Curry and a Pint Just Got an Upgrade: Bunta Beer Launches in London

Bunta Beer – the UK’s first non-alcoholic Indian craft beer, specially brewed to complement bold, flavourful Indian food – has launched in London, with listings at Kricket, Bar Aspen, Vinotopia, East West London and cult Stoke Newington convenience store Londis N16.

Bunta Beer was founded in October 2025 by 27-year-old Gunikka Ahuja, who was born in New Delhi, moved to LA at 17, and later settled in London. The beer is alcohol-free (0.5%), gluten-free, vegan, and 60 calories per 330ml can.

While Indian food in the UK has evolved rapidly – from neighbourhood curry houses to modern restaurants such as Kricket, Dishoom and Hoppers – the beers served alongside it have remained largely unchanged. Bunta was developed to fill that gap: a lighter, crisper lager that complements spice rather than overpowering it. Bunta’s flagship beer – a 0.5% citrus lager – has been crafted to be incredibly light and refreshing, with subtle citrus notes from orange peel and a hint of coriander seed. The coriander and citrus elements also mirror flavour compounds commonly found in Indian cooking.

The name “Bunta” nods to Indian culture: in North India, “Bunta” refers to the marble used to seal traditional codd-neck bottles, especially for the lemon-based drink Banta Soda, known for its refreshing citrusy ‘pop’ – a drink enjoyed by Ahuja in her youth.

New Delhi-born Ahuja moved to LA at 17 to study Textile Technology and later worked as a Textile Innovation Manager at Adidas. Frequent visits to her brother in London introduced her to the UK’s ‘curry and a pint’ ritual, inspiring her to create a beer that would specifically match the occasion.

Ahuja’s textile background also inspired her to create and trademark Buntatex™, a biodegradable textile which transforms brewing waste into sustainable packaging, to be produced over the upcoming months into packaging and branded merch.

Ahuja said: "I love spicy food and the role of Bunta is to regulate the experience of eating hot food. Bunta cuts through the heat, cleanses the palate and makes you ready for the next bite, while being delicious and not too carbonated to avoid that all too familiar bloat. I grew up in New Delhi in a household where food was everything: it wasn’t just about eating, it was ritual. Sunday biryanis, big family meals, hosting – food was how we connected. Beer was always on the table too, even though my parents didn’t really drink. That contrast – food being deeply cultural, and beer just being a default – always stayed with me."

She added: "I started to visit London a few years ago and couldn’t wait to sample the Indian food on offer here. Whether it was the curry houses I visited on Brick Lane or more modern spots, the food had evolved, but the beer hadn’t. Before I’d even started eating, I’d already switched to a soft drink. I told my brother, ‘I think I just need to make my own Indian beer.’ He laughed and said, ‘Our food deserves better.’ That was the moment Bunta was born."

The stubby pink can features a punchy cartoon-style graphic of Ahuja’s brother. She explained: "My brother is my best friend – we’ve always been treated as equals. Having him on the can wasn’t just a design choice, it was deeply personal. The character represents a new generation of drinkers who don’t feel the need to drink alcohol to be part of the moment. It could be anyone you see in Shoreditch or Brixton, culturally rooted, making different choices."

Ahuja added: "I want Bunta to be the only beer you think of when you’re eating Indian food: whether that’s at a high-end restaurant or whether you are cooking curry at home. We’re building a brand that sits at the intersection of food, culture, and materials, from drinks to textiles, all rooted in circularity and modern British identity."

About Bunta Beer and Founder Gunikka Ahuja

Gunikka Ahuja is the founder of Bunta Beer Co., the UK’s first non-alcoholic Indian craft beer brand. Born in New Delhi, she moved to Los Angeles at 17 before settling in London, where she left a successful career in innovation at Adidas to pursue her passion for brewing. A materials scientist by training, Gunikka combines technical expertise with a deep appreciation for food, flavour, and culture. Through extensive experimentation, including over 50 iterations of Bunta Beer’s flagship Citrus Lager, she has developed a non-alcoholic, vegan beer designed to enhance the dining experience.

Notes to Editors

Bunta Beer has been allergen tested and contains barley and wheat – less than 20ppm so gluten-free. Vegan. 60 calories per 330ml can.

Images:

Hi-res imagery (credited to Bunta Beer): https://we.tl/t-JLEaHDxuFkoLEQ5V

For more information:

Jo Baird, Public Relations Manager

Email: jo@joannebaird.com | Tel: +44 7814 267 444

Trade enquiries: trade@buntabeer.com | sales@koredrinks.com

Website: www.buntabeer.com

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