Going To Agra Sometime? Drop By This Pay-As-You-Wish Cafe Run By Acid Attack Survivors

Sheroes Hangout, a cheery little cafe run by acid attack survivors, is an initiative by Chaanv Foundation to rehabilitate the victims and help them get up on their feet again. This cafe in Agra doesn’t just serve coffee and inspiration but is an art gallery and a community radio hub too. 

There’s a reason the cafe has been held in high regard by almost every visitor who’s had the chance to have a cuppa or two here. The cynics might complain that the food’s not top-notch but hey, they’re probably missing the point anyway. The idea isn’t to rival the best chef in business but to help these fighters {and you, perhaps} see the light that shines at the end of a really long and dark tunnel.

You’re surrounded by books here and the general air of camaraderie just hangs in the air. Sheroes {sheroes = she + heroes or women who’ve survived acid attacks} manage everything from the cooking to the cash and do it with a spring in their step and their head held high. So, if you’re going through a dark phase yourself, ask to see a film where they narrate their stories and you might walk out with a new perspective – we know a lot of folks who did.

The book cafe is usually quite busy so in case you’re a big group {they can host about 25 folks comfortably}, make sure you call them and book. You’ll be served unpretentious homemade food and you can pay whatever you like.

We hear their cold coffee, fries and burger are quite the stars. The menu is all vegetarian and a mish-mash of the usual paneer, alloo gobhi, jeera rice and co. or the crowd favourites like honey chilli potato and oreo shake. See all your food options here.

Appreciation and accolades for the sheroes have poured in from expected and unexpected quarters. Apart from being completely crowd-sourced, the initiative recently won Nari Shakti Award by the President Of India for all their phenomenal work.

Yes, it’a also enjoyed its moment under the sun. But truth be told, a lot still remains.

So, the next time you visit the Taj, remember to reserve some time for this obscure, lovely site that could do with more support. Sink into their comfy cane chairs and re-look at what feminism really means to you. Change of heart is probably in order.