Some Incredible Indian Cafes And Restaurants Are Run By LGBTQ Community: Here's A List
This Q Caf¨¦ in Lado Sarai overlooks the beautiful Qutub Minar and every evening is lit here. In non-pandemic times, they used to have live events, Karaoke nights, Drag nights and more.
It is pride month and we're so proud of sharing this list of incredible Indian cafes and restaurants run by LGBTQ+ community. These are deemed as safe spaces and judgement-free zones for the people of the LGBTQIA+. Here's a list.
1) Le Flamington, Pune
This cafe is owned by a gay couple madly in love with each and the desire to bring great food to people. This cafe/bakery has the most delicious bonbons, entremets, artisanal bakes, and more. And many a conversations happen over a cuppa coffee here. In the pandemic times, they are delivering the goodness home.
2) Chez Jerome ¨C Q Caf¨¦, Delhi
This Q Caf¨¦ in Lado Sarai overlooks the beautiful Qutub Minar and every evening is lit here. In non-pandemic times, they used to have live events, Karaoke nights, Drag nights and more. This has been one of the most loved places in the city by people of the LGBTQ+ community.
3) Kitty Su, Delhi & Mumbai
Started by Keshav Suri, the executive director of the LaLit Suri Hospitality group, this is a place that has always championed the cause of the community. Suri himself is an icon of the community and has been at the forefront of abrogating Section 377 as well as advocating equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
Kitty Su might have started off as a regular nightclub in Delhi, however, over the years it has become a space that encourages diversity, mainstreams the LGBTQ+ community and breaks normative gender discourses.
4) Cafe Guftagu, Mumbai
When provided a comfortable space, who does not like to yap away to glory? Cafe Guftagu in the Mira Road suburb of Mumbai aims at providing that comfort and safety. Sumit Pawar is the founder of the caf¨¦. The decor is simple and sweet ¨C just queer pride and a rainbow theme.
For all book lovers, a stack of books written by queer authors is available. The cafe has a poster of ¡®Love is Love¡¯ with rainbow heart hangings. The caf¨¦ also hosted book discussions and open mic events. However, due to the brunt of the covid-19 pandemic, the caf¨¦ did not function regularly. So, they converted that into a space to cook meals and distributed to people who were in need.
5) Rudy's Bar & Grill, Goa
Tucked away under swaying palm trees by the Chapora river, Rudy¡¯s Bar and Grill is one of the few bars in the country that is openly LGBTQ+ friendly. The co-owner Maanav Dev is out and proud and his place celebrates inclusivity. The bar is also one of the hosts for the Pride de Goa¡ªthe official pride parade of the state. While here enjoy some tasty barbecues and spiffy cocktails for a fun night out in Goa.
6) Amra Odbhut Cafe, Kolkata
The brainchild of four friends¡ªUpasana Agarwal, Nandini Moitra, Raina Roy and Kallol Guha, Amra Odbhut Caf¨¦ (Amra Odbhut meaning ¡®we are queer¡¯) is a caf¨¦-cum-community centre for and by queer people. Located in a leafy South Kolkata suburb, the cafe aims to mitigate discrimination and prejudice by offering an inclusive space for free and creative expressions and exchange of ideas between queer people and their allies in and around Kolkata.
Amra
7) People¡¯s Choice Cafe, Hyderabad
"From food to people, it¡¯s all colourful here¡±, says the tagline of Hyderabad¡¯s first-ever LGBTQ+ friendly cafe. Founded by Hephzibah Smith, who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and her business partner Mohammed Adam, People¡¯s Choice Cafe (PCC) welcomes everyone, irrespective of their orientation.
Located in Sainikpuri, this is a place you can let your hair down and be you. Orientation apart, there are delish food options from grills and pasta to burgers and milkshakes. Visit on a Sunday to try their ¡®Rainbow Menu¡¯ and follow them on Instagram to watch out for their special queer-friendly events.
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Senior Writer at Indiatimes. She writes on Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, astrology and health.
