Every now and then, you step into a place that doesn’t just feel like a restaurant—it feels like an experience. That’s exactly what happened when I visited Naarma, one of Delhi’s boldest new dining destinations. Located in a stylish corner of the city, Naarma isn’t your regular dinner spot; it’s where fire meets water, art meets food, and everything you thought you knew about dining gets turned on its head.
A Fiery Afternoon At Naarma, Delhi’s New Culinary Sanctuary
From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was something special. The interiors are stunning and dramatic. The main dining space has a huge, glowing rose installation that makes you stop and stare. It changes the whole vibe of the room. There’s a private dining area that feels like walking into a dream, with hand-painted walls that seem to move with the light. And if you step outside, the scene changes completely, with edgy graffiti and a more relaxed, artsy feel. It’s like every section of the restaurant has its own mood and personality.
But Naarma isn’t just about good looks. It’s powered by some of the biggest names in the world of food. The kitchen is led by three chefs who have trained and cooked all over the world. Chef Jayson Gubat Cagaoan brings the fire, literally, with his experience in Michelin-starred kitchens in Asia. Chef Amit Singh brings in precision and flair from some of India’s top restaurants. And Chef Bienvenido Jr. adds a layer of depth with over 30 years of Chinese culinary expertise. What they create together is a full-blown performance on every plate.
What I Tried & Loved
And speaking of plates—here’s what I ate (and loved).
Appetisers:
- Naarma Shroom
This was the star of the evening. Crispy mushrooms, soft lettuce, and a creamy truffle dressing—it had crunch, richness, and flavour all packed into one bite. I would go back just for this.
- Hamachi Carpaccio
Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. The ponzu added a tangy punch and made it a great way to start the meal.
- Enoki Sushi
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did. It’s a vegetarian sushi with crispy mushrooms and spicy miso, and honestly, it’s one of the best sushi rolls I’ve had in Delhi.
- Chicken & Cheese Dim Sum
This was comfort food in the best way. The filling was hearty and delicious, and every bite felt like a warm hug. This was one of my top picks.
- Assorted Veg Dim Sum
These were soft, juicy, and packed with flavour. The water chestnut gave a nice crunch, too. It’s a solid choice for veggie lovers.
- Prawn Tempura
Perfectly done—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and paired with spicy mayo that added just the right kick.
Mains:
- Black Pepper Udon (Vegetarian)
I’m still thinking about this dish. Flat noodles, rich peppery sauce, and tofu—it was spicy, slurpy, and so addictive. I ate way more than I planned to.
- Chicken Meatballs
Soft, cheesy, and full of flavour. You cut into it, and cheese oozes out. It’s a small dish that delivers big satisfaction.
- Zucchini Pizzet
This one looked beautiful on the plate. It was well-made, but the flavours were a bit confusing for me. Still enjoyable, but not a standout.
- Crispy Tofu with Sesame Chilli
The tofu was cooked well and had a nice texture, but the flavours didn’t pop the way the others did. It was mild and subtle.
Dessert:
- Molten Volcano Dessert
A classic lava cake meets cold, creamy ice cream. It was rich, gooey, and the perfect end to the meal.
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What I Drank Was Surprising, Creative, And Delicious
Naarma’s drinks are not just drinks; they’re a whole other experience. Crafted by expert mixologists Heena Kewalramani and Pablo Guidoni, each drink has layers of flavour and thought behind it.
- Lemon Pie Smash
This was honestly one of the most creative cocktails I’ve ever tried. It tasted like a lemon pie in a glass, sweet, tart, creamy, and topped with a fluffy marshmallow-like foam. Absolutely loved it!
- Naarma Margarita
A spicy twist on the classic margarita, this one had gondhoraj lime, jalapeno, yuzu, and even a spiced onion and celery rim. It was punchy and bold, just like the restaurant itself.
- Virgin Paloma
It was a non-alcoholic drink that was incredibly refreshing with tangy pomelo and citrussy notes that made it a perfect palate cleanser. I could sip on this all day!
Naarma Is A Must-Visit
From the ambience to the food to the drinks, every detail at Naarma is carefully thought out and beautifully executed. It’s rare to find a place where everything, from the sushi to the dessert, from the lighting to the cocktails, works in harmony. But Naarma pulls it off effortlessly. Whether you’re celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Naarma is the place to go. I walked in expecting a good meal, and walked out completely wowed.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied and Mallika Khurana