When it comes to cafes, the suburb of Andheri in Mumbai is replete with them. But there are some cafes that try to make a difference in the world, besides good food and ambiance. One such is the Bombay to Barcelona Library Cafe, located in the ever-busy neighborhood of Marol.
The Food And Vibes
Upon entering the cafe, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and an upbeat ambience. The readers are sure to make a beeline for the bookshelves here. What’s more heartwarming about it is that these books have been donated from all over the world, with special notes put in by their owners. You’ll also find dresses and jewelry next to these books – all of them made by young, creative artists eager to display their works.
Once you’ve chosen a table, it’s time to order! Their butter chicken, pink pasta, spinach & cheese crepe, and grilled mushrooms are a tantalizing treat for the taste buds. You can pair your meal with milkshakes or fresh juices. For something more rejuvenating, go for their fancy options in coffee and tea. They also have smoothies for something fruity.
You’ll be delighted to know that the portions here are generous and the prices very affordable. As the name suggests, the menu blends Indian and Spanish cuisine, all while keeping the healthy and tasty aspects intact!
About Amin Sheikh, Founder Of Bombay To Barcelona Library Cafe
The ambience and food are not the only awesome parts of Bombay To Barcelona Library Cafe. Amin Sheikh, the founder of the café, has quite an interesting story. At a very young age, he used to work at a local tea shop for excruciatingly long hours because of his stepfather. One day, he broke a few glasses and, not wanting to face the horrid consequences, ran away from home. For many days, he roamed with no money on the streets of Mumbai and eked out a living by polishing shoes or carrying luggage at railway stations. Finally, a nun took him to an orphanage named Sneha Sadan, where he grew up.
His life took another, brighter turn when he became a driver to a wealthy Eustace Fernandez. After working for him for a few years, Amin was gifted a trip to Barcelona. Upon witnessing no children on the streets over there, he came back with the determination to do something for Mumbai’s street kids. He started saving up to set up a library cafe for them, and eventually, the Bombay to Barcelona Library Cafe opened its doors.
All the employees at B2BLC have either lived on the streets of Mumbai or been orphaned. Amin gave them the chance to transform their lives, and they’ve surely made it worth their while. The kids who worked here have gone ahead to become designers, chefs, and rappers. One of them even starred in the movie Gully Boy. Every employee is given equal pay, their housing is taken care of, they receive medical expenses, and support to follow their passion. Not just that, they even feed chocolates, cupcakes, and hot chocolate to other street children free of cost.
Summing Up
Bombay To Barcelona Library Cafe should be on the list of places you need to try while cafe hopping in Mumbai. You can never go wrong with yummy food, meaningful ambience, and friendly people. Another incentive to visit? All the money they make at this café goes to feeding and educating street kids and giving them a chance at a good life.
