What does it take to impress a hard-core omnivore with an all-vegetarian fare? The answer is Avatara Mumbai, the world’s first vegetarian restaurant that bagged a one Michelin star for its Dubai outlet. And come April, Avatara made its India debut. I went there for a 14-course meal and here’s a page out of my gourmandizing there.
Avatara Makes Mumbai (And India) Debut
Image Courtesy: Supplied
From the house of Passion F&B – the hospitality group behind Tresind Studio, Tresind, Carnival by Tresind, Bistro Aamara, Maison De Curry, A Cappella, and Revelry — Avatara after making waves in Dubai culinary scene, marked its Mumbai and India debut on April 8, 2024.
The name of the restaurant finds its origin in the Sanskrit word Avatara, which means incarnation. Yes, like the incarnated avatars of Lord Vishnu. Nope, not like James Cameron’s Avatar. Envisioned by Chef Himanshu Saini and Chef Rahul Rana, restaurant Avatara represents the incarnation of Indian cuisine that takes centre stage in its transformative efforts, techniques, and a set menu that is completely vegetarian.
Make your way to the seventh floor of the Krishna Curve building on the junction of Linking Road and Juhu Tara Road, and you will be welcomed with all smiles into the world of Avatara. With white, sea green and blue being three prominent colour themes around you, the 65-seater is divided into three areas – the main dining area, private dining areas (2), and a wine cellar that houses the choicest wines from across the globe. The interiors take inspiration from Gangotri, the origin of River Ganga, and not only the wall art and themed decor but even the floor is crafted to resemble a river bed.
14-Course Menu That Takes You On A Culinary Expedition
It is not just the food, but the presentation, the tales behind it and why it finds its place on the menu that add more to the 14-course expedition. In addition to being pure veg, the dishes on the menu have no onion, no garlic, no paneer, no mushroom or any of the usual veg suspects. It brings to the forefront some of the most overlooked veggies and elements that tend to get wrinkled nose reactions. Like, taro, bitter gourd, jackfruit, turnip and more.
I will keep my review crisp here, on purpose, because I feel it is a personal journey you should embark upon. Know what you are having, how the elements come together and the order in which you should eat.
Here’s a course-by-course hot take on what I had:
1st Course:
Naivedhya (Holy Offering)
My hot take: 👍👍
Image Courtesy: Rachna Srivastava
2nd Course:
Alpahara (Snacks)
My hot take: 👍👍
3rd Course:
Jadon (Roots)
My hot take: 👍
4th Course:
Shikhalu (Corn)
My hot take: 👍👍
Image courtesy: Rachna Srivastava
5th Course:
Karuvelvilas (Bitter Gourd)
My hot take: 👍👍
6th Course:
Sandhita (Pickle)
My hot take: 👍
7th Course:
Grinjanah (Turnip)
My hot take: 👍
8th Course:
Panasa (Jackfruit)
My hot take: 👍👍
9th Course:
Krishna phal (Passion Fruit)
My hot take: 👍
10th Course:
Subhanjana (Drumstick)
My hot take: 👍
Image Courtesy: Rachna Srivastava
11th Course:
Vrihi (Rice)
My hot take: 👍
12th Course:
Kṣīra (Kheer/pudding)
My hot take: 👍
13th Course:
Madhuram (Sweet)
My hot take: 👍
Image Courtesy: Rachna Srivastava
14th Course:
Parna (Betel Leaf)
My hot take: 👍👍
Chef Himanshu Saini, Chef Rahul Rana and Chef Sanket Joshi (head chef, Mumbai branch), have truly curated a menu that will leave you feeling full, and full of surprises as well. I can’t get over the popping courses, palate cleansers, feeling of biting into familiar dishes that are reimagined and presented with reinvented plating, the ambiance, the sensory experience of eating 14 courses. After my mother’s cooking, it is Avatara (and its team) that has made me eat so many veggies in such unique forms and I have happily gobbled, nibbled, and sampled it all. I can safely say, it was one of the best meals of my life (of course, after my mom’s cooking)!
CT Tip: I know 14 courses sound a lot. You can always request for a short break a course prior as they are more than willing to accommodate it. They will in fact come and even ask you the same.
Also Read: Avatara: First Vegetarian Restaurant In Dubai To Be Awarded With Michelin Star
Where: 7th Floor, Krishna Curve Building, Junction Of Linking Road, & Juhu Tara Rd, opp. Juhu Garden, Santacruz West, Mumbai, 400054
When: 12 pm to 9.30 pm. Please call ahead for reservations
Contact: 091526 00123
Cost: ₹4500++
Cover Image Courtesy: Rachna Srivastava and Supplied
The editor was invited for a review by the Avatara team.
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