Perfect Combo: A cafe overlooking the spectacular Jama Masjid

What was originally a random figment of imagination while smoking sheesha with friends, is now beautiful cafe. Behind the magnificent Jama Masjid, the new ‘Gumbad Cafe’ is the talk of the town in Old Delhi.

With its spectacular terrace views overlooking the majestic domes of the iconic Jama Masjid, Café Gumbad gives the Delhiites the much-awaited rooftop experience at the heart of Chandni Chowk.

A part of the Hotel Aiwan-e-shahi, the cafe, which was initially opened to welcome customers from 7:30pm onwards, now has lunch services with multi-cuisine items featured on the menu. However, its sheesha is the most sought after.

“Few months ago, my friends and I decided to use this space to open a restaurant or a café for families and couples because we have always enjoyed the views from up here, so we thought why not turn this into a business and create something for people. Thus, Gumbad Café happened. It’ been three months now that we have opened,” says Nadeem Khan, the manager.

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With a footfall of around 200 customers, it already has established itself well, the picturesque Jama Masjid being the main crowdpuller. “Even though we filter a lot of crowd, we always have a long queue of customers waiting for entry. The only slow day for business is Wednesday,” Khan says.

Word about Café Gumbad is spreading fast and tourists from neighbouring states have begun making calls for availability. “We don’t have reservation, unless it’s a celebrity. It’s usually always first-come-first-serve. But, our priority is set on families and couples. Crowd begins to gather 8:30pm onwards,” Khan says. The café remains open till 2am.

“In Delhi, mainly from West, Old and Northeast, customers arrive. People from South Delhi are less. Our main marketing is based on social media and by word of mouth. We have a capacity of around 50-60 people in the café. It’s only been a week that we have opened lunch services. So the number of customers is also increasing,” Khan says.

The interior of the café complements the views of the Jama Masjid. With stripped wooden tiles and palm trees, the décor of it enhances the look.

Here’s a visual trip to Cafe Gumbad