Just as our body needs food to stay physically active and healthy, our soul too can do with some spiritual food. Our reader and contributor Arep – a student in Shillong, recently visited “SOULS Cafe” in Shillong, and loved her experience there; so here she is, sharing her conversation with the owner of the cafe to guide us through the offerings of the cafe and more.

SOULS cafe is known for its welcoming atmosphere, and also offers free counselling for those in need. So if you are looking for good comfort food, lovely ambiance and a place to relax, bond and refresh, SOULS cafe may be a good place to check out. Here’s a chat with Pastor Ever to know more about the cafe, and why it’s loved by many in Shillong.

R&L contributor Arep chats with Pastor Ever, who is one of the co-founders of “SOULS Cafe” in Shillong, Meghalaya. They talk about how the cafe aims to be the light for lost souls and bring them some comfort and healing- along with some yummy comfort food!

• Hi Pastor Ever, tell us about ‘SOULS Cafe’ What inspired you to open this cafe in Shillong?

SOUL stands for “Spiritual Outpouring unto Lost Souls.’ We give the most importance to the soul. In a generation like ours, there are tons of souls that are lost and astray, especially amongst the younger generation. So we decided to open a cafe that can be a place of comfort – a home for anyone who is lost or depressed, or just need a quick cheer.

We envision SOULS Cafe to be a place that can provide an atmosphere of love and home. SOULS Cafe is the kind of place where even though one may leave the heart will forever stay.

We know that people cheer up and become positive when they share a meal with a friendly face, or when they watch a simple music video and enjoy the ambiance with some words of encouragement –  served with some good food. There were times when people who contemplated suicide, have gained back their strength and will to carry on just by seeing a warm text message. We realised that it is indeed God’s calling to be able to pull people out of darkness through our cafe.

SOULS cafe team with Pastor Ever (2nd from right)

• What inspired you to open up a place like this – where customers can come to fill their stomach, heart and soul?

For a lot of young people, going to a place of worship to refill and refresh their heart and soul is a struggle. Either the place feels unfamiliar or simply that routine does not fit into their lifestyle.

So opening a place like this where they can feel at home and bond with friends over some words of encouragement and positivity – and of course, enjoy a cup of coffee/tea with some comfort cookies (and more!) has helped many pull through hard times. And that is the sole reason which keeps this cafe inspired and motivated at all times. Even if we serve just one person in a day, the thought that we had made his/her day a tad better is enough to make us open our cafe doors every day.

The hearty combination of french fries and a cup of coffee could never go wrong at SOULS Cafe.

Cookies with a dollop of ruby delight and freshly baked brownies served with a hot cup of tea at SOULS Cafe.

A look at the cosy interiors of SOULS Cafe.

Hot Brownie with Ice cream is the perfect comfort food! | SOULS Cafe, Shillong

When you visit Meghalaya next, make sure you stop by SOULS Cafe in Laitumkhrah, next to St. Edmund’s School – 793003, Shillong. Do follow SOULS Cafe on Facebook and Instagram!