Stepping into Kuda Cafe feels like you’re in somebody’s tastefully done living space. This is the instant reaction for most people who unassumingly set out for some ‘Chow- Momo’.
Theithei Shaiza, the lovely woman behind this cozy place laughs gleefully at this description and admitted that just a while back someone walked in, looked a bit confused and could not make up his mind whether he had entered the right café or not. This is exactly the concept she had in mind- for people to come and relax like they are in their own homes!
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There is a TV with a shelf full of DVDs for the movie buffs.[/caption]
The cafe is a perfect representation of the woman who owns it and her dreams and aspirations. The décor is warm and inviting with eclectic furniture, cute little trinkets and vintage collectibles. Coffee table books, magazines, books on design, motorcycles, music etc are kept for book lovers. There is a TV with a shelf full of DVDs for the movie buffs. There are also board games to help you pastime.
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Coffee table books, magazines, books on design, motorcycles, music etc are kept for book lovers.[/caption]
“My house is almost bare now because whatever is in the café are things brought over from my home,” Theithei exclaimed. In fact, she informs that some of the furniture is her mother’s! My children’s toys are even here- which they’ve gave up or rather I’ve made them give it up for the cafe, she laughed.
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“There’s always someone who’s having a hard day.
I want them to come here feel at home and relax- order some food, play some games.”[/caption]
Before setting up shop, this lovely entrepreneur used to teach English at Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima. Married with two kids, she shared that it had always been a dream of hers to start a venture but she had never pursued it much. Adding to this, her husband Angam Shaiza also wanted to open a Coffee place. Once both she and husband decided to open shop, encouragement started pouring in from family and friends. “We had no idea how to run a business and we are so grateful to many people,” she expressed gratitude.
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“I hope people come and read books here. I want young people to grab a cup of coffee and do their homework, discuss about their school and college”[/caption]
“There’s always someone who’s having a hard day. I want them to come here feel at home and relax- order some food, play some games. I hope people come and read books here. I want young people to grab a cup of coffee and do their homework, discuss about their school and college,” she explained the vision behind Kuda Cafe.
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“We have unemployed youths brimming with talent and creativity right here. So we send a few young people for chef and baking training and now they are working here.”[/caption]
For now, the menu offers limited and regular choices like Momos, Noodles, Cookies, Pastries, Lemonade, Coffee, Tea, Korean Green Tea, Cookies, Muffins, and Cupcakes. “Our kitchen is small now so we’ve placed very limited items on the menu. We also want our cooks to feel confident and learn to prepare the dishes with confidence. But with such positive reviews, we have now decided to expand our kitchen space and add more items. Also, once this is complete, the prices may increase by just a little bit because at the moment we’ve kept it very low as introductory prices,” she said.
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Kuda Cafe is truly a place for the whole community and not just for enjoyment but also concerning its visions and goals.[/caption]
Kuda Cafe is truly a place for the whole community and not just for enjoyment but also concerning its visions and goals. Theithei shared, “We are very clear about some of the things we want to put into practice. Many people asked us if we were going to hire a trained chef or bring a chef from other place. But we thought what’s the point doing that? We have unemployed youths brimming with talent and creativity right here. So we send a few young people for chef and baking training and now they are working here. My heart just swells up when I look at them now because I think- they are employed and happy!”
Kuda Cafe stands true to its claim, “A cozy home environment with a simple limited menu. What we lack in quantity, we make up in quality.”