The LGBTQIA+ Pride Month takes place throughout the month of June in most countries. It honours, celebrates and affirms the queer community and their achievements while also protesting for better socioeconomic conditions that ensure they are full and equal citizens everywhere. India has a thriving LGBTQIA+ community which gathers at Pride marches, online forums and events to validate one another. Queer people own cafés, restaurants, hospitality businesses, nightclubs, adventure outfitters, libraries and more within the country, providing a haven for other members of the queer community to live their lives without fear.
Here are six LGBTQIA-owned restaurants in India which guarantee delicious meals and a safe and welcoming environment.
Founded by Khuzaan Dalal and his partner Taha Khan in 2017, this café and bakery in Maharashtra state has a Parisian-style décor. It specialises in single-origin chocolates, artisanal international breads, viennoiserie and great coffee. Their signature dessert called “The Grey” is a flourless chocolate cake made with activated charcoal jelly, smoked chocolate cream and raspberry milk chocolate. It was purportedly inspired by the best-selling “Fifty Shades of Grey” book by E. L. James.
Address: 88, East Avenue, Palace View Society, Ramwadi, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411014
The brainchild of chef Ritu Dalmia, this restaurant serves sumptuous Italian food in a fine dining setting. From pizzas to pastas and specially-crafted sauces and dips, this place will satisfy every craving. Dalmia was one of five petitioners who challenged Article 377 in the Indian courts. Her DIVA restaurants in India and abroad provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all.
Address: M-8A, M Block Market, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi 110048
Cookbook author, educator and Michelin-star chef Suvir Saran created The House of Celeste in Haryana state to offer flavourful Indian cuisine in a cosy setting. With dishes like jackfruit galouti, shrimp risotto and chicken ramen, Saran wanted to create a new way of sampling traditional recipes which have been passed down over generations. Your taste buds are in for a delicious treat.
Address: Unit No. 8, 32nd Avenue, Sector 15 Part 2, Sector 15, Gurugram 122022
Owners Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar and Shalini Krishan whip up five-course meals using fresh, seasonal produce, seafood, meat and grains directly obtained from farmers and local vendors in their corner of Goa. Their braised tofu in a ginger glaze, idiyappams, chicken cafreal and madi cutlets are a must-try.
Address: 1301, Anjuna Mapusa Road, Kumbhar Vaddo, Anjuna 403509
Founded by Hephzibah Smith and her business partner Mohammed Adam, the People's Choice Café in Telangana state boasts a wide array of options such as cutlets, garlic fingers, pastas, burgers, milkshakes and sandwiches. It even has a dedicated vegan menu. Visit the café on a Sunday to try their “Rainbow Menu.”
Address: Near Bhavans, 34-72, 1st Main Road, beside Road 4, Vivekanandapuram Colony, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad 500056
Rudy’s Bar and Grill is run by Maanav Dev, a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The bar is one of the hosts for the Pride De Goa, the state's pride parade. Enjoy barbecues, Italian fast food and cocktails as a live band plays their tunes during a night out.
Address: House no. 639, Little Vagator, Vagator 403509