Srinagar's Cafes | Brewing Success Stories

Nestled in the captivating embrace of the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar stands as a living testament to the seamless integration of tradition and modernity. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Dal Lake and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the city unfolds as a picturesque canvas, painting an ideal setting for a thriving cafe culture.

Amidst the grandeur of nature, Srinagar's vibrant streets come alive, where the aromatic essence of Kashmiri cuisine intertwines with the beauty of animated conversations.

These cafes, emerging as core of cultural convergence, foster an inviting ambience that mirrors the rich tapestry of warmth and hospitality woven by the resilient spirit of the city's people. In the heart of Srinagar, these culinary havens become more than just places to enjoy a cup of coffee—they encapsulate the soul of a historic city that seamlessly blends its heritage with the pulse of contemporary life.

Beyond their role as social and cultural hubs, these cafes in Srinagar have emerged as thriving centres for entrepreneurial ventures. The aromatic blend of Kashmiri chai and global coffee is not only a sensory delight but also a catalyst for economic growth. Entrepreneurs, inspired by the city's unique atmosphere, have transformed these cosy corners into platforms for innovation and business. From local artisans showcasing their crafts to tech-savvy individuals designing interactive spaces, the entrepreneurial spirit permeates the very essence of these cafes.

Embark with us on a captivating journey through the soul-stirring cafes of Srinagar, where every sip of chai and exchange of words takes place amidst the enchanting symphony of scenic landscapes and centuries-old traditions.

The Black Vintage Cafe & Grill

Situated in the vibrant and bustling locality of Radio Colony, Rajbagh, The Black Vintage Cafe & Grill is under the ownership of Shahid Khan, a young entrepreneur with an engineering background.
Recounting his journey, Shahid shares that he pursued studies and employment outside Kashmir region, but it was his grandmother's encouragement that led him back home. She advised him to utilise the available space for a business venture. The inauguration of the cafe marks the fulfilment of Shahid's long-held dream, signifying a milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.

Despite no experience in this realm, Shahid immersed himself in extensive training with CCD, honing his skills as a barista. His exploration and interaction with the chefs at his cafe provided valuable insights, emphasising his active involvement in all culinary aspects.

“After conducting the market survey, I noticed that the majority of cafes follow the themes of popular television shows. However, I wanted to try something different so I chose to have my cafe’s theme revolve around Kashmiri poets,” he said.

Within the cafe, every table is dedicated to Kashmiri poets from Habba Khatoon, Mehjoor, Lal-Ded, Agha Shahid Ali to Zareef Ahmed Zareef. Their poetry adorns the tables made of deodar wood, contributing to the place’s aesthetics.

Shahid has a great adoration for what he does.

"As an art lover myself, I encourage artists to showcase their work at my cafe and I am more than willing to give them 100% of the profit.”

He stated that he never views himself as the cafe's owner but rather as an employee who puts in a lot of effort to provide customers with good food.

Auburn by Arwa Bakery and Cafe

Arwa Siraj and Jehanzeb Khan stand as the dynamic co-owners of Auburn by Arwa~ Bakery & Cafe, nestled in the heart of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar. A professional baker, Arwa, joined forces with her fiancé Jehanzeb to venture into the culinary realm, giving birth to this delightful establishment on May 17, 2023.

With a collective industry experience of 7 years, the duo successfully transitioned their cloud kitchen, which had been operational since 2017, into the vibrant and newly established Auburn cafe. Khan
underscores the importance of quality in the culinary experience, asserting that while the aesthetic appeal of cafes may attract patrons initially, it is the superior quality of the food that ultimately ensures customer satisfaction and loyalty.

"Aesthetics and ambience may enchant for a day or two, but it's the quality of the offerings that ensures repeat visits," he said.

In their culinary entrepreneurship, Arwa and Jehanzeb's journey reflects not just the challenges but the paramount importance of sustaining quality and customer satisfaction for lasting success.
The Backyard Grills-Garden & Art Cafe

At the helm of The Backyard Grills - Garden & Art Cafe in Rajbagh is the enterprising Ayhan Amjad. A resilient soul at 27, Ayhan has traversed the corridors of corporate life and agricultural ventures. After dividing his college years between Delhi and Mumbai, he initially immersed himself in the corporate world, only to be beckoned back to his roots by a personal calling.

