Mumbai is rightly known as the city that never sleeps and the streets tell a thousand stories of dreams and resilience. There exists a café unlike any other, a place where former street children have found not just employment but a purpose and a family. Bombay to Barcelona Library Café is a dream brought to life by Amin Sheikh, a man who faced the struggles of homelessness firsthand. At this beautiful cafe, you will encounter stories of strength and second chances.
Amin Sheikh’s Café Is Changing Lives In Mumbai
Amin Sheikh’s story is not just one of survival but also of commitment to making a difference. At the tender age of five, he ran away to escape an abusive stepfather and labour at a streetside tea shop. What followed was a harsh and unforgiving life on the streets—begging, polishing shoes, singing for food, and scavenging from garbage bins to survive.
For three years, he faced abuse, hunger, and the daily uncertainty of whether he would make it through another day. But life took a turn when three kind-hearted individuals offered him the one thing he had never truly known—unconditional love. Their support and care gave him a chance to build a future where he could help others.
As Amin established himself, he never forgot the thousands of children still living a life of uncertainty on the streets. He wished for a place where these children could find safety, education, and a livelihood. That dream finally turned into a reality in August 2016 with the inauguration of Bombay to Barcelona Library Café.
A Safe Haven For Mumbai’s Street Children
Located in Mumbai, Bombay to Barcelona Library Café is a social movement, a beacon of hope for children who have known only hardship. It is the first café in the city that welcomes everyone, regardless of social status, background, or wealth. This purpose-led cafe is run by a passionate team of young entrepreneurs. Every member working here was either orphaned, homeless, or at risk of social exclusion. But today, they are trained professionals, working towards their dreams.
The money they make from the café goes directly towards paying for their education, housing, medical care, and salaries. Beyond its staff, the café shows its warmth by making sure that no hungry street child is ever turned away. Hot chocolate, cupcakes, and cookies are served free of charge to children who need them. For many of the young people who work here, this is their first stable job, their first home, and their first opportunity to improve their future.
India’s deep-rooted caste and class system often determines who gets opportunities and who has to live in showdows. Amin Sheikh and his café challenge these norms by ensuring equal pay, gender equality, and a safe, nurturing environment for all employees. The project has already helped over 40 young individuals find a new path in life.
So, the next time you’re in Mumbai, step into Bombay to Barcelona Library Café and become a part of a story that is rewriting the future for India’s street children. Because here, everyone is welcome.
Cover Image Courtesy: Bombay To Barcelona Library Cafe/Instagram