In the bustling heart of Washington, D.C., a first-generation Kashmiri’s childhood was a whirlwind of weekly daawats—lavish dinner parties overflowing with family, friends, the intoxicating aroma of rogan josh and yakhni, and the chaotic energy of impromptu WWE tournaments in the basement. These gatherings weren’t just meals; they were a vital cultural lifeline, a tangible connection to a homeland thousands of miles away. This experience is far from unique. For many young South Asians navigating life in new cities, the vibrant, food-centric mehman nawazi of their upbringing often fades into a distant memory. But a new wave of innovative supper clubs is changing that. Across the globe, from the cobbled streets of London to the sun-drenched shores of Mexico, these intimate gatherings are rekindling the spirit of daawat, offering more than just exquisite food; they’re building community, preserving culinary heritage, and fostering a profound sense of belonging.
A Culinary Journey Through Nostalgia and Innovation:
The story of these supper clubs is a tapestry woven from personal narratives, culinary innovation, and a deep-seated longing for connection. Kiran Vajpey’s Mumba Milano, nestled in the heart of Milan, uses food as a bridge to cultural diversity. Inspired by a yearning for her mother’s comforting cuisine, Kiran blends South Asian flavors with Lebanese, Jamaican, and Persian influences, crafting plant-forward dishes that resonate with a shared experience of longing and belonging. Similarly, Roopa Venkatraman’s Amrūt in London creates immersive dining experiences rooted in Ayurvedic and Vedic principles, weaving sustainability and climate action into the very fabric of the meal. Venkatraman’s journey began with small gatherings, blossoming into a supper club that emphasizes mindful eating and community bonding.
In New York City, Zainab Sadia Saeed’s The Gathering Table champions the often-overlooked culinary traditions of non-Western cultures. Inspired by the personal dishes shared by Latino kitchen staff, Saeed’s supper club highlights the fusion of flavors rarely seen in fine dining, celebrating the evolution of food through migration patterns. Nirupa Konijeti’s Bazaar Supper Club, also in New York, blends South Asian spices with global cuisines, creating a dynamic atmosphere where conversations flow as freely as the exotic cocktails.
Berlin’s Roti Mami, founded by Rez Rahman, celebrates nostalgic Bengali flavors, reimagining classic dishes with a modern twist. Each dish tells a story, whether it’s the aroma of her grandmother’s East London kitchen or the flavors of her travels across India and Bangladesh. Casa de Tilda, in New York, goes beyond food, focusing on intentional conversation and community engagement. Founder Alisha Kumar curates unique gatherings for charitable organizations, utilizing personalized prompts to foster meaningful connections beyond small talk.
The Brown Girls Food Club, with a global reach, supports BIPOC food cultures and creates an ecosystem that elevates underrepresented businesses and voices. The Sewing Tin in New York reimagines South Asian traditions through modern techniques and elegant plating, while Didi Supper in London celebrates the often-misunderstood culinary heritage of Punjab. SW, by Sameera Wadood, in New York City, reintroduces rare Bangladeshi ingredients in innovative ways, telling a story through each lokma (bite).
Studio Priyanka in London blends food, art, and storytelling to create immersive sensory experiences, while Tapari in London celebrates Nepali flavors through storytelling and tradition. Vegetarian Brown Girls in London offers a monthly Gujarati vegan supper club, blending tradition with East African influences. Casa21 in Dubai creates a space for connection through diverse cuisines and personal narratives, and finally, Bombay Cancun in Mexico is the first South Asian supper club in the country, offering a luxurious, immersive experience blending South Asian and Mexican cultures.
These supper clubs are more than just restaurants; they are cultural sanctuaries, spaces where individuals can reconnect with their heritage, find a sense of belonging, and forge meaningful connections with others. They are a testament to the power of food to transcend borders, languages, and cultures, bringing people together in a shared celebration of tradition, innovation, and community.
