Edible Link

Safa Kadal Chowk is always noisy. We sit here at Edible Link in the Narwara part of Srinagar, just watching the cars go by. It’s a small shop, maybe smaller than what people expect when they hear the name. The shelves are mostly full of things people need to cook dinner or grab for a quick snack. We opened up here because it seemed like a good spot where everyone passes through. The winter months are quiet, especially when the snow starts piling up outside the door and people stay home. In the mornings, I usually spend time moving boxes around or checking what’s running low. Sometimes the electricity goes out and we just sit in the dark for a bit, talking to whoever is inside. It isn’t anything fancy. There’s a wooden counter that’s seen better days and the floor creaks if you step in the wrong place. We know most of the people who come in by their first names or at least recognize their faces from the neighborhood. It’s just a regular place for regular stuff. There isn't much to say about why we do it, it's just work. We keep the doors open as long as there’s light. If you’re walking past the chowk, you’ll see the sign hanging there. It’s a bit faded from the sun but it’s still readable. We’re just here doing our thing every day, trying to make sure the bags are packed right.