Rooted In Tradition, Redefined By Innovation: A Glimpse At Avatara Mumbai’s Holistic New Menu

I might eat (and revel in) my veggies on daily basis with out complaining in the event that they had been served like these at Avatara Mumbai. That is one among my first ideas as I attain the tip of what was a meal full of sensations – for the eyes, palate, abdomen and coronary heart. I had simply completed 16 elaborately curated programs, however nearly did not need dinner to finish. This was a rewarding realisation in itself. With so many tasting menus ending up being about “getting by means of” the ultimate programs quite than relishing them, Avatara proved to be a refreshing outlier. And that is one among a number of options that make it stand out.

Avatara Mumbai not too long ago unveiled its new tasting menu referred to as RASAS. For the uninitiated, this institution is the home outpost of the award-winning restaurant of the identical identify which first opened in Dubai. Avatara Dubai is thought for being the world’s first and solely vegetarian Indian restaurant that has received a Michelin star. It’s a part of the Ardour F&B group, which incorporates names like Tresind Studio, Tresind, Carnival by Tresind, Bistro Aamara, and others. Avatara Mumbai opened in April 2024. In its early days, it made headlines for quite a few causes: its solely vegetarian focus in a fine-dining context (that too one with out paneer, mushrooms, onion and garlic), its creative presentation of programs and its refined reimagination of humble elements like karela and lauki. Earlier than stepping into for tasting the brand new menu, these highlights had been behind my thoughts. Nonetheless, I used to be curious to find how Avatara would develop its narrative past them. This is what it’s best to know:

Firstly, Avatara’s RASAS menu has 16 programs (the earlier tasting menu had 14). That may appear daunting, however do not let the quantity deter you. Chef Rahul Rana and Chef Sanket Joshi are meticulous by way of portion sizes, the order of programs in addition to efficiency of flavours. The dishes tease, delight and (sometimes) confound one’s style buds, however they cease wanting overwhelming them. Chef Sanket explains, “Our recipes do not name for deep frying or utilizing extra masala or oil than is important for fundamental cooking. The meal is made lighter through the use of high-quality elements, and when friends are requested if they’d wish to repeat a course, a lot of them achieve this.”

Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni

Secondly, the brand new menu is envisioned as an exploration of the six basic tastes often known as the “Rasas” in Ayurveda: candy, bitter, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. This is not meant to suggest that the programs have direct medicinal benefits. Slightly, the cooks have been impressed by these conventional ideas as a framework to showcase the flexibility of the elements chosen. However how does this culinary mission translate onto the plate(s)? Fairly attractively, as we discovered.

Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni

The primary six programs are served collectively and arrive in a surprising receptacle brimming with theatricality. They symbolize every of the 6 RASAS the menu is called after. We’re advised that Ayurvedic rules encourage beginning with Madhura (Candy) and we comply. The bite-sized makhan malai pops in my mouth rapidly and I register its easy sweetness with a smile. Subsequent, we’re directed to strive the Lavana (Salty) course. The tart-shaped appalam disintegrates into crisp shards, complemented by the softer textures of braised purple beet and ghee roast ketchup. The crispiness within the subsequent course (Kashaya/Astringent) is of a special variety, because it’s derived from a savoury corn ghewar. Topped with sarson ka saag and pickled radish, its flavours are convincingly acquainted however nonetheless shock us.

We’re suggested to shine off the remaining three programs in entrance of us earlier than they get soggy and every of them proves to be pockets of marvel too. However the influences of the Rasas do not cease there. Though the remainder of the programs aren’t named after particular tastes, they’re mirrored in different methods. Chef Sanket clarifies, “In response to Ayurveda, these 6 tastes ought to be included into our every day eating regimen. Thus, each dish on the menu incorporates elements of them. As an illustration, when Bal Mithai and Buransh Ras are mixed, the previous represents Madhura/Candy, whereas the latter brings forth the opposite three components, particularly the Bitter, Bitter, and Astringent tastes.”

Picture Credit score: Toshita Sahni

I will not go into the main points about all of the delicacies as they’d be like spoilers for a great movie or sequence. If doable, it’s a must to expertise them for your self and uncover their hidden mysteries first-hand. It is sure to be an aesthetic journey too, because the menu unapologetically exudes color and distinction with each course. Whereas diligent plating is usually the norm in a nice eating spot like this, Avatara elevates it to an awe-inspiring type of expression.

Picture Credit score: Avatara

What’s extra, its choices do not cease there. Avatara Mumbai does not have a cocktail menu nevertheless it does have an intensive wine checklist and distinctive non-alcoholic drink choices. Company can go for a curated pairing of both home wines or worldwide wines. Throughout our meal, Head sommelier Pratik Bhargude demonstrated how he makes use of an Aromaster package for wine tasting and choice. Secure to say, each learners to wine appreciation and discerning fans could be relaxed and discover one thing to their liking right here.

Avatara Mumbai wowed us with its sense of stability – not simply on the plate however in its total strategy. The restaurant prefers to name its methodology “reincarnation” of Indian delicacies quite than reimagination or another phrase. After my expertise, I grasped the excellence higher. An ideal meal could be restorative on many ranges should you permit it to be.

The place: seventh flooring, Krishna Curve Constructing, Juhu Tara Street, opp. Juhu Backyard, Hasmukh Nagar, Santacruz (West), Mumbai.