A non-Mumbaikar’s first introduction to La Panthera in BKC could be… pap photos! From Shah Rukh Khan to Sachin Tendulkar, some of India’s most prominent celebs have been papped entering and exiting the luxurious modern European restaurant. So, when Chef Manuel Olveira and his wife Mickee Tuljapurkar brought a taste of Mumbai’s celeb hot-spot to Namma Bengaluru, I had to instantly grab a seat at the chef’s table. The finest European food was had, and a chat with the deeply passionate duo left me wanting to book a ticket to Mumbai for my next meal.
Bengaluru Gets A Taste Of La Panthera
If I were to call Manuel Olveira a chef-cum-speed painter, I wouldn’t be exaggerating. Watching the culinary doyen at work, plating right before me on the pass, was a work of art in itself. With a smile on his face, he gently places Danish baked brie, tops spiced mushrooms, methodically drizzles balsamic vinegar, and finally finishes with freshly grated truffle, without breaking a sweat, all while engaging diners in his world where mad genius meets intense passion.
His wife, Mickee Tuljapurkar, matches his energy on the hospitality front. Clean, ingredient-driven and chef-led plates were served and lapped up. Some of my favourites from the evening were the Baked Brie, handmade Cacio Pepe, the refreshing Bloody Mary Ceviche, which woke my palate and the Beetroot Carpaccio on crisp filo pastry.
Chef Manuel Olveira Talks To Curly Tales
1) Chef, La Loca Maria, is named after your mother. What’s the role your mother played in your culinary journey?Â
Growing up in Toledo, Spain, in a family of restaurateurs, my mother’s Maria restaurant was my first classroom. That’s where I first saw what life in a kitchen actually looks like. As a teenager, I’d help her out with tasting the paella broth, rolling meatballs, and doing the small jobs.Â
Watching her cook traditional Spanish food day after day made it very clear to me that I wanted to walk in her footsteps. So, going to culinary school felt like the most natural next step—it wasn’t a big decision, it just made sense.
My mom taught me that good-tasting food doesn’t need to be complicated. You just need to be very clear on the flavours and have the right ingredients to make those flavours pop!
2) La Panthera’s Tiramisu is one of the most loved dishes on the menu. Tell us the story behind the iconic dessert.Â
When Mickee and I were dating back in 2014, we ate out a lot, and she complained about tiramisu not hitting the “spot”. Almost every one we tried was disappointing. Too sweet, too heavy, or something or the other just didn’t work.
After an especially bad one, I made a tiramisu mainly to stop her from complaining. I think tiramisu should be light, not overly sweet and something you actually enjoy till the last bite.
She loved it, the complaints stopped, and the recipe stuck. Over time, it evolved into the tiramisu we now serve at La Loca Maria and La Panthera— what started as damage control is now an iconic dessert at both our restaurants.
3) From Shah Rukh Khan to Sachin Tendulkar, La Panthera is a celeb hotspot. We’d love to know about some celebrity-approved dishes.Â
The Beetroot Carpaccio, Bloody Mary Ceviche, Baked Brie, New Zealand Lamb Chops, our Neopolitan Pizzas, and Cacio e Pepe are celeb favourites. And of course, many celebrities choose to end their dinner with the Tiramisu La Panthera Way or the Chocolate Soufflé.
4) With two successful and trending restaurants in Mumbai, what’s next for India’s beloved culinary duo?Â
Right now, our focus is on refining what we’ve already built. Strengthening systems, mentoring our teams, and making sure the experience stays consistent every single day. Growth is exciting, but for us, it has to be thoughtful and done the right way.
Also Read: Â 5 Power Couples Building Delicious Food Empires Together
Rapid Fire With Manuel Olveira
1. A must-try dish at La Panthera
Bloody Mary Ceviche
It has fresh seabass, lime Leche de Tigre & Bloody Mary granita. It’s zesty and refreshing.
2. Your favourite comfort food
Whenever I miss Spain, I turn to a Seafood Paella. It’s nostalgic and always reminds me of home.
3. A dish you find overrated
My wife hates me for this – Pani Puri!
4. A dish you find underrated
Scones with clotted cream and jam
5. An ingredient you cannot do without
Olive OilÂ
6. A travel destination you want to visit for its food
South America
The variety of flavours, ingredients and cooking styles across the continent really interests me.
7. An Indian dish that just blew your mind
Butter garlic crabs with appams
8. A myth you can bust about Italian cuisineÂ
While there is an “authentic” way to cook Italian food, it is also shaped by people and places in different countries.
9. A celebrity who walked into La Panthera and left you star-struck!Â
10. One-line advice for aspiring chefs and restaurateurs
Hospitality isn’t a moment— the smallest details matter.Â
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied