Avartana at ITC Maratha: Mumbai's Newest Destination for Haute Cuisine

Avartana at ITC Maratha: Mumbai's Newest Destination for Haute Cuisine

By Author

Published on February 8, 2024

ITC Hotels proudly announces the opening of the third outlet of its iconic restaurant, Avartana, at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, marking a significant expansion of its culinary repertoire to the western part of India. Following the resounding success of its predecessors at ITC Grand Chola and ITC Royal Bengal, Avartana continues to redefine Southern Indian cuisine with its innovative and pioneering approach, now bringing its legacy to the vibrant city of Mumbai

Avartana has not only shone brightly among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 but has also established itself as a beacon of culinary innovation, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques. Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, shares the excitement and vision behind the brand, "Brand Avartana, just seven years young, has carved a niche for itself by demonstrating the strength and prowess of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques to the world. We endeavor to share the reimagined renditions of Avartana with diners across various cities, crafting moments that resonate long after the dining experience."

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At its core, Avartana is an ode to the rich tapestry of Southern Indian culinary traditions, seamlessly blending these with modern interpretations to create an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant's name, derived from the Sanskrit word for rhythm, mysticism, and magic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of its offerings - magical dishes that are a modernist take on traditional flavors, each telling a unique story.

The menu at Avartana is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to exploring and innovating within the realm of Southern Indian cuisine. Ingredients such as Ghee from Kerala, Uthukuli Butter and Mango Ginger from Andhra Pradesh, Sago and Jaggery from Chennai, Mochai Beans from Tamil Nadu, and Tamarind from Telangana are deconstructed and reimagined into dishes that engage the senses and captivate the diner's imagination.

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Among the standout offerings are the Spiced Aubergine and Sago with a Byadagi chilli emulsion, Sago Yogurt reinterpreting the classic Bagala Bath with an exotic dried berry tamarind sauce, and the visually striking Fennel Pannacotta egg dessert, presented in a bird's nest with a mini hammer for an interactive dining experience.

Avartana at ITC Maratha promises to be a culinary destination where magical flavors meet twenty-first-century technology, reinventing haute cuisine fine dining into an evolved art form. As it opens its doors in Mumbai, Avartana is set to offer diners a unique journey through the vibrant and diverse mosaics of Southern Indian cuisine, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with the magic of dining at its finest.


The Leela Gandhinagar Unveils Reimagined Menu at Diya

The Leela Gandhinagar Unveils Reimagined Menu at Diya

By Hariharan U

Published on March 3, 2026

Reinforcing its focus on refined Indian dining, The Leela Gandhinagar hosted a closed-door culinary evening to present a newly reimagined menu at its signature restaurant, Diya. The invite-only gathering welcomed select guests and food connoisseurs for a curated showcase centred on heritage flavours and elegant presentation.

The refreshed menu draws inspiration from the legacy of North Frontier cuisine, known for its bold spices, slow-cooking methods and time-honoured recipes. At Diya, these traditional elements have been retained while being refined with contemporary techniques and thoughtful plating. Seasonal produce and regional influences play a key role, with each dish crafted to reflect authenticity, depth and culinary precision.

Chef Ishtiyake, along with his seasoned kitchen team, leads this new direction. Drawing from experience across reputed five-star establishments, the team has shaped a menu that respects classical foundations while adapting to modern palates. During the evening, guests were introduced to the philosophy and inspiration behind the courses, making the experience interactive and immersive.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sood, General Manager, stated that the initiative underlines the hotel’s continued commitment to delivering elevated Indian cuisine paired with warm, intuitive hospitality.

With this unveiling, Diya enters a new phase, further positioning The Leela Gandhinagar as a distinguished fine-dining address in Gujarat.


Daryaganj Unveils Special Holi Beverage Menu

Daryaganj Unveils Special Holi Beverage Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 3, 2026

This Holi, Daryaganj invites guests to celebrate the festival of colors with a vibrant and thoughtfully curated festive beverage menu. Known for its classic flavours and authentic culinary roots, the restaurant brings together tradition and creativity to make Holi celebrations more colourful and refreshing.

Specially crafted for the festive season, the beverage selection reflects the spirit of Holi with playful twists on familiar favourites. Guests can enjoy drinks such as Ananas Thandai Margarita, Rang Barse Rose Chuski, Paan Kulfi Thandai, Aambi Thandai Margarita, and the signature Daryaganj Kulfi Thandai. Each drink is designed to offer a balance of nostalgia and freshness, making every sip feel celebratory.

These festive beverages pair beautifully with Daryaganj’s much-loved classics like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani, adding an extra layer of indulgence to Holi gatherings with family and friends.

With its warm setting and well-known hospitality, Daryaganj continues to be a preferred place to come together and celebrate festivals over comforting, familiar flavours. This Holi menu adds a festive spark, encouraging guests to slow down, share moments, and enjoy the joy of the season.

Fact Sheet:

  • Location: All Daryaganj outlets

  • Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM.


Chinese Wok Enters Agra, Marks 75th North India Outlet

Chinese Wok Enters Agra, Marks 75th North India Outlet

By Hariharan U

Published on March 2, 2026

Chinese Wok, one of India’s leading Desi Chinese QSR chains from Lenexis Foodworks, has entered Agra with the launch of its first outlet in the city. Located at Sanjay Place, Civil Lines, the opening also marks the brand’s 75th store in North India, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance in its national growth plans.

The new outlet received an encouraging response in its first week, recording strong footfall and early traction among local consumers. Agra, with its young population, student base and steady tourist inflow, presents a strong consumption market for organised dining formats.

Commenting on the expansion, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “North India continues to be a key growth engine for Chinese Wok. Reaching our 75th store in the region reflects not just expansion, but deepening consumer trust in emerging markets. Agra is not only a strong residential and commercial hub but also one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. This gives us an opportunity to serve both local consumers and the steady influx of domestic travellers seeking reliable, organised dining options. Our cluster-led strategy allows us to scale efficiently while delivering a consistent, high-quality QSR experience across cities.”

Designed to cater to students, families and working professionals, the Agra store offers value-driven combos, Kurkure Momos and Manchurian available in six sauces. The outlet will operate for dine-in, takeaway and delivery, while also contributing to local employment and the city’s organised food service ecosystem

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