Nepali couple opens same-sex friendly restaurant in Geneva

Shakti Karki and Abhishek Pathak opened a Nepali restaurant called Bunsnpice - Momo & More in Geneva, Switzerland.

The couple, who met on a dating app while Karki lived in Nepal, moved to the Swiss city to establish a business based on their shared passion for cooking. The pair faced several hurdles to build their life together in Switzerland.

Although Nepal legally recognizes same-sex marriage, the couple encountered administrative difficulties when trying to register their union because official forms only offered options for a man and a woman. They eventually registered their marriage in Geneva after navigating visa issues and long-distance challenges. Pathak took the lead on the business idea, having previously trained in an Indian restaurant to learn the necessary skills for running an establishment.

They started by making and delivering momo, a popular Nepali dumpling, from their home. They eventually transitioned to a physical location near Lake Geneva. To operate a dine-in restaurant, they had to complete advanced hygiene courses and submit detailed plans regarding seating, security, and emergency procedures. The owners use their own savings to fund the eatery, which serves popular items like chowmein and thukpa.

While they aim to introduce more traditional Nepali dishes, they noted that non-Nepali customers often show more interest in trying the cuisine. The couple plans to expand their business and eventually hopes to adopt children from Nepal to raise in Switzerland.