Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Former Lawyer Establishes All-Women Farm-to-Table Cafe in Delhi
Meenakshi Kumar used to be a lawyer in India.
She discovered a passion for cooking while studying abroad and trained at a famous cooking school.
When the pandemic hit, she started growing her own vegetables.
She then decided to open a cafe called Roots Café in Delhi using her fresh vegetables.
What's special is that only women work at the cafe.
They are trained to cook and serve, gaining new skills and confidence.
The cafe's food is made with seasonal ingredients and has flavors from around the world.
This project helps women become independent and feel proud of themselves.
Meenakshi Kumar, a former Supreme Court lawyer, transitioned to culinary arts and opened Roots Café.
Roots Café operates on a farm-to-table concept, utilizing seasonal, chemical-free produce from Kumar's farm.
The cafe exclusively employs women, providing training and job opportunities to homemakers and others with no prior professional experience.
The initiative aims to foster financial independence, dignity, and personal growth among its female staff.
Kumar currently manages three outlets and plans to open two more, expanding the women-run model to street food and coffee programs.
- Who
- Meenakshi Kumar, a former Supreme Court criminal lawyer.
- What
- Opened Roots Café, a farm-to-table cafe entirely staffed by women, serving a global menu with ingredients from her own farm.
- When
- By 2022, the cafe was established; by the end of the year, two more outlets are planned.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- Why
- To utilize farm-grown produce, empower women through employment and financial independence, and provide them with dignity and community.
Meenakshi Kumar's Perspective
Societal Challenges for Women
Career Transition
Meenakshi Kumar's Perspective
Meenakshi Kumar found a fulfilling second career in culinary arts and hospitality, pursuing her passion after a successful legal career.
Societal Challenges for Women
Societal expectations and traditional roles can often limit women's career choices and opportunities, making such transitions difficult.
Financial Independence
Meenakshi Kumar's Perspective
The cafe provides women with a source of income, fostering financial independence, dignity, and a sense of empowerment.
Societal Challenges for Women
Many women face financial struggles and lack of experience, making it hard to secure employment and achieve financial autonomy.
Personal Growth
Meenakshi Kumar's Perspective
Working at the cafe allows women to discover their potential, gain confidence, and develop new skills, transforming their lives.
Societal Challenges for Women
Domestic responsibilities and a lack of confidence can hold women back from pursuing personal and professional growth.
- Founder
- Meenakshi Kumar, former Supreme Court lawyer
- Cafe Name
- Roots Café
- Concept
- Farm-to-table, global menu using seasonal, chemical-free produce
- Staff
- Entirely women, including kitchen and service staff
- Location
- Delhi, India
- Current Outlets
- 3 cafes, with 2 more planned
- Expanded Ventures
- Street food carts, high-end coffee programs, regional cuisines