At the whimsical breakfast haven, the Hole in the Wall Café in Koramangala, that started seven and a half years ago in a small garage, then shifted base to a larger home fire, complete strangers meet for breakfast but look like family! And very large families at that! Just last week, the waiting list on a weekend (yes, you have to wait) according to the enterprising and hands-on owners Nathan Harris and Lynn D’costa, saw 900 strong breakfasters waiting to be seated — from 8 am to 4 pm!
It’s packed to the hilt on other days as well. In fact, a Wednesday morning saw at least seven tables fill promptly, even before the kitchen rang its opening bell (theoretically). The menu is truly for that hearty, healthy or not so healthy delicious breakfast with a choice of simple, straight from the fire, goodness.
We ordered the fresh watermelon and guava juice, as we scanned the sumptuous menu, eyeing a breakfast-filled waffle of egg and lettuce making its way to the next table. Smacking our lips in anticipation, we started with a Porky Fellas Breakfast that came heaped with two fried eggs sunny side up, pork breakfast sausages, bacon rashers, pork salami slices, mushrooms and grilled tomato with wholesome toasty brown bread. It was wonderful, cooked perfectly, and gobbled down instantly. The pork, cheese and fried eggs skillet had two fried eggs, again runny sunny side up, with a cheese crumble-baked with pepperoni. It was simple, delicious, fresh herbed in flavour, and we also ordered a plate of hash browns, dunked into hot oil, golden fried crisp and carbo-high!
Our next was a portion of the classic French toast with maple syrup, which was a bit watered down. We also ordered the spongey, cinnamoney French toast with fresh cream and pears brandied beautifully. Scumptious for breaking that fast.
The next on the table was the porky 9 hole, Pepper sausages, pepperoni, with onions capsicum topped with two fried eggs and mixed with crispy hash browns. Delicious and perfect for those big eaters. Satiates hunger and then some! Sizeable potions, great value for money, definitely. There are waffles in oodles of textures, pancakes in a plethora of stuffings, omelettes with a bounty from the garden, burgers, sandwiches and lots and lots of vegetarian options as well. Come to think of it, given the frugal breakfast options in the city, this one is perfectly placed. If you get a table that is!
Nathan, Galeej Guru's frontman has added his spin on music while his wife Lynn is the heart of this hearty brekkie haven. “Lynn had done hotel management which is probably the only connection to hospitality we have, but many in her family are wonderful home cooks,” explains Nathan. Even before Hole in the Wall Café, Nathan and Lynn would cater for parties, bake cakes, lasagnes, etc. “We then started doing breakfast for expats coming down for 10 to 15 days where we would set up temporary buffets,” says Nathan. Which might also be where the couple's expertise sky-rocketed to delicious levels.
Intimately involved with the running of the restaurant, they keep raising the bar. “Some ideas start from conversations, and we wanted to be unorthodox. We try not to go down the beaten track. If we are doing it, we put our spin on it,” explains Nathan, in the throes of opening a second outlet, A Hole Lotta Love, near JNC that will stay open till 6 pm with a similar menu and there are plans afoot on setting up a few satellite kitchens for takeouts because thanks to Swiggy and Foodpanda, the café see 20 percent billing from home delivery.
“Try the all English breakfast, we have vegetarian, eggless spin-offs. The Nine Yards is a toss up of lots of meat, veggies, two fried eggs for any meat lover. Our Porky Fella is a favourite. The burgers are also popular. We have a special two meat one that can be your own experiment and a chilli chicken on,” Nathan says.
The buzz is like a family of many sitting down with their brekkie … it’s a hole lot of ‘egg’citement alright, for eating breakfast like a king!
The Nine Yards is a toss up of lots of meat, veggies, two fried eggs for any meat lover.
Hole in the wall cafe
4, 8th Main Road, 4th Block, Koramangala 4th Block. Open 8 am to 4 pm
Tel: 40949490, +91 9945602562
Meal for two: Rs 500 onwards
Must-haves: Porky Fella, English breakfast, Nine Yards, Eggs with pork pepperoni and cheese skillet, Omelets, frittatas waffles, pancakes and French toast.
