For any other place, this undistinguished façade, with non-descript plastic furniture, standard yellow paint and slow-moving fans would be business suicide. But for Good Luck Café, it is simply its identity. One that draws crowds, and has been drawing them, feeding them Iranian food since 1935, as the sign at the entrance proudly proclaims.

Step inside Café Good Luck and you are greeted with familiarity and comfort and a sense of belonging. For its myriad aficionados, Good Luck is a homecoming.

I make my way to the only vacant table, which by itself was surprising, as Good Luck is usually packed, morning to night. Its menu offers a staggering array for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And of course, everything in between.

As I wait to be served, I look around. Uncle sits at the counter watching the going-ons. The fans bring in the warm air. Traffic goes past the open window, although the fumes never make it in. The bell chimes when an order is ready. Customers sit for hours over cups of piping hot, sweet tea, reading the newspaper. Even though a sign above asks, in no uncertain terms, to ‘not occupy seats unnecessarily’.

Regardless of what the sign says, Café Good Luck welcomes all, without prejudice of how long you’ll sit or how much you’ll spend. There are those, like me, who take hours on their bun-maska and chai. Others come for the delicious mutton dishes, so good they have to be tasted to be believed.

Vegetarians needn’t fret. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into as well. Tuck into the special veg-thali that is now part of the menu. Or even the veg kathi rolls or regular sabji-roti fare. Whatever your preference, do not pass up a chance to taste the caramel pudding. As delicious as a caramel pudding can be. And all without dipping deep into your pocket. Which is what makes it so popular.

Café Good Luck works on old-world charm and word of mouth and repeat customers. In the last 75 years this Iranian café has seen a multitude cross its doorsill. As much for the food and ambiance, as for the way it welcomes everyone. A visit there makes for a nice tryst with Pune's past, a break from the city, and a moment (or two) or old-school relax.