Kozhikode’s Gudhaam Café: A unique blend of art, history, and cuisine

On Gujarathi Street in Kozhikode, a quaint café serves stories with coffee and old ghazals. A musty scent of antiques mingles with the aroma of freshly made pasta.

Gudhaam, the art café, is Badayakandy Basheer’s dream project. The 72-year-old built the space and filled it with things he collected over the last 42 years. He has collectibles from over 38 countries, which find their place in Gudhaam. The café is situated in a 162-year-old building, which Basheer’s wife Rabia, bought years ago from Gujarati settlers in Kozhikode. It was once a warehouse to store rice, which explains the name of the café. Gudhaam, meaning godown in Hindi.