Ulfat Jaan
Srinagar, Aug 07 ; Amid rising unemployment and scarce government-led opportunities, Kashmir’s youth are finding hope in an unexpected place—the region’s thriving café culture.
With joblessness reaching alarming levels—plaguing educated young professionals and fueling rising depression, anxiety, and social crises—this café culture has emerged as a game-changer. More than just redefining local palates with artisanal brews and global flavors, these cafés are generating much-needed employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and reviving aspirations.
Over the past seven years, numerous cafés have sprung up across Kashmir, each offering a modern twist on traditional cuisine while introducing diverse international flavors. From Afghan and Uzbek dishes to Middle Eastern and Punjabi fare, these establishments cater to a wide range of tastes—but more importantly, they are providing employment opportunities to a younger generation struggling in the absence of stable jobs.
For 26-year-old Bilal, working at a local café in north Kashmir was a lifeline. “After years of searching for a job, I finally found my calling as a barista,”he said with a smile while taking to Morning Kashmir. “Now, I not only earn a living but also get to learn new skills every day.”
Bilal’s story is not unique. After completing his graduation, he faced relentless rejections. “I tried my luck at different places, but nothing worked out. With pressing family commitments, I felt hopeless,” he recalls. “Finally, after a lot of effort, I found work at a café. No matter what people say about this job, for me, it’s peaceful—it’s soul satisfaction.”
The café boom isn’t just creating jobs—it’s inspiring young Kashmiris to become entrepreneurs themselves. Aijaz, 28, opened his own café in Srinagar outskirts after working in the hospitality industry for years. “I saw how cafés were changing the social and economic scene here. Instead of waiting for a government job, I decided to take a risk,” he says. “Now, I employ six people, all young graduates who couldn’t find work elsewhere.”
For many, these cafés are more than just businesses—they’re platforms for creativity and self-expression. “We’re not just serving coffee; we’re crafting experiences,”says Zoya, a 25-year-old café manager. “Young people come here not just to eat but to discuss ideas, work on startups, and even host poetry nights. It’s a cultural shift.”
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Rising operational costs and competition make sustainability difficult. “Rent, supplies, and electricity are expensive, and profit margins are slim,”admits Farhan, another café owner. “But seeing young people get jobs and customers appreciate our efforts keeps us going.”
Government policies could further boost this trend. “If authorities provide subsidies or low-interest loans for young entrepreneurs, this sector can grow even faster,” suggests economics student Insha. “Cafés are proving that Kashmir’s youth don’t just want jobs—they can create them.”
This trend reflects a broader societal shift, with Kashmiri youth embracing entrepreneurship for financial stability and personal fulfillment. According to Morning Kashmir ground survey, the café boom has not only created jobs for owners but also boosted local employment and the economy.
Notably, many cafés have evolved into cultural hubs, hosting art exhibitions, poetry readings, and live music. “These spaces aren’t just about food—they foster creativity, dialogue, and community,” remarked a café-goer.
Jibran Khan owner of famous food chain Zero Miles Grill and Cafe said that on Changing Social Dynamics Cafés have become Kashmir’s new drawing rooms. Families, friends, even solo thinkers—everyone finds a corner here. Food is just the excuse; connection is the real dish.
He said on Imitation vs. Innovation the fear of missing out has turned cafés into a sea of sameness. But the ones that last? They don’t follow trends—they set them.
He said One café opens, and ten youths find work. This industry isn’t just feeding appetites—it’s feeding families.
Jibran further added that our grandparents measured love in pounds of mutton today’s youth measure it in latte art. Both are heartwarming in their own ways.
