Delhi’s rooftop cafés struggle as air pollution clouds winter charm

Delhi’s iconic rooftop cafés, known for their picturesque views and vibrant winter ambience, are facing an unusual challenge this year. From the lively streets of Jama Masjid to the chic spots in Connaught Place and Mehrauli, these establishments—typically bustling in the winter months—are now witnessing a noticeable drop in footfall. The culprit? Delhi’s worsening air pollution.

At Gumbad Café near Jama Masjid, which offers a stunning view of the Grand Mosque, the impact is evident. Known for its outdoor seating, the café has seen a drastic shift in customer behaviour. The manager shared, “Here, 90% of people used to prefer outdoor seating for the view or photography, but now most ask for indoor seating. Footfall has decreased significantly, and even those who visit don’t stay as long. As for preventive measures, we are still in discussions.”

Burj Café, another popular spot in the same area, has faced similar setbacks. Amjad, a staff member, noted, “We used to serve more foreigners than locals, but now both groups are asking for air purifiers, which we currently don’t have.” The café’s hookah setup, once a draw, has now become a concern for some patrons. “We can’t refuse hookah service, but it has been an issue for several visitors over the past few days,” he added.

The scene is no different in Connaught Place, where open-air terraces are typically the highlight of the café experience. At Chido, the emptier-than-usual tables told a clear story. A staff member explained, “Footfall has dropped by at least 40% compared to last November. This time last year, we had waiting queues and a full house almost every evening.” When asked about preventive measures, they admitted, “We have not taken any precautions because before this month, we really didn’t feel the need.”

At Informal by Imperfecto, a café that is usually packed, the story seemed more mixed. While outdoor seating was sparse, the staff insisted, “We haven’t noticed any significant difference in footfall.”

Further south in Mehrauli, cafés known for their breathtaking views of Qutub Minar are also grappling with the fallout. Dramz Delhi has managed to maintain steady visitor numbers, thanks to proactive measures. Prabhas, a staff member, explained, “We’ve installed air purifiers in both indoor and outdoor seating areas and use a mist spray system twice daily, particularly before the evening rush.” He added, “We ourselves ask some people to sit in the indoor seating area, like those who have children or elders with them, but some of them just listen or ask us why we are concerned if they are fine with it, so there we can’t do anything.”

Rooh, another rooftop café in Mehrauli, was reasonably full but had also hoped for better numbers. “We launched new offers and a winter menu to attract more visitors, as winters are usually our busiest time. While footfall is fine, it hasn’t spiked like it usually does. We’re considering installing air purifiers, but in open cafés, they’re mostly decorative and don’t really make much difference,” a staff member shared.

Also Read: Delhi’s fight against pollution hit by staff shortage

These challenges come against the backdrop of Delhi’s ongoing air quality crisis. A thick blanket of smog has enveloped the city for over a week, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) shattering records daily. The hazardous conditions have prompted government-mandated closures of schools and other institutions, leaving citizens to grapple with the health risks of prolonged exposure to polluted air.

While some cafés have begun taking preventive measures, many remain unprepared for the impact of air pollution on their businesses. For now, Delhiites hoping to enjoy their city’s winter charms must navigate the smog, as café owners strive to keep the essence of the season alive.