Avartana, the award-winning contemporary South Indian restaurant at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, has welcomed Chef Sunanda as Head Chef, marking her return to a brand that has played an important role in her culinary journey across India and Sri Lanka.

With a strong career within the ITC Hotels ecosystem, Chef Sunanda brings experience in progressive South Indian cuisine, along with an in-depth understanding of Avartana's approach to interpreting the region's diverse flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions through contemporary techniques and presentation.

Hailing from Chennai, Chef Sunanda began her career with ITC Hotels at Avartana, ITC Grand Chola, where she spent three formative years developing her culinary skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the restaurant's distinctive philosophy.

She subsequently moved to ITC Ratnadipa, Sri Lanka, where she was involved in the pre-opening and establishment of Avartana at the property. Her role in introducing the contemporary South Indian restaurant concept to an international audience also gave her exposure to the culinary landscape of Sri Lanka.

Her experience in Sri Lanka helped her develop a stronger understanding of Sri Lankan flavours and ingredients, adding another dimension to her culinary perspective.

Chef Sunanda's appointment at ITC Maratha marks a return to the restaurant after her earlier association with Avartana in Chennai and Sri Lanka. Her familiarity with the brand's culinary philosophy, combined with her experience across different markets, is expected to shape the restaurant's next phase.

Speaking about her return to Avartana, Chef Sunanda said: "Avartana has been one of the most defining parts of my journey as a chef. Having worked with the restaurant in Chennai and then being part of its journey in Sri Lanka, I have seen how its philosophy can remain rooted while continuing to evolve. Coming back to Avartana at ITC Maratha feels like returning to something very familiar, but at the same time, it is a completely new opportunity. Mumbai is a new city for me, and I am excited to bring my experiences from the restaurants I have worked in, while continuing to discover what Avartana can become."

With Chef Sunanda at the helm, Avartana at ITC Maratha enters a new phase shaped by her experience across markets, familiarity with the restaurant's evolution and her own culinary perspective.

Her appointment further strengthens the restaurant's focus on progressive South Indian dining while continuing to explore the region's diverse flavours, ingredients and traditions through a contemporary lens.

For Avartana, Chef Sunanda's return also represents an opportunity to build on the restaurant's established culinary identity while bringing fresh perspectives shaped by her experiences in India and Sri Lanka.