Dining sometimes comes with a cause and at Bambai Nazariya cafe in Mumbai’s Andheri West neighbourhood, social activism and delicious food collide. Recently, Chef Vikas Khanna, an internationally renowned celebrity chef and superstar of Indian kitchens visited the establishment and had nothing but praise and love for his experience. “I’m so so proud of Mr.Diego Miranda for creating Bombay Nazariya. A whole new level of hospitality & inclusivity.” he wrote on his Instagram post. “Transgenders + specially able + love language. Caution- They will steal your heart with amazing food & smiles. And I proudly left mine there.”
Image Credits: Bambai Nazariya/Instagram
This cafe which was opened by Mr. Diego Miranda and is run by a number of transgender employees and differently-abled staff offers a safe space for marginalised communities. Mr Miranda opened the cafe in the hopes of providing a platform for equal opportunities to those who needed it and says he was inspired by his father, who also prioritised giving back to the community.
In the video he’s seen laughing and dancing with the staff and of course tucking into the variety of Bombay-style specialities they offer. He savours a bowl of kheema pav, a streetside classic. And of course, a Bombay Sandwich is a must when experiencing the best of the city and they serve up a delicious looking version, packed with veggies and grilled in a panini press. He rounds off the evening with their special Pink Tea, a nod to the Noon Chai of Kashmir.
This cafe with a cause has been making headlines since it launched last year and is providing a safe and progressive environment to educate people and serve up a taste of how warm Mumbai’s soul can truly be.