Gandhi Mahal Restaurant

"Jewel tones, brass decor, and the bold fragrances of chilies and curry add to the cozy ambiance at Gandhi Mahal. Though one would already be thoroughly appreciative of the bounteous heaps of traditional Northern-style Bangladeshi Indian family recipes on their lunchtime buffet, a person may be surprised to know that many of the ingredients, though exotic in flavor, come right from the neighborhood Longfellow community gardens and a lush aquaponic greenhouse on-site. Ruhel, the owner, is enthusiastic about the future and what it means for the sustainability of the restaurant and beyond and has no shortage of innovative ways to introduce them to the menu." - Paper Bicycle

"Former Minneapolis restaurant Gandhi Mahal made national headlines in May of 2020 when owner Ruhel Islam, upon learning that his restaurant was burning in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, uttered a moving statement: “Let my building burn. Justice needs to be served, put those officers in jail.” Long a local hub for community, sustainable food, and progressive politics, Gandhi Mahal became an international symbol of solidarity and justice, a voice affirming the value of human life over property." - Justine Jones

"Gandhi Mahal, Longfellow by Paper Bicycle. Jewel tones, brass decor, and the bold fragrances of chilies and curry add to the cozy ambiance at Gandhi Mahal. Though one would already be thoroughly appreciative of the bounteous heaps of traditional Northern-style Bangladeshi Indian family recipes on their lunchtime buffet, a person may be surprised to know that many of the ingredients, though exotic in flavor, come right from the neighborhood Longfellow community gardens and a lush aquaponic greenhouse on-site. Ruhel, the owner, is enthusiastic about the future and what it means for the sustainability of the restaurant and beyond and has no shortage of innovative ways to introduce them to the menu."

"As fire engulfed Minneapolis restaurant Gandhi Mahal during the city’s June 2020 protests, owner Ruhel Islam went viral for remaining steadfast in his call for justice. One year later, he’s working to rebuild for the community." - Jaya Saxena

"Gandhi Mahal’s owner made national headlines when he said, “Let my building burn. Justice must be done.” Both restaurants were ultimately destroyed by fire." - Joy Summers