Gen Z is ditching dating apps and choosing a fresh way to connect - by dining with strangers. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, young people are signing up for group dinners where they eat with people they’ve never met before. These events are called communal dining or stranger dinners.

Here’s how it works: you register online, pay a small fee, and show up at a secret dinner location. The idea is to meet new people, have fun conversations, and share a meal together - no phones, no awkward swiping, just real talk.

Gen Z says they’re tired of superficial connections on dating apps. These dinners help them build genuine friendships, reduce loneliness, and explore new perspectives. It’s not about dating - it’s about human connection.

This trend is also giving rise to new startups that organize these events, like Ekatra, Bhūmi, and Plated Stories.

In a world becoming more virtual, Gen Z is choosing to be more real. One plate at a time, they’re breaking social barriers and rediscovering the joy of meaningful conversations - with complete strangers.