INDIA – Hospitality company Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH) has launched the premium casual dining concept Waarsa Restaurant in Mumbai, which serves signature Awadhi cuisine.
The new restaurant concept is located at the cultural hub of the National Center for the Performing Arts at Nariman Point, Mumbai.
According to ABNAH, the casual dining concept is a collaboration between culinary director Rahul Akerkar and Master Chef Mukhtar Qureshi.
The culinary director stated the concept was intended to primarily offer a menu that provides a narrative of Awadhi’s history, drawing inspiration from both the homes of traditional cooks and royal kitchens.
Akerkar also reiterated creators of the dining concept immersed themselves in the diverse culinary landscapes of Lucknow, Benares, Kolkata and beyond to provide the true, authentic Awadhi experience.
Waarsa’s menu features Raan-e-Mukhtar and Zafrani Lagaan Murgh, alongside cocktails The Emperor’s Rose and the Gin Gilori, paying homage to the spirit of Awadh.
Chef Mukhtar Qureshi expressed excitement over the restaurant and the menu.
He reiterated he designed the menu to reflect his memories of home-cooked meals and rich histories of his family, while at the same time incorporating the culinary skills he has developed over the years.
The master chef stated this unique blend between Awadhi historical roots and subtle modern culinary touches is what separates the dining experience from other dining concepts in Mumbai.
The contemporary dining experience is further enhanced by the luxurious ambience of the restaurant’s design by restoration architect Abha Narain Lambah. The design is a unique blend of salmon hues with intricate ceiling designs the Lambah describes as ‘reflective of the grandeur of Awadh.’
Udai Pinnali, ABNAH’s CEO, welcomed the launch by saying, “We are honoured to introduce Waarsa at the prestigious NCPA, a venue renowned for showcasing traditional and contemporary arts over the decades. Waarsa stands as our tribute to a cuisine that is shaped as much by the regal kitchens as by the warmth of traditional Awadhi homes.”
“Chef Rahul Akerkar and Chef Mukhtar Qureshi have collaborated to build a culinary experience that is both authentically rooted in Awadh and thoughtfully adapted to contemporary tastes.”
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