Every visit to The Simple Fare in Millburn aims to be a journey. In particular, it’s a chance to discover spices, teas, and sweets inspired by Indian tradition. The cafe and patisserie offers authentic and delicious artisanal food and desserts made with 100% natural ingredients.
The 1,000-square spot is “minimalistic and intentionally so,” says Ashima Mehra, owner. “We believe less is more.” The space has white, natural oak, and grey colors, “giving it an open feel.” The Simple Fare can seat 18 indoors and will seat 10 to 12 on their patio seasonally.
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Popular items include the Masala omelet (organic eggs with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers served with sourdough); Tandoori chicken sandwich (24-hour marinated free range chicken, spices, sweet and spicy avocado mayo, and pickled veggies); and Bombay sandwich (French milk bread layered with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cheese with house-made mint and coriander). Rice bowls include chicken curry and chana masala (homestyle chickpea curry, basmati rice, pickled onions, spring greens).
Of course, as a patiserrie The Simple Fare also has dessert options. Highlights include the rose and pistachio cake, made with Spanish saffron soaked in milk and freshly ground spices. The salted caramel banana bread is also a hit, as is the nankhatai. (Mini Indian shortbread cookies made with semolina, chickpea flour, and unbleached flour with a hint of cardamom and ghee.)
“We focus on fresh, wholesome meals and a relaxing atmosphere to make every visit special,” Ashima says. “Such a place was missing in Millburn and its surrounding towns. Until now, we didn’t have a place that could showcase the culinary art rooted in Indian culture.”
About the Owners
Ashima and her family have lived in Millburn since 2024. “When I thought of taking the plunge and opening a physical space, I wanted to open in Millburn,” she says. “Although we did look at neighboring towns, we ended up always gravitating back to Millburn. This town has been an amazing place to live and raise a family.”
Ashima owns The Simple Fare with her husband, Saurabh. Though an architect by profession, she enjoys baking and cooking. Similarly, Saurabh is an engineer that pursued his culinary passion by studying pastry and culinary techniques at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. “My goal is to make sure that The Simple Fare is a destination for people to come in and enjoy the flavors of Indian cuisine as I see it from my lens,” Ashima explains.
Visit The Simple Fare at 35 Main Street in Millburn. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Ashima Mehra / The Simple Fare