In the heart of Kolkata, where old world nostalgia often mingles with modernity, Trincas is not just an iconic restaurant, it’s a model of inclusive hospitality. Under the leadership of Anand Puri, the third-generation restaurateur who is now the face of Trincas, the beloved venue has evolved into more than a dining destination. It has become a cultural landmark where diversity is not just acknowledged but actively centered.
At Trincas, Pride isn’t a calendar event. It’s an everyday ethos. The rainbow flag flies high above the establishment year-round, not as a marketing gesture, but as a lasting commitment to belonging. “It’s not branding,” says Puri. “It’s a quiet promise.”
That promise comes alive in the programming. From Karaoke Thursdays at the Tavern-Behind-Trincas (TBT), co-curated with Navonil Das of kolkatapride.org, to live showcases of Bengali folk and underground hip-hop, Trincas has intentionally created space for voices and subcultures often overlooked by mainstream hospitality.
“It became a ritual,” says Das, reflecting on the evolution of Karaoke Thursdays. “A soft rebellion. A space where joy, vulnerability, and chosen family came together over song.”
Rather than opting for performative inclusivity, Trincas has embedded it into the core of its operations. Staff undergo dignity training. Closed-door dialogues are regularly held with queer leaders, including prominent activist Anindya Hajra. The experience of being at Trincas is not about optics, it’s about comfort, care, and community.
TBT has since become a case study in what’s possible when a space chooses to listen and adapt to the needs of its guests. Once perceived as a legacy venue steeped in old-world charm, it now draws a new generation that once felt excluded from such institutions, and they’re showing up in droves. According to internal figures, footfalls and revenues at TBT have doubled over the past year.
But the inclusivity isn’t limited to LGBTQ+ voices. Regional cultures, particularly those underrepresented in urban nightlife, have found a stage at Trincas. Live Bengali music, a rarity in most restaurant circuits, is now a staple. Local musicians and emerging artists are not just booked; they’re celebrated.
Anand Puri’s approach has never been about grand statements. Instead, he’s built a space that fosters quiet confidence and deep respect. “We don’t spotlight people for being outside the mainstream. We respect them,” he says.
At a time when rainbow capitalism dominates every June, Trincas offers something refreshingly different – an unhurried, deeply human commitment to inclusion that extends far beyond seasonal campaigns. In doing so, it has redefined what hospitality can mean in contemporary India. As cities across the country grapple with questions of representation, equity, and authenticity, this Kolkata restaurant has inclusivity in its culture.
