CT Review: I Sipped On Ceviche, Ate French Toast For Dinner & Let Delhi’s Mamma Killa Cast Its Spell On Me

Imagine this: you’re sitting on a rooftop under the moonlight; the soft breeze is playing with your hair, the majestic Qutub Minar is right in view, and in your hand there’s a cocktail that tastes nothing like you’ve ever had before. That is exactly what my night at Mamma Killa, Delhi’s newest and most exclusive members-only bar, felt like. It was a full-on experience, a vibe, a secret worth keeping!

Mamma Killa – Delhi’s Most Mysterious New Bar

Tucked away in Mehrauli, with a vibe that screams seclusion and a strict no-photos policy, Mamma Kila feels like a secret temple. The space is inspired by the Aztec moon goddess, ‘Mamma Qilla,’ and every inch reflects that. There are no flashy lights or loud music; instead, the energy is soft and warm but full of mystery. With terracotta walls, mosaic murals, cane lamps, and even some hidden graffiti, every element here is designed to make you look closely and be fully present in the moment.

Far from your regular bars, this is India’s first Aztec-inspired bar, where every single detail has been carefully thought of. The space is modern yet earthy and calm, but still charged with energy, and you truly start to feel that as soon as you step in. The service feels personal, and the details feel homely yet exclusive, setting the perfect stage for what’s to come next.

The Bar That Comes To You

Now, let’s talk about what really sets Mamma Killa apart: the drinks, or more accurately, the rituals. Here, instead of ordering from a menu, you get a Gueridon Cocktail Trolley that is wheeled right to your table. It’s like getting your own personal bar on wheels. The mixologist chats with you, understands your mood and your preferences, and then creates a drink right in front of you using their house-made infusions, spirits, and some really fun garnishes like Tobiko, caramelised citrus, pickled olives, and more.

You get to choose your own spirit from tequila, mezcal, gin, or whisky, and then pick an elixir like banana & fig, lotus biscoff & coffee, or palo santo & bee pollen. The entire experience is intimate, interactive, and feels incredibly special. You can also think of it as a reverse omakase bar, where you get to dictate every detail of your drink.

The cocktail menu is just as spectacular, running on a theme of drinks that taste like dishes. Can you imagine sipping on Ceviche? Well, at Mamma Killa, I did. I was told that it’s the most recommended dish on the menu, and wow, they weren’t kidding. It is a mix of blanco tequila, mezcal, ceviche spice mix, leche de tigre, yuzu and melon cordial, clarified mango yoghurt, and cucumber tonic. It’s zingy, fresh, and honestly, addictive. I could have had five.

Next up was Pizza-Ila. Yes, it’s a cocktail that tastes like pizza. With pesto-infused tequila, bitter aperitif, Sauvignon Blanc, spiced pizza palate soda, Peruvian herb saline, and maple-charred cherry tomato, it somehow works. It’s wild, unexpected, and so fun. Another one I simply couldn’t get enough of was Kiwicha. This drink is a beauty. It’s the one that you order for its looks but fall in love with for its flavours. Imagine Tenjaku Gin with cherry wine, coconut, strawberry, yuzu, and citrus, turned into a smooth, fruity, and elegant drink. 

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The Food That Takes You On A World Tour

While the cocktails are undeniably the stars of Mamma Killa, the food more than holds its own. The team here serves globally inspired plates with just the right amount of flair and punch. We started the evening with Avocado Artichoke Ceviche. It was zesty, vibrant, and the perfect opener.

Next came the Tropical Prawn Robata with juicy prawns, kissed with smoke, and a tropical sour sauce, finished with crispy quinoa pops, adding a wonderful texture to every bite. For seafood lovers, this is certainly a must-try. For a taste of summer in a bite, the Black Mango Maki is a spectacular sushi; black rice rolls with spicy sriracha and sweet Thai mango, it is truly one of the best ways to make the most of the mango season.

Potato Bravas came next and stole the show. Perfectly crispy and packed with flavour, I just couldn’t stop eating them. Next up was Spanakopita: flaky, warm, and hearty, it was comfort food done right. Paired perfectly with our refreshing drinks, the Fresh Mozzarella Pide was chewy, cheesy, herby, and felt like a warm hug.

Desserts That Steal The Show

Done and dusted with all the bold flavours and spirits, it was finally time for dessert. And it would be fair to say that I was flabbergasted. If you were under the impression that French Toast is only for breakfast, like me, Mamma Killa is the place to beat that notion. For someone who doesn’t usually lean towards sweet flavours, this was such a wonderful surprise. The soft and sweet French toast was made from their in-house bread and condiments and was hearty, to say the least.

As I dug in for my first bite, thinking it would be my last, I ended up eating over half of it. And a competent rival to this French toast was the Unlimited Tiramisu. Yes, unlimited. The creamy, light, and surprisingly alcohol-free, but you would never even know it; it was so good. I would have gone back for more if not for the French toast that stole my heart.

The best part about Mamma Killa is how personal and thoughtful everything is. From the way drinks are served to the way food is plated, to the fact that no one is snapping selfies or rushing through. It’s a space that makes you slow down. In a world full of Instagrammable bars, Mamma Killa is different. It doesn’t want your attention; it wants your presence.

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied and Mallika Khurana