Say She Ate Mumbai Cafe Opens on South Street Philadelphia

The gorgeous cafe at 1408 South Street is serving up design-forward vibes, Mumbai-inspired drinks, and a love letter to its predecessor, Govinda’s Vegetarian.

The area right off of Broad is a whole lot brighter since Say She Ate, a Mumbai-inspired cafe on 1408 South Street, arrived last fall.

say-she-ate-storefront-1408-south-street-philadelphia.jpg — *Say She Ate’s pink awning and moss-covered entrance make a striking impression on South Street*.

The transformation from Govinda’s vegetarian Indian restaurant to this gorgeous cafe is pretty damn impressive. Where the longtime neighborhood spot once served the community, there’s now a design-forward space that’s part cultural celebration, part modern co-working haven.

A Design Dream Come True

Walking into Say She Ate feels like your most design-savvy friend just showed you their secret project. The entrance alone will stop you in your tracks — a moss wall frames a glowing “TAKE A DEEP BREATH” neon sign that perfectly captures what this place is all about, along with it’s neighbor, Bhakti Garden.

*The moss wall for the adjoining yoga studio, Bhakti Garden, makes for a very soothing entrance.*

Once inside, you’ll immediately look up at the showstopping woven ceiling fixture that dominates the main seating area. It’s the kind of dramatic element that makes you pause and think, “okay, someone really thought about this.”

*The dramatic woven ceiling fixture creates an intimate atmosphere while offering views of South Street*

Mumbai Inspiration Everywhere

The cultural inspiration shows up in the most thoughtful ways throughout the space. There’s a gallery wall featuring vintage Indian photography in ornate gold frames, while trailing pothos plants cascade from floating bookshelves topped with brass Hindu deity statues.

*Vintage Indian photography in ornate frames pays homage to Mumbai’s cultural heritage.*

*Trailing plants and cultural artifacts create Instagram-worthy corners throughout the space.*

But the real showstopper? A gorgeous wall mural featuring three women in traditional Indian dress, positioned perfectly above built-in bench seating that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

*The striking mural celebrates Indian culture while providing additional seating – and plugs!*

Co-Working Paradise

This isn’t just a pretty space — Say She Ate clearly gets what remote workers need. The cozy booth seating features exposed brick walls and floral pillows, but more importantly, outlets are thoughtfully placed throughout for all your device-charging needs.

*Booth seating with convenient outlets makes this an ideal co-working spot.*

The mission statement painted behind the coffee bar says it all: “Say She Ate is designed to satiate: nourish the body, uplift the spirit and honor the Divine in all beings.” It’s wellness culture meets cafe culture, and it feels genuine.

*The cafe’s mission statement emphasizes nourishment for body and spirit.*

Mumbai-Inspired Menu

The offerings are just as thoughtfully put together as the design. The gold-railed menu wall showcases Mumbai-inspired drinks like Golden Goddess, Alphonso Lassi, and Cardamom Chai alongside matcha lattes and Belgian hot chocolate. House-made syrups include saffron, caramel, and cardamom — flavors that’ll transport you straight to a Bollywood movie.

*The elegant gold-rail menu system displays Mumbai-inspired beverages and treats.*

Food options include samosa salads, Govinda’s cheesesteak (a sweet nod to the previous tenant!), and various bowls that bridge Indian flavors with cafe comfort food.

*Matcha lattes served with bamboo straws reflect the cafe’s sustainable approach.*

The pastry case offers freshly baked treats including chocolate croissants and double chocolate cookies — perfect for those long work sessions.

*Fresh pastries and treats complement the Mumbai-inspired beverage menu.*

Street Appeal

Even from the sidewalk, Say She Ate makes its presence known. The cheerful chalkboard sign advertising “matcha! samosas!” captures the cafe’s approachable vibe, while bright yellow chairs invite you to sit and stay awhile.

*Street-level signage welcomes passersby with friendly chalk art*.

The pink awning with “mumbai inspired cafe” in elegant script tells you exactly what you’re getting — and it delivers on every promise.

Say She Ate is the kind of thoughtful neighborhood addition we’re always excited to see. It honors what came before (Govinda’s served the community for years) while bringing something entirely fresh and modern. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful spot to work remotely, a culturally-rich cafe experience, or just the perfect matcha moment, this South Street spot delivers.

📍1408 South Street | 🅾 Instagram

Drop us a line at rittenhouseramblings@gmail.com if you’ve visited — we’d love to hear about your experience!

Chai, Chaat, and Character: Say She Ate Offers Mumbai Magic on South Street