This Restaurant Is Agra's Best-Kept Secret

This place is every local’s weekend binge, it is an easy escape from everyday home-cooked food and is currently the life of all parties: Chapter1. Agra’s latest attraction has recently become one of the most popular hangout spots in the city.

‘I felt the need of a good food joint in Agra as one cannot rush to Delhi every time,’ said founder Shivas Narang, as he spoke about his dream of wanting to be a part of Agra’s hospitality industry. He explained how he wanted to bring a new concept to the food market of Agra, and that is what inspired him to call his café Chapter1.

As you drive down Agra’s main Fatehabad Road you can easily spot a bright yellow and red sign directing you to café. It consists of two levels: one floor is laid out in a restaurant-style setting, and the second is an open rooftop lounge from where you can see the Taj Mahal in the distance.

The interiors are a combination of several inspired designs from around the world. As you enter, you will see rugged brick walls with a distinctly dingy-yet-trendy London vibe. On the rooftop you’ll find four cane swings hanging above sparkly artificial sand, giving off a cozy, bright and beachy vibe.

The menu at Chapter1 was created according to the preferences of the city locals, as well as the younger generation. It is a fusion of Indian, Continental, Italian and Oriental dishes, with items like ‘gulab jamun tiramisu’, ‘thai green curry pasta’ and ‘lemongrass and basil paneer tikka’. The café also offers wood oven pizzas and eight-seater barbecue tables, which are a new experience for the people of this city.

The food at Chapter1 is presented in innovative and interesting ways– the signature burgers arrive in a cart-like dish with wheels attached, the ice tea is served in a glass shaped like a light bulb and most grilled items are served in iron pans, fusing old-school with contemporary.

Chapter1 also hosts a variety of events. In the past year it has celebrated several weekend Sufi nights with popular Bollywood DJs, a biryani festival, healthy food week, Valentine’s week and Italian week. It is also a fun spot to enjoy one of the big games as the café screens live matches, perfectly matched with an endless supply of cold beer.

Although Agra has always been known for the Taj Mahal, Chapter1 has been a game-changer. It has gained immense popularity not only among the locals but also tourists.
1374 K/1375 K, 2nd floor, Dinesh Nagar, Fatehbad Road,, Tajganj, + 977 11 3958 5485