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Food

5 LGBTQIA+ Friendly Culinary Spots To Check Out In India

From cafes to restaurants and bars, here are six queer-owned spots you simply have to try.

| Team ELLE Gourmet
LGBTQIA+

Food connects people. The simple act of sharing a meal with someone is inherently about community, warmth and belonging. For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, finding spaces that feel both welcoming and inclusive can transform an ordinary meal into something far more meaningful. Whether you're looking for a cosy brunch spot, a lively dinner venue or somewhere to simply feel at ease, these six queer owned spots offer not only great food but a true sense of comfort and pride.

Trincas 

Owned by Anand Puri, Trincas has long been a jewel of Park Street’s cultural life. Originally opened as a tea room in 1936, it transformed into a legendary live music venue in the 1960s. Today, Trincas is undergoing a soulful revival, keeping jazz at the heart of its offering with regular live performances that echo its golden era. With a menu that spans Asian, Continental, and café classics, Trincas masterfully blends nostalgia with flavour.

Kitty Su

One of the most important queer-owned spaces in India, Kitty Su is the brainchild of Keshav Suri. A proud LGBTQ+ rights activist, Suri has used his platform for social change. Kitty Su is famous for its exuberant drag shows and welcoming, inclusive vibe. The drinks are just as bold as the shows – from sparkling wines to classic cocktails – all served up with a sense of freedom, fun and fierce glamour.

Motodo Pizzeria & Diva At The Atrium 

Chef Ritu Dalmia, a respected voice in Indian gastronomy and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, is the force behind the DIVA Restaurant Group. Motodo Pizzeria in BKC offers a slice of Italy with pizzas that range from Roman-style to hearty focaccias, all baked to perfection. The vibe is relaxed yet polished, and the ingredients are responsibly sourced. Nearby, DIVA at The Atrium expands the palette with a diverse menu that includes Italian staples, pan-Asian favourites and Indian street food with flair. A robust vegetarian section and playful desserts, like tiramisu and almond-rosemary torta, round out the offering. Both spaces stand as examples of how comfort food and culinary craft can come together with conscience.

Le Flamington

Owned by Taha Khan, Le Flamington is not just a café – it is a testament to love and resilience. This queer-owned patisserie brings Parisian charm to Pune with its vintage-inspired interiors and a menu that feels both decadent and delicate. From crusty loaves of artisanal bread to delicate viennoiserie and handcrafted chocolates, every item is an ode to precision and passion. Their signature pastry, The Grey, a flourless chocolate cake, has become a local legend in its own right. The space is intimate, inviting and effortlessly elegant.

Now go forth and get eating. 

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