When Gunikka Ahuja told her brother she was considering leaving her six-figure role at Adidas to start a beer company, his response was immediate: “Our food deserves better.”
That remark would go on to spark Bunta, now billed as the UK’s first non-alcoholic Indian craft beer, designed specifically to complement Indian cuisine. Developed to be lighter and less carbonated than many mainstream Indian beers, Bunta has been carefully tested alongside spicy dishes. The result is a light, refreshing brew with subtle citrus notes from orange peel and a hint of coriander seed, flavours that echo key elements found in Indian cooking.
Born and raised in New Delhi, Ahuja moved to Los Angeles at 17 to study Textile Technology, later building a successful career as a Textile Innovation Manager at Adidas. However, regular visits to London to see her brother introduced her to a familiar British ritual: curry and a pint.
It was an experience that revealed a gap in the market.
“The food had evolved, but the beer hadn’t,” says Ahuja. “Whether I was eating at traditional curry houses on Brick Lane or newer restaurants pushing Indian cuisine forward, I kept finding the same experience. The beers were harsh, overly bitter, heavy and gassy. Before I’d even started eating, I’d switched to a soft drink.”
At the same time, the UK’s drinking culture was shifting. The rise of the sober-curious movement has driven demand for more refined alcohol-free options, while a new generation of chefs continues to redefine Indian cuisine across the country.
For Ahuja, who grew up in a household where food was central to family life, the disconnect between evolving cuisine and static beer offerings stood out.
“In my family, food wasn’t just about eating – it was ritual. Sunday biryanis, big family gatherings, hosting friends and relatives. Food was how we connected. Beer was always on the table too, even though my parents rarely drank. That contrast stayed with me: food felt deeply cultural, while beer was simply a default.”
Now based in London, Ahuja has left behind a $100,000-a-year career in Los Angeles to build a business rooted in a clear idea: as Indian food evolves, so too should the drinks served alongside it. The brand also reflects her broader vision of modern Indian identity culturally rooted, yet globally minded.
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Since launching in 2025, Bunta Beer has secured listings in 40 restaurants across the UK, rolled out on draught, and established a direct-to-consumer website. Social media has played a significant role in its growth, with drinks buyers increasingly reaching out directly via Instagram and TikTok.
“We’re just getting started,” Ahuja says. “There’s a new wave of chefs pushing things forward, which is exactly why drinks need to catch up.”
