the awake cafe story
About Us
An invitation to discover new experiences
Awake Cafe is here to share those experiences with you. You might find it familiar, new, or intriguingly different. If this is your first time trying Indian food, let it not intimidate you, let it inspire you! We will do our best to explain the ingredients, regional nuances, and stories that started it all.
The Concept
Awake Cafe was created a few years ago, but I never thought I would build a business on Southern Indian food. Initially I wanted to open a restaurant based on my personal inspiration from my culinary training and experience working in some of the best restaurants. But it became clear to me that the first people to ever inspire me to cook and cook well, were my parents.
chef/owner Tabitha Das
The Story
My mom, Prema, and my dad, Seshadri, came to the US in the seventies. They left Bangalore and Madras in search for a better opportunities. Immediately after getting married, they started their new life in New York, the city where dreams are made. But, life wasn't that easy. They hardly had anything and hardly knew anyone. What they had was their culture, their stories, and their love for our family. All of this was communicated through amazing meals, the aromas filled up the room - they were so comforting. My mom would explain the healing properties of the ingredients and the stories behind the dishes she cooked. My dad even after a long day of work, would cook us his favorite meals, including chicken kadai, which I honored on the menu.
Awake Cafe was born out of the love and appreciation for delicious food and for my culture, which I gratefully contribute to mom and dad.
