Step Inside Asia’s First Café Run by HIV-Positive Employees: Cafe Positive!

Every now and then, a new café pops up in the heart of Calcutta, sparking curiosity among the city’s foodies. What’s the latest hangout spot? Where can we head next to satisfy our cravings and explore the city’s vibrant café culture? Well, what if you could enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious meal and, at the same time, make a meaningful impact on society? Sounds too good to be true? Meet Cafe Positive. Located in the lively heart of Kolkata, this café is run entirely by HIV-positive employees, offering you a chance to not only treat yourself to some tasty bites but also play a part in changing lives. There’s a lot more to this place that will leave you amazed, so stick around, and you’ll discover what makes Cafe Positive Asia’s first HIV-positive café!

The Birth of Cafe Positive

In a world where people living with HIV often face discrimination and stigma, one man decided it was time to challenge the norm. Dr. Kallol Ghosh, a social activist and visionary, is the man behind Cafe Positive, a café designed to offer not just a place for food and drink but a safe haven and empowerment for individuals living with HIV.

Dr. Ghosh’s journey began in 2000 when he founded Anandaghar, a home for children living with HIV, in Kolkata. But it was during a life-changing trip to Germany in 2006 that the seed for Cafe Positive was planted. In Munich, he visited a café run by HIV-positive individuals, and he knew then that India needed something similar. Returning to Kolkata, the road was filled with obstacles. Locating a suitable venue was challenging, with many owners hesitant to rent to a café associated with HIV. But Dr. Ghosh's persistence paid off, and in 2018, Cafe Positive opened its doors in a small garage in Jodhpur Park. By 2020, it relocated to its current vibrant spot at 64A Lake View Road, near Deshapriya Park.

The café’s mission is clear: to provide employment and financial independence for HIV-positive individuals, combat societal stigma, and raise awareness about HIV. It's an initiative under the non-profit Organisation for Friends Energies and Resources (OFFER), which supports and empowers individuals living with HIV.

The Journey of the Employees

The people who work at Cafe Positive aren’t just employees, they’re heroes in their own right. The staff consists of 7 teenagers, all of whom are HIV-positive. Each individual has a unique, powerful story about the hardships they faced before finding a place at the café. Take Rekha, for instance. Born with HIV, she was ostracised by society from a young age. Rejected by family and friends, she spent her childhood in isolation, unaware of what HIV was. It wasn’t until she joined Anandaghar at age nine that she discovered the reality of her condition.

The challenges didn’t end there. As an HIV-positive young adult, Rekha faced an uncertain future with limited opportunities. When she first heard about Cafe Positive, she wasn’t sure if this would be a place for her, but with guidance from Dr. Ghosh (whom she fondly calls “Uncle Kallol”), Rekha found a new sense of purpose.

At Cafe Positive, Rekha and many others like her are provided with training in business management, culinary arts, and customer service, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives. Working here isn’t just about employment — it’s about dignity, equality, and empowerment. “If I don’t come here for a day, it feels like something’s missing,” says Rekha, now proud to be part of a team that shows the world that HIV doesn’t define a person’s worth.

The café is much more than a job—it’s a community, a place where every team member is encouraged to grow, learn, and thrive. By working at Cafe Positive, employees gain a sense of belonging and the chance to prove that they are just as capable as anyone else.

About The Menu of Cafe Positive

Now, let’s talk about the real reason you’d want to visit any café — the food! At Cafe Positive, it’s all about quality, freshness, and excellence. From freshly brewed coffee to hearty meals, the café offers a diverse menu that will satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more.

Sip on a hot latte or indulge in the refreshing Darjeeling tea, as you browse through the café’s eclectic bookshelf, featuring works by Amartya Sen and Salil Chowdhury. When it comes to food, the café doesn’t compromise on taste. Popular items include Grilled Chicken Steak, Barbeque Pork Burger, Paneer Wrap, and Spaghetti Bolognese, all reasonably priced between Rs 90 and Rs 250. Don’t forget to treat yourself to the delightful muffins, cheesecakes, and custards, which are perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

The café’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with its whitewashed walls adorned with motivational quotes from the likes of Gandhi, Tagore, and Mandela. The goal here is not just to provide food but to create an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of their background, can feel like they belong. So, next time you're in the city, head over to Cafe Positive for a coffee that’s as comforting for your heart as it is for your taste buds.

Why You Should Visit Cafe Positive 

What makes Cafe Positive stand out from the rest? It’s not just the food or the coffee — it’s the powerful mission behind it. When you sip your drink at this café, you’re doing more than just enjoying a meal; you’re helping to change lives. The café is an example of how small actions can lead to big changes. By supporting Cafe Positive, you’re supporting the HIV-positive community, showing that everyone deserves to be treated equally, with respect and dignity. So, the next time you’re thinking about where to have your coffee or a meal in Kolkata, remember that Cafe Positive isn’t just another café. It’s Asia’s first café run by HIV-positive employees, and your visit contributes to something far greater than just great food.

Where: 64A Lake View Road, Kolkata

When: Everyday 12:00 PM to 10 PM

Price: Rs. 200 – 400 (for two approximately)