, Continental and Thai food, has free Wi-Fi, and hosts therapy sessions, art classes, and live music every Friday and Sunday.</p>.<p>Check @kitabcafe_ on Instagram.</p>.<p><strong>Comic haven</strong></p>.<p>Opened in 2024, The Comics Cafe, Indiranagar, offers comics, graphic novels, merchandise, and collectibles. “We have something for every comic fan — from manga series like ‘Naruto’, ‘One Piece’, and ‘Spy x Family’ to DC and Marvel titles like ‘Batman’ and ‘Spider-Man’,” says founder Gaurav Kapoor.</p>.<p>Currently, around 200 titles are available for purchasing, with 500 more in storage. A buyback option is available for all book purchases. Visitors can read a selection of 70-80 books for free with a food order or rent exclusive manga and new arrivals for Rs 250 per week or Rs 100 per day.</p>.<p>The cafe also hosts workshops like miniature painting and 3D printing on Saturdays.</p>.<p>Call 63635 92130.</p>.<p><strong>For movie buffs</strong></p>.<p>Opened in 2023, Story Coffee in Kammanahalli is themed around cinema. It features a collection of around 100 books, including ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘Inferno’, ‘Star Wars’, ‘Gone Girl’, and ‘The Shining’. “We update the collection regularly with novels, film biographies, encyclopaedias, and coffee-table books,” says marketing manager Pabitra Kumar Dhal.</p>.<p>The cafe also offers board games, ’80s-’90s rock music, free Wi-Fi, and <br>is popular among those who enjoy working from cafes.</p>.<p>Call 63625 81380.</p>.<p><strong>Coming up</strong></p>.<p>Launching in J P Nagar next month, Beku Cafe will serve baked goods alongside a curated collection of 1,500-2,000 books. Feminist and queer literature will form a vital part of the selection. “We want to move away<br>from bestseller lists and spotlight less-known books,” says owner<br>Prarthana Prasad, who is also a baker. Set in a two-storey bungalow,<br>the cafe will host events like book readings and workshops.</p>.<p><em>Check @beku.blr on Instagram.</em></p>