Undertaking the venture "Chick Story Farms," an organic chicken farming initiative with his brother, they faced unforeseen challenges following the abrogation of Article 370, resulting in a burden of debt. The tide turned during a dynamic brainstorming session with his brother, leading to the conception of the cafe idea. Nestled in the serenity of their backyard, "Backyard Grills" came to life on June 9, 2021, showcasing Ayhan's resilience and commitment to crafting a unique culinary sanctuary amidst challenges.

Ayhan asserts that the café's aesthetic mirrors their state of mind, an authentic reflection of their vision without any involvement of architects or interior designers.

When asked about the growing café culture in Kashmir. He points out that the number of cafes is not significant, what truly matters is a cafe's ability to survive.

"The growing café culture doesn't guarantee success; it's about creating an environment that interests people. Selling food is easy, but what sets us apart are the intangible elements: the vibe, customer hospitality, and the overall experiential offering."

Hype Cafe and Garden

Founded by Habeel Masoodi, Hype Cafe and Garden, nestled along the serene banks of Dal Lake on Boulevard Road, marks its first anniversary.

Habeel Masoodi envisioned this establishment as a positive force, foreseeing faster progress and reasonable investments. In articulating the inspiration behind launching the cafe, he expressed a clear
intention to break away from the stereotype of catering exclusively to the elite class.

Masoodi stated, "I aimed to cater to perons beyond the elite class, specifically those who appreciate paying a fair price for a cup of tea and coffee while savouring the view." Hype Cafe and Garden, thus, stands not just as a culinary haven but as a testament to Masoodi's commitment to inclusivity and providing an enjoyable experience for a diverse clientele.

Challenges:

The individuals establishing these cafes face several challenges. Constructing these establishments proves challenging due to the excessive costs associated with cafe rent, staffing, equipment and other essentials.

Jehanzeb Khan while sharing his experience, navigating the transition in establishing a cafe, he emphasised the importance of stoicism.

"As a newly established venture, you have to prioritise covering salaries and rent for the initial two years. Setting aside thoughts of immediate profits to foster organic growth within the organisation," he said.

Furthermore, the necessity for permits to initiate cafe functions adds complexity to the process. Another challenge is the intense competition from other market participants.
Habeel asserted that initiating a cafe was arduous.

“I required permission from the lakes authority management and other relevant authorities to kickstart this business, “ he said.

Local Perspective

Amaan, a regular cafe visitor, considers it not just a normal place where he grabs coffee but rather a place where he establishes personal and professional relationships. Emphasising the significance of facilities like accessible WiFi and 24/7 power facilities, he views cafes as ideal workspaces that smoothly blend productivity with a welcoming ambience.

“As someone living in an area with intermittent electricity, cafes have become an essential part of my work routine as they provide me with a conducive environment for productivity,” he said.
Social media is playing an important role in promoting cafe culture. It is helping these young entrepreneurs promote their businesses. Every single cafe owner mentioned above stated that they use social media, primarily Instagram, to promote their business. Additionally, younger folks who are avid users of social media discover and explore these places through these platforms.

"In my experience, social media and technology play a huge role in shaping how we engage with the cafe culture. Platforms like Instagram not only allow us to discover aesthetically pleasing cafe environments but also encourage us to visually document our coffee moments," said Namarik, a college student.

The fact that cafe culture is flourishing cannot be denied, but this has given rise to several concerns. The primary issue is that the emergence of these cafes is driving up real estate values, displacing established communities, and changing neighbourhood’s character.

Additionally, there are environmental concerns related to disposable items and the energy consumption of coffee production. Therefore, we must weigh the benefits of cafes against their disadvantages, something
that can be accomplished through effective urban planning and sustainable efforts.

BY NAZAKAT ASLAM and AALIMA QAYOOM