India’s restaurant scene is being quietly, yet powerfully, rewritten by women. From Mumbai to Pune to Amritsar, women founders are not just running kitchens but they’re redefining hospitality itself. Think menus that tell personal stories, spaces designed for connection, and leadership rooted in empathy and intention. In a world where dining used to be about trends and transactions, these women are making it about experience, inclusivity, and meaning. Welcome to the era of “hospitality, her way.”
Gauri Devidayal, The Table & Mag St., Mumbai:
“I stumbled into the industry only because my husband wanted to start a restaurant. But when we opened The Table, I saw the potential to create an experience missing in Mumbai. Being a woman taught me to believe in my vision, take risks, and work hard so no one can question your ability,” she says. On the difference women bring: “It’s equally important as what a man brings; balance creates a well-rounded approach.”
Her culinary influences are deeply personal: “Our travels shaped our palettes. The global perspective of The Table, the neighborhood warmth of Mag St., and Mag St. Bread Co.’s comfort classics reflect my personal taste and exposure.”
On women leading kitchens: “Women need to speak louder to prove themselves. Compared to 15 years ago, there are more women running successful restaurants, which I hope inspires others.”
Vaishali Karad, Paashh, Mumbai & Pune:
“My journey into restaurants was a personal calling,” she explains. “Mindful living and wellness inspired Paashh is not just a restaurant, but a philosophy. Being a woman allowed me to create a safe, soulful space where nourishment comes from both the plate and the experience.”
On the women-led approach: “It’s intentional and intuitive. We prioritize slow cooking, sustainability, and meaningful experiences over trends. Hospitality, her way, is leading with intuition, softness, and intention is where every detail, from ingredients to ambience, matters.” Challenges? “Being taken seriously beyond aesthetics. Real power isn’t in how loud you are, it is in how deeply you lead.”
Poornima Somayaji, Aragma, Pune:
“Food is expression without words,” says Somayaji. “Being a woman shaped Aragma to lead with empathy, attention to detail, and collaboration over hierarchy. It’s about the energy in the room, not just the plate.”
She adds: “Women bring a lens attuned to nurturing, empathy-led leadership, and sensitivity to details beyond efficiency. Innovation expands beyond technique; it includes sustainability, inclusivity, and care. ‘Hospitality, her way’ is about empathy and excellence coexisting and creating experiences that linger in the heart.”
Shreya Nayyar, Bagh & Tepah, Amritsar:
“We believe restaurants are spaces where people share stories and build memories,” they explain. “As a woman-led business, empathy and inclusivity shape every interaction. Women bring a balance of structure and sensitivity, combining operational strength with thoughtfulness to create warm, memorable experiences.”
Their menus reflect identity and culture: “Bagh celebrates nostalgia and rooted flavours with a refined twist. Tepah reflects modern Amritsar experimental, layered, and forward-looking, while staying rooted in local sourcing.” On pushing boundaries: “Women redefine innovation is not just in the flavour, but in space design, leadership styles, and team culture. Hospitality, her way, is about making luxury personal, inclusive, and memorable.”
The future of dining is being reshaped by vision, care, and a distinctly female perspective. Whether it’s intentional menus, sustainable practices, or spaces designed for connection, these women are proving that hospitality is about more than just food it is about experience, empathy, and impact. From Mumbai to Pune to Amritsar, their restaurants aren’t just serving meals, they’re serving inspiration, innovation, and a new blueprint for leadership. As the industry takes note, one thing is clear: the table is changing, and women are leading the way.
Also Read:
Interview: Reinvention on a Plate: Chef Beena Noronha’s Journey from Fashion to Food
Interview: Chef Afshaa Rajqotwala: Stirring Comfort, Creativity & Connection
Interview: Neha Gupta: Designing Stories, Serving Experiences
