Cafe Zubaan in Bengaluru combines Lebanese cuisine with social dialogue 

Cafe Zubaan in Koramangala, Bengaluru, is more than a restaurant — it’s a community hub with delicious Lebanese food and lively conversations on social issues

Tucked away on a quiet bylane off the 80-foot Road in Koramangala, Bengaluru, Cafe Zubaan stands out from the surrounding din. Its white-and-pastel green facade is calming. It is adorned with vibrant bursts of colour from overflowing planters and cascading creepers that frame a simple sign. Stepping inside, the frenetic pace of the city seems to melt away. The air is filled with the lilting melody of a ghazal, instantly transporting us to a world of serenity.

Sunlight streams through tall windows, illuminating a minimalist space punctuated by splashes of colour. Ornate tiles define the floor, while sturdy wooden tables and chairs stand ready for intimate conversations. A simple glass vase adorned with a bouquet of sunshine yellow and crisp white blooms (real, not plastic) sits on all the tables. As you unfold the menu, the inscription “Cafe Zubaan, Bengaluru” is followed by a tagline encapsulating the establishment’s essence: “an ode, a dream.”

The day’s heat was relentless, and we desperately needed something cool and refreshing to quench our thirst. Labeeb Usman and Jasna Moidu, the creators of Zubaan, suggested Saudi Champagne. This non-alcoholic drink was a feast for the eyes even before the first sip. Sparkling golden liquid, made of 7Up or Sprite, formed the base.

Atop this bubbly canvas floated a vibrant island of seasonal fruits: watermelon chunks, their juicy redness, a burst of colour; crisp green apple slices adding a touch of tartness; juicy sweet orange segments providing pops of citrus; and a wedge of lemon, its vibrant yellow a final flourish. Fresh mint leaves, their soothing green, a welcome contrast, not only added a touch of visual intrigue but hinted at the refreshing coolness to come. 

As we sipped the Saudi champagne, we focused on the menu. Zubaan’s culinary focus is Lebanese cuisine, and the mezze platter was a natural starting point. We followed it up with succulent chunks of the Istanbul kebab and a plate of mix grill.

To complete our meal, we could not resist indulging in a cup of hot Kahwa, the cafe’s signature beverage. But it is not just this brew that is Zubaan’s signature — there are books, too. A carefully curated selection of books (about gender, caste, sex, etc) is neatly arranged on a small shelf on the wall. Labeeb and Jasna came up with a monthly lecture series called Kahwa Aur Kithabein (Brew and Books), wherein they call distinguished speakers to talk about socio-political topics. Some speakers include Transgender activist Akkai Padmashali, journalist Dhanya Rajendran, actor-activist Chetan Ahimsa, and documentary filmmaker Jyoti Nisha.

Zubaan, in Urdu and Hindi, means tongue. It is a carefully thought-out name. For Labeeb and Jasna, the tongue is not just for tasting; it is also for talking about issues that concern society.