House Cafe by Space opens in Khelaghor.
In a noisy, frenetic city like Dhaka, any space that provides a sense of calm is a rare and wondrous gift. Innstar’s shiny commercial project Khelaghor, on 70 Satmasjid Road has leaned into that idea with House Cafe by Space, a serene sanctuary amidst the busyness of Dhanmondi. This is the latest branch of the House Cafe franchise, which also has branches in Gulshan and Tejgaon Industrial Area.
The hallmark of the franchise is the sleek and minimalist design that echoes its commitment to sustainability and community, and this Khelagor edition of House Cafe reflects these sensibilities in its interiors which emphasise space, openness, and natural light. The modern industrial aesthetic, with the monochromatic colour scheme is given a splash of personality with patterned floor tiles and tasteful black and white artwork adorning the walls. Eschewing the buzzy Instagrammability of modern cafés, the décor at the House Café locations is a love letter to the quiet luxury of the 70’s and 80’s, which the founders believe achieved the best of cinema, arts and culture. This is reflected in the choice of vintage Hollywood film posters as artwork. Analogue music playing discreetly in the background adds to the ambience, which is all about taking a deep breath and centring oneself.
The Gulshan branch of the cafe is a has a more pared down aesthetic, with cozy leather seats, and a statement wall adding visual interest to otherwise spartan layout that puts emphasis on the feeling of spaciousness and breathability, which is fed by the generous amounts of natural light coming in through their large window settings.
There is a third branch in the Tejgaon Industrial Zone that evokes a feeling of hygge with pops of colour in their bright blue seating, and the use of warm pendant lamps, bringing the outdoors inside with potted palms and a tropical print on the backsplash behind the barista counter.
The food offerings centre around the idea of comfort. The bakery menu provides a carefully curated selection of desserts such as vanilla milk cake with pistachio, lemon tart, chocolate pastry, two distinct chocolate cakes (a rich ganache and a classic pastry), and a caramel cake, along with five types of croissants, ensuring that you’re not short of options to go with your bevvie. Catering to coffee and tea lovers alike, the menu has a delectable selection of teas, coffees (hot and iced), hot chocolate and juices.
The main food menu has a thoughtfully chosen assortment of Mediterranean and Sub-Continental fare, with riffs on French, Spanish, Italian and Mughal cuisine. There are salads, starters and mains for a slow and leisurely dining experience, but there is also an excellent selection of sandwiches for the quick catch-up. It is a pared down selection that provides variety without overwhelming the diner. The flavours and preparation shows the same kind of restraint. House Cafe a place you come to slow down, to pause, over slow-poured coffee, foam that holds, and warm food that pleases the tastebuds and feeds the soul. Whether you’re here to escape the hubbub for a while, or taking a quick break from the excitement of the shopping districts each branch is located at, rest assured that at House Cafe, it will happen over good food.
Delectable meals accompanied by thoughtful service, in serene surroundings, at attractive price points – the House Cafe by Space is a sanctuary you didn’t even realise you needed.
Locations of House Cafe by Space:
- Khelaghor: New 70, Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi. Contact: 01332107490
- Space Apartments: Plot 14/B, Road 57/59, Gulshan-2. Contact: 01617722301
- Trade Intercontinental: 213/A Tejgaon Industrial Area. Contact: 01332107491
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