This is said to be the first of its kind in Delhi that seems more of a Kashmiri cultural space than an eatery. It is decorated with symbols of Kashmiri art and cultures like Kangris, Tumbaknaris, carved copperware, items of papier-mache and many other things.
Humaira Majeed, 30, hails from a well-off Buchhpora family in Srinagar where she lived for 24 years of her life. She has done her schooling from Presentation Convent School, Rajbagh and later graduated in the field of commerce from Nawakadal College in Srinagar.
Since her childhood, Humaira was always ambitious and loved travelling. Her engineer father has always supported her in taking her own decisions.
Her family gave her the confidence to work hard and achieve things in life and she feels lucky to have them.
In 2013, she left for Delhi to work for American Express. After two years, she shifted to Equity Abroad for a few more years and still works there as a freelancer.
It was during her days in Delhi when she realized that whatever she is doing is not feeding her soul. She had the zeal of doing something of her own.
With numerous ideas revolving in her head, Humaira wanted to do something innovative and something that represents Kashmir.She used to get fascinated with all kinds of art forms, crafts, and cultural artefacts of different places including her homeland, Kashmir.
She decided to set up an art café that will reflect the culture of Kashmir.
In December 2017, she launched Café Hamee Ast’o at Saket in Delhi with the vision of promoting Kashmiri food and other Kashmir specific things that she wanted to share with the world outside.
It was definitely not a cakewalk for her. Being a Kashmiri girl, it was hard for her to take a step forward to accomplish this goal and break stereotypes.
On entering the café, one gets the vibe of a little Kashmir with various Kashmiri things around: Kangris, carved copperware, Tramis, Tashi-naer, Samovars, Papier-mache items, Tumbaknaris. Moreover, the café has incorporated typical Kashmiri dishes and beverages along with the continental food in the menu.
“I wanted to provide a space to people like me who are fond of art and good food so that they can relax and enjoy their food,” Humaira said. “Besides authentic Kashmiri cuisine, we serve typical Kashmiri home-made dishes, dried vegetables and salads like Kashmiri walnut salad and fruit salad. We have Babri-byol (basil seeds) as our hot serving among other beverages and people love it.”
For the first few months, she used to cook Kashmiri food herself until she got a chef and gradually developed the café. Initially, it was challenging to manage the café with little staff and less know-how about the business. She is happy that it has taken off.
To her amazement, Humaira received an overwhelming response. “Besides Kashmiris, people from other places come and enjoy Kashmiri cuisine,” Humaira said. “Every week, a musical gig is arranged where artists from Kashmir and other cities perform and play their cultural music.”
For More Inspiring Stories Download “The Better Kashmir” Mobile App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thebetterkashmir.stories
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thebetterkashmir.stories
