As a first-generation Kashmiri in Washington, D.C., I practically grew up in the dawaat circuit.
Every week, parents would pile kids into their car, crossing state lines to join a bustling dinner party in someone’s overcrowded home where the air upstairs would be thick with the aroma of rogan josh and yakhni, while kids downstairs would organise WWE tournaments. This tight-knit, food-centered community was more than just a place to eat a meal—it was a reminder of home, a cultural lifeline for those of us living away from our homeland. For many young adults across the South Asian diaspora, moving to a new city for work or education often means losing touch with the rich, food-driven mehman nawazi that defined their upbringing.
It’s why many of them have started supper clubs, hoping to recreate the cherished daawats of their youth and reconnect with the flavours and the people who make them feel at home. These South Asian supper clubs not only bring food to the table but also a sense of belonging—a chance to bond, share stories, and build new connections in a foreign space. If you’re feeling homesick this party season, here’s where you can find a piece of home: Mumba Milano (Milan) Founded by Kiran Vajpey, Mumba uses food to connect people to cultural diversity and global flavours.
After leaving her fashion career, Kiran found herself experimenting with cooking in the quiet of the German countryside during the pandemic. “I missed the smell of my mum’s cooking ; .
