How it works
From the first page to the last course.
Book-A-Table is a book-themed supper club in Bengaluru, India. For each edition, sisters Shachi and Kriti Srivastava choose one book, cook a menu inspired by it, dress their home to match, and host a small table of readers. The conversation about the book is moderated and moves along with the meal, course by course. So far the shelf holds Bridgerton, Butter, A Suitable Boy, Lessons in Chemistry, Independence and a Yellowface literary lunch with Bao To Me.
- Ch. I
We pick a book
Every edition starts with one book, from Regency romance to Tokyo noir to post-Partition Bengal. We announce it on Instagram and to the waitlist, so there's time to read along.
- Ch. II
We cook the story
The menu comes off the page: coronation chicken sandwiches for Bridgerton, teriyaki skewers and onigiri for Butter, a Bengali lunch on banana leaves for Independence.
- Ch. III
You come over
Our living room becomes the book's world, with wisteria, marigolds, paper fans or a kantha on the wall. You'll share the table with fellow readers, most of whom arrive as strangers.
- Ch. IV
We talk, course by course
The discussion is moderated and moves with the meal. As each course arrives, the conversation turns to another of the book's themes, characters and ideas.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
What is Book-A-Table?
Book-A-Table is a book-themed supper club in Bengaluru run by sisters Shachi and Kriti Srivastava. For each edition they choose a book, cook a menu inspired by it, dress their home to match the story, and host a small table of readers for a meal and a moderated conversation about the book.
Where do the supper clubs happen?
Most editions are hosted at the sisters' home in Bengaluru, and the exact address is shared with confirmed guests. Now and then the table goes on the road, like the Yellowface literary lunch at Bao To Me in Koramangala.
Do I need to have read the book?
It helps, and many guests do, but you're welcome either way. The discussion is moderated and moves through the book course by course, so you'll pick up the story as the plates go round.
How do I book a seat?
Join the waitlist on the Save a seat page, or message @book_a_table on Instagram. Each new book is announced there first, along with the date and how to confirm your seat.
How much does a seat cost?
It depends on the edition and the menu. The price is shared when each new book is announced, and people on the waitlist hear first.
What kind of food is served?
Whatever the book asks for. So far that's been a Regency afternoon tea for Bridgerton, Japanese home cooking for Butter, a North Indian wedding-season spread for A Suitable Boy, Americana comfort food for Lessons in Chemistry, and a Bengali lunch on banana leaves for Independence.
Are drinks and cocktails served?
Yes. Most editions come with drinks themed to the book: gin and tonics with a twist of orange for A Suitable Boy, whisky with dried rose petals, Vanaha forest gin for Independence. There are non-alcoholic options too. See the bar cart.
How many guests are there?
It's an intimate table, usually somewhere between ten and twenty readers depending on the book and the room. Most guests arrive as strangers, and few leave that way.
Is there a dress code?
Never required, always encouraged. Guests have turned up in Regency florals for Bridgerton and in saris and kurtas for A Suitable Boy.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Our menus have always included vegetarian dishes alongside meat. Mention any allergies or other needs when you join the list and we'll do our best.
Do you host private tables or brand collaborations?
We love a collaboration. Our Yellowface lunch with Bao To Me began when the restaurant found us on Instagram. If you'd like a Book-A-Table for your restaurant, brand, book club or team, tell us on the Save a seat page.
Who runs Book-A-Table?
Sisters Shachi and Kriti Srivastava. They choose the books, cook the menus, dress the room and host the conversation.
Which books has Book-A-Table done so far?
Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, Butter by Asako Yuzuki, A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang (with Bao To Me), Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, and Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Browse them all in the Library.
The next chapter
The next book is still under wraps.
Get on the list and you'll hear the title, the date and a hint of the menu before anyone else.