Altaf Wani's Brew: Blending International Flair with Local Flavour
In Handwara, a small town in northern Kashmir, sits A2 Cafe, a bustling hub of activity where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the chatter of locals and visitors alike. This cafe, however, is more than just a place to grab a quick cup of joe.
It's the culmination of one man's extraordinary journey from a remote village to the international stage and back again.
Altaf Wani, the proprietor of A2 Cafe, was born in the Upper Rajwar belt, where the dense forests of Satkochi Rajwar meet the serene mountain air. From these humble beginnings, Wani's path would take him across continents, leading him back home with a wealth of experience and a dream to share it with his community.
"I always knew there was a bigger world out there," Wani recalls, his eyes lit up with the memory of his childhood aspirations. "Even as a young boy in Satkochi Rajwar, I felt a pull towards something greater, though I couldn't quite name it then."
That pull led Wani to excel in his studies at Government Higher Secondary School Behnipora, where he completed his 12th class in 2010. But his next move would set the stage for his future career.
"Moving to Delhi was a culture shock," Wani admits with a laugh. "But it was there, in Basant Lok, that I discovered my passion for coffee and hospitality."
For three years, Wani immersed himself in a Barista Management course, honing his skills at Barista, one of India's leading cafe chains. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavours, teaching him not just about coffee, but about the art of creating an experience for customers.
Wani's journey continued at Hotel Comrade-Inn at Rajbagh, Srinagar, where he gained valuable insights into the hospitality industry. "Working at Comrade-Inn opened up my eyes to the finer points of customer service," Wani explains. "It's where I learned that hospitality is about more than just serving food or drinks – it's about creating memories."
But Wani's ambitions stretched beyond the borders of India. In 2021, he made the bold decision to move to Bangkok, Thailand. "Bangkok was a whirlwind of flavors, cultures, and experiences," Wani reminisces. "Working at Hotel Asia, I was exposed to a whole new world of international cuisine and service standards."
His global odyssey didn't stop there. By 2022, Wani had made his way to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, further expanding his repertoire of skills and cultural understanding. "Vietnam taught me about the importance of blending tradition with innovation. It's a lesson I've carried with me ever since."
Despite the allure of these international settings, Wani felt a persistent call from his roots. "No matter where I went, a part of me always longed for home," he confesses. "I realized that my true calling was to bring everything I had learned, back to my people."This realization led to the birth of A2 Cafe. On September 28, 2022, Wani inaugurated his dream project near Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara at bypass road. The cafe represents not just a business venture, but a bridge between Wani's global experiences and his local community.
"Opening A2 Cafe was both terrifying and exhilarating," Wani says, his voice filled with emotion. "I invested about 20 lakh rupees of my own money, and was fortunate to receive a 10 lakh rupee grant under the PMEGP scheme. But more than the financial investment, I was investing my heart and soul into this project."
The early days were challenging. Introducing local patrons to a menu that included hot classics, cappuccinos, Americanos, hazelnut cappuccinos, cafe mochas, and an array of specialty teas was met with some skepticism. "There were days when I wondered if I had made the right decision," Wani admits. "But I believed in what I was offering, and I knew that if I stayed true to my vision, people would come around."
Wani's perseverance paid off. Slowly but surely, A2 Cafe began to gain a loyal following. Today, it stands as a beloved local institution, a place where diverse flavors meet local tastes.
"Our menu is a reflection of my journey, We offer everything from traditional Kashmiri kahwa to Vietnamese-inspired coffee drinks. Our hot and cold shakes, unique flower teas, and grilled fish have become local favourites."
But A2 Cafe is more than just a place to get good food and drinks. It has become a community hub, a gathering place where people from all walks of life come together.
Local businessman Farooq Ahmed agrees: "What Altaf has done with A2 Cafe is remarkable. He's not just serving coffee; he's serving inspiration. His story shows our youth that with hard work and determination, you can bring the world to your doorstep."
Wani's journey from the quietude of Satkochi Rajwar to the vibrant ambience of A2 Cafe is a compelling narrative of passion, resilience, and transformation. It illustrates how a dream nurtured in the seclusion of a village can bloom into a successful enterprise that not only honors global standards but also celebrates local traditions.
"Every day, when I open the doors of A2 Cafe, I'm filled with gratitude," Wani reflects. "Gratitude for the journey that brought me here, for the people who support us, and for the opportunity to share a piece of the world with my community."
As A2 Cafe continues to thrive, Wani is already thinking about the future. "We're looking at expanding our menu, possibly opening new locations," he reveals. "But no matter how big we grow, our core mission will remain the same – to provide a space where every sip tells a story of dedication and excellence."
