Stepping into Gold Lion Community Cafe in Richmond, Virginia, is like stepping into a warm, vibrant hug. The air is filled with the aroma of fragrant spices, the chatter of lively conversation, and the undeniable sense of community. This isn’t just another cafe; it’s a beacon of representation, a testament to the power of love, and a catalyst for social change.
As the founder of EveryQueer, I’ve had the privilege of exploring LGBTQ+ spaces across the globe, each with its own unique story. But Gold Lion Cafe, with its Indian-inspired vegetarian and vegan menu and its ethos deeply rooted in social justice, holds a special place in my heart.
Owners Matt and Nafis Narsinghani, a queer married couple radiating warmth and passion, have created more than just a restaurant. They’ve built a sanctuary for the queer community, marginalized people and a vibrant celebration of Asian-American cultures. But beneath the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere lays a deep commitment to social justice.
The Food
Gold Lion Cafe’s menu is a delightful exploration of global fusion, where culinary traditions collide and intertwine. The Desi Lo Mein, for instance, takes a classic Chinese dish and infuses it with a fiery Szechuan kick and the fragrant complexity of Indochinese flavors. Then there’s the Thukpa Ramen, a Tibetan noodle soup reimagined with the heartiness of Japanese ramen. And for a truly unique experience, the Butter Chicken Pizza offers a surprising yet satisfying blend of Indian and Italian comfort food.
Nafis, a first-generation Indian American, infuses the menu with the flavors of his heritage. His grandmother’s and mother’s recipes come to life in dishes like the Keema Samosa and the fragrant chai, a family recipe passed down through generations. Another beloved favorite is Buddy’s Dosa, named after Nafis’ beloved cat who is coincidentally also the first being he came out to when discovering his queer identity.
This eclectic menu reflects the cafe’s commitment to both culinary innovation and cultural inclusivity, inviting diners on a delicious journey across borders and flavors while paying homage to the cultural experience and beloved family members of the owners.
The Ambiance
Gold Lion Cafe is a spacious, open-concept eatery that exudes a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Large windows flood the space with natural light, offering stunning views of the bustling city outside. A medium-sized stage sets the scene for live music, poetry readings, and other cultural events the Gold Lion has become synonymous with. For a more casual vibe, customers order at the counter and seat themselves. The cafe provides ample seating options, ranging from cozy couches to bar stools and communal tables, catering to diverse dining preferences.
Gold Lion Cafe has given back with its program Duke’s Tab, where individuals in need can order free meals and access essential items like winter coats and hygiene products. Through Duke’s Tab, Gold Lion has given out over 1000 free meals this year to local Richmonders.
The walls of the cafe are adorned with an array of locally sourced products, including LGBTQ+-affirming books, stickers, and candles. The walls are a canvas for local artists, showcasing a diverse range of styles and perspectives. A striking large painting of Grace Jones commands attention, adding a touch of bold and iconic flair. The cafe’s unique aesthetic is further enhanced by the huge front window, painted with the cafe’s name and adorned with marigold garlands.
These garlands are a traditional Indian offering, symbolic of good luck, and love, and the divine Hindu couple Lakshmi and Vishnu, drape elegantly from the ceiling, creating a sense of cultural respect and beauty.
The Impact
The cafe’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its culinary offerings. Gold Lion Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it’s a vibrant hub for connection and celebration. Salsa and Bachata nights, Bollywood movie nights, spoken word poetry, community nonprofit meetups and advocacy events fill their calendar, creating a space for self-expression and community building.
At Gold Lion Cafe, Matt offers free passport photos, a service necessary to get a wallet passport card to prove citizenship. “A passport card can be the difference between freedom and detention,” he explains, his voice tight with emotion. “It’s about giving people a tool, a way to prove their citizenship if ICE comes knocking.” This simple act is a defiant stand against the rising tide of xenophobia, a way to equip his community with some semblance of protection in an increasingly uncertain world.
Gold Lion has also become a hub for local progressive civic engagement. Matt, who is half-Japanese carries the harrowing legacy of his grandmother’s internment during World War II. The trauma of his family’s past, of being unjustly imprisoned simply for their heritage, fuels a burning desire to protect others. Matt shares, “What happened to my family is happening again to the Latinx community.” This fear manifests in a powerful commitment to community action.
The cafe is also used by many groups of marginalized people, from the programming for queer homeschool students to a monthly Queer Middle Eastern and Queer South Asian college group, providing a safe and affirming space for young people to explore their identities.
I was able to chat with Sasha Sidhu, a queer Indian American woman local to Richmond about the importance of Gold Lion. Sasha said, “I never thought growing up that there were other Indians that are also queer, I thought I was the only one. I know that sounds crazy but the word gay wasn’t discussed in my household. Desi culture was also something I never saw embraced by non-South Asians growing up. The community Gold Lion has fostered through culturally specific events celebrates my culture and the intersection of being queer with the entire city of Richmond.”
Sidhu continues, “I was moved to tears the first time I visited Gold Lion, A community hub that celebrates being South Asian and queer wasn’t something I knew I needed until I experienced the colorful representation Gold Lion embodies. As a Queer Indian visual artist, I knew Gold Lion was my benchmark for what accurate representation looks like. I want my art to make people feel the way Gold Lion makes me feel, celebrated and at home.”
In a city like Richmond, with its complex history and growing diversity, Gold Lion Cafe’s impact is undeniable. It’s a place where queer and Asian identities intersect and are celebrated, where social justice is woven into the very fabric of the business, and where everyone feels welcome.
As I sat with Matt and Nafis, listening to their stories and witnessing the love and dedication they pour into their cafe, I was reminded of the power of food to bring people together and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Gold Lion Cafe is a shining example of what’s possible when passion, purpose, and delicious food collide.
If you’re ever in Richmond, be sure to visit Gold Lion Cafe and experience the magic for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
