RVA's Food Scene Punches Above Its Weight. Time the Dating Scene Did Too.

Richmond’s South Asian community is smaller than DC or Charlotte, but it’s growing in the way that every mid-sized Southern city is: tech jobs, medical positions, and families who want proximity to the East Coast without the East Coast prices. Short Pump and Glen Allen are where the Indian families have settled. VCU and the University of Richmond bring students. The medical and tech sectors are pulling in more desi professionals every year.

Garam Masala Dating is the #1 live South Asian dating show and singles mixer that runs weekly in NYC. Real blind dates on stage, a 250 person audience, a mixer where everyone meets. It’s designed for exactly the kind of community Richmond is building: people who want to connect but don’t have a natural venue for it.

The honest truth about Richmond is that the South Asian singles scene is early. There aren’t enough people yet for the niche cultural events to sustain themselves, which means the apps are your only option. That’s the worst possible outcome for a community that values personal connection and in person chemistry.

We’re watching Richmond as it grows. If the waitlist tells us the demand is there, we’ll bring the show. Sign up below for first access to tickets, or apply to be a contestant. RVA’s food scene is already punching above its weight. Time for the dating scene to catch up.