The flavours of Punjab’s cultural capital have finally arrived in Mumbai. After earning a loyal following in Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Dubai, Amritsr – The Maharaja of Indian Cuisine has opened its first restaurant in Andheri, bringing with it the comforting, homestyle taste of Amritsar that food lovers often miss outside the city.

What sets Amritsr apart is its focus on true Amritsari cuisine. For more than 15 years, the brand has stayed committed to authenticity, using its own masalas, desi ghee, mustard, saag and even soya chunks sourced directly from Amritsar. Every dish is crafted with the flavours, methods and warmth that define Punjabi cooking.

Along with its dine-in restaurant, Amritsr also ensures its food reaches every corner of Mumbai through two delivery kitchens in Bandra and Andheri, promising hot, fresh meals wherever you are.

The brand began its journey in 2018 with its first outlet in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Soi 22. It was born out of a simple realisation: the authentic taste of Amritsar rarely travels well. Even the iconic Amritsari Kulcha, the pride of the city, often loses its magic once you leave Punjab.

Amritsr’s growth is led by hospitality entrepreneur Vicky M. Sethi, Managing Director of King Group Hospitality (KGH). Known for previously building Kulcha King in Dubai, Sethi has made it his mission to preserve authenticity while taking Amritsari cuisine global.

The Mumbai outlet spans 3,500 sq. ft. and seats up to 150 guests, offering the warmth of Punjab through cultural décor, earthy tones and traditional artefacts. Behind the scenes, chefs trained in-house under Sethi’s original recipes maintain flavour consistency across cities.

The menu celebrates Punjabi classics from slow-cooked Dal Makhni and rich Butter Chicken to winter favourite Sarson da Saag, fragrant Biryani and soft Garlic Naan. The beverage menu complements the meal with refreshing favourites such as Gajar ki Kanji, Pudina Sharbat, Sikanjvi, Mango Lassi and the iconic Punjabi Lassi.

Amritsr also introduces an inventive cocktail programme rooted in Indian-inspired mixology. Highlights include the gin-based Courtesy of Planter, the tangy Pickle Mango Mezcarita, the milk-washed Kulangani Elixir, the purple cabbage–infused White on the Top, and the vibrant Amritasari Jamun made with jamun-infused rum.

For Sethi, opening in Mumbai is deeply personal, “Being born and raised in Mumbai, I wanted to bring home what we’ve created globally. This city deserves to taste Amritsar in its truest form. My favourite part of this journey has always been seeing people discover and fall in love with Amritsari food for the first time. For me, it's not just cuisine, it's a legacy,” he shared.

Mumbai marks the beginning of Amritsr’s Indian chapter, with more expansions planned across the country and an upcoming outlet in Bali.

Locations:

Andheri (Restaurant): G-3, 103, Morya Landmark 1, Off New Link Road, Veera Desai Rd, Andheri West, Mumbai 400053
Kalina (Kitchen): Swastik Industrial Estate, Kolivery Village, Bandra East, Mumbai 400098
Andheri (Kitchen): Shop No. 4B, Crystal Plaza, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Jogeshwari West, Mumbai 400053

Delhi has no shortage of coffee spots, but a few cafés consistently stand out for quality, service, and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a quick espresso, a specialty pour-over, or a cozy spot to work, these five cafés deliver exactly what you need.

1. Barista Coffee
One of India’s earliest café chains, Barista offers a warm, classic vibe paired with a balanced menu of Italian-style drinks and snacks. Their cappuccinos, mochas, and cold frappes are always crowd favourites. With cosy seating and efficient service, Barista is great for casual meetups or relaxed evenings.

2. Third Wave Coffee
Popular among young professionals, Third Wave Coffee focuses on specialty Indian beans and handcrafted brews. Their pour-overs, flat whites, and Vietnamese iced coffee stand out. Modern décor, ample plug points, and work-friendly seating make it ideal for remote working or creative brainstorming.

3. Costa Coffee
With its signature bold red interiors and British café charm, Costa Coffee is perfect for espresso lovers. Favorites include Flat White, Cortado, and indulgent Frostinos. Spacious seating and quiet corners make it a reliable choice for business meetings or solo coffee breaks.

4. Blue Tokai
A pioneer in India’s specialty coffee movement, Blue Tokai uses single-origin beans sourced from Indian estates. Their minimalist cafés highlight brewing transparency — you can even watch beans being freshly roasted and packed. Cold brews, pour-overs, and seasonal specials make every visit refreshing and unique.

5. Café Coffee Day (CCD)
A classic Indian favourite, CCD offers affordable coffee, casual vibes, and familiar comfort. Filter Coffee, Café Mocha, and Crunchy Frappe remain top picks. With multiple locations and easy access, it’s perfect for a quick stop or an unplanned coffee break.

From classic chains to specialty roasters, Delhi’s cafés offer something for every mood, budget, and coffee preference, ensuring every visit is a satisfying experience.

The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi has announced the elevation of Ankit Malhotra to the role of executive chef. With over 15 years of experience across some of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands, Malhotra brings a refined culinary vision, strong commitment to excellence, and a dynamic leadership approach to his new position.

Malhotra joined The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi as executive sous chef and has played a key role in strengthening the hotel’s culinary identity. His tenure has been marked by thoughtful menu innovation, focus on quality, and an ability to build and guide high-performing kitchen teams. His elevation reflects both his individual excellence and the strong culinary direction he has helped shape for the hotel.

Malhotra began his career at The Imperial, New Delhi, and has contributed to leading hospitality brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Taj West End Bengaluru, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Conrad Pune, and internationally at Radisson Blu Hotel, London Bloomsbury. His career highlights his passion for mastering diverse cuisines, enhancing technical skills, and leading kitchens with precision and integrity.

Chef Amit Dash, cluster executive chef for The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi & The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, said of the elevation, “Ankit’s journey with us has been exceptional. His creativity, discipline, and depth of culinary knowledge have consistently reflected the highest standards of our brand. His elevation to Executive Chef is a natural progression of his talent and leadership. His refined understanding of both global and regional flavours aligns seamlessly with our vision of delivering thoughtful, elevated, and memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

In his new role, Malhotra will oversee the strategic direction of the hotel’s award-winning dining venues, including its specialty restaurants led by expat chefs. He will also lead the banqueting operations and wellness-focused culinary programming, a key pillar of the Westin brand.