‘No flirting with cashiers’: Quirky menu of Irani Cafe in Pune goes viral

“It’s hilarious. I’ve never seen a cafe with such a straightforward list of do’s and don’ts. The ‘No flirting with cashier’ rule cracks me up. I really want to know what led them to add that to the menu,” Joshua Manual, 24, a regular patron of Irani cafes in the city, says.

The menu, recently shared by a customer on social media, not only lists the usual items like chai and bun maska but also features a series of tongue-in-cheek guidelines that have caught the attention of many.

Irani Cafes have long been an integral part of Pune’s food scene with 14 outlets spread across the city – with the same menu. Known for their simple yet delicious food and nostalgic ambience, these Cafe s have been cherished by patrons for generations. The no-nonsense attitude, reflected in the menu’s instructions, aligns with the laid-back atmosphere that Irani cafes are known for and has struck a chord with many.

Dhiraj Rai, visiting the Irani Cafe  at Camp for the first time, said it was “refreshing to see a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously”. “The ‘No free advice’ rule is just perfect! Sometimes you just want to enjoy your meal without hearing everyone’s thoughts,” says Rai.

While rules like ‘No smoking’, ‘No credit’, and ‘No bargaining’ are commonly seen in eateries, the cafe’s playful approach to customer behaviour has stood out.

“These rules are a great way to set the tone of the place. The ‘No flirting with cashier’ is especially amusing but it also makes you wonder what kind of interactions led to that rule being implemented,” says Athena Augustine, an Irani Cafe regular.

As the menu continues to circulate on social media, it’s clear that Irani Cafes in Pune are not just serving up chai and snacks but also a hearty dose of humour. “It’s all in good fun and adds to the charm of these old-school places,” says a customer.