Other Notes: When I first when to The Wakham Café, I wasn’t expecting too much. I heard it was pretty much a coffee shop that served some desserts. When I first walked in there, I could tell that I was mis-informed! (Something we Intel guys HATE!)
It didn’t take long to spot the extremely high end coffee processing equipment. I’m sure a small fortune when into them. Even the beans were quality. They were imported all the way from Dubai. I knew that I wasn’t in “just another coffee shop.”
Once we ordered, we had a seat. We were surrounded by used books and magazines. Not to mention that Shah M Books had a little “book store” set up on a table. To our luck, our buddy, AJ was there having a drink. (He runs Shah M Books and is a local radio DJ. AJ is well educated, funny, and is not what you picture when you thing of a young adult in Afghanistan. If he is typical of the youth of Afghanistan, this country is headed for great things!)
Anyway enough about AJ and Shah M Books, back to the Wakham Café. In the area we were in was a really nice pot belly stove. This helped provided the relaxed environment in the café. In another room were more people just hanging out, enjoying their coffee and each other company.
As we sipped our coffee (which was awesome,) we were having a discussion on the merits of fiction vs. non-fiction books, an older woman at the next table jumped into the conversation. It was interesting as we spent the next hour or so discussing literature, politics, and of course, Afghanistan.
After that, we met with the owner who gave us a great run down on the history of the Wakham café. He showed us around a little bit. He was very friendly and is an asset to the Wakham Café.
Outside there is a patio and stage area, where they have performances during the nicer weather.
While I didn’t get to eat anything on this visit (but I WILL next time,) The Wakham is an excellent place for a cup of Joe or for just hanging out and people watching. If you go, make sure you bring your laptop, the Wakham offers free WiFi to its customers. I’m pretty sure this is one of the only places in Kabul that does this.
Note, my pictures of the cafe didn't come out that great as I had the wrong setting on my camera.
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