The moment I stepped into the newly opened House of Akina, I could tell that the team wanted to create more than just another Asian restaurant in Bandra. From the space to the food and most especially the drink, this place in Bandra is just amazing and deserves every bit of the spotlight. Want to know more about my experience? Scroll Down.
House Of Akina Opens Its Door In Bandra
Nestled in the busy street of Bandra, the space feels warm and welcoming, with a cosy, lived-in charm that makes you want to settle in for a long meal. Instead of feeling overly formal or flashy, the restaurant strikes a nice balance between elegance and comfort.
What I especially enjoyed was how relaxed the atmosphere felt. Whether you’re there for a casual lunch, date night, or cocktails with friends, the setting works effortlessly. The soft lighting, thoughtfully designed corners, and the best part? The intimate vibe perfectly complements the food and drinks. The House of Akina is making the overall experience feel more immersive rather than just another dining outing, and I guess if you love Asian cuisine, then you are definitely in for a ride.
Is House Of Akina Worth The Hype?
We started off our meal with the 5 Spice Wok Tossed Chicken, and it turned out to be a great way to start. The chicken was soft, packed with flavour, and delicious, while the five-spice seasoning added a warm, flavourful depth to the dish. Every bite had a perfect balance of flavourful notes, making it the kind of appetiser you keep reaching for.
Next up was the White Tiger Potato Maki, which instantly caught my attention because, let’s be honest, potato isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of sushi. I was genuinely looking forward to trying this dish because I love Sushi and Potatoes separately, and was really curious to see how the combination would taste. The result was fascinating. The potato added a creamy texture and made the roll feel tasty. While I wouldn’t call it my favourite dish of the evening, but full marks for the creativity behind it. If you are someone who enjoys experimenting with unexpected flavour combinations, then this one is a must-try for you.
We also went with the Spiced Yam Bean, a refreshing dish that brought a welcome balance to the richer flavours on the table. Light, crunchy, and just the right amount of flavouring that I really enjoyed. We also tried the Thai Curry, and really loved it. Not a fan of Thai Curry, but House of Akina just changed my mind about that one. The curry was ultimately the best and also had a hint of South Indian flavours, and that was an add-on.
The House Of Akina Edit Was A Delight
One thing House of Akina is especially known for is the Akina Edit, a special selection of dishes created by Chef Ashwin Singh. Inspired by his travels across Asia, these dishes blend familiar Indian flavours with Asian techniques and ingredients, resulting in combinations that feel both nostalgic and surprising.
From this menu, the chef recommended the Mango Gazpacho Sphere. As much as the name sounds interesting, the dish is just a plate of Pani Puri with a creative twist. Instead of the usual spicy potato filling, this version came filled with a mango-based mixture. The outer layer delivered the familiar crunch of a pani puri, while the filling leaned towards sweet and fruity flavours. Although the idea behind it will definitely make it worth trying, and if you are a mango lover, then this one is going to be your favourite.
Also Read: CT Review: Is Naga Chaitanya’s Cloud Kitchen, Shoyu, Worth The Hype? I Tried It In Bengaluru!
As someone who is usually drawn towards spicy food, this dish wasn’t entirely for me. However, my friend, who has a serious sweet tooth, absolutely loved it. The meal so far made it clear that House of Akina isn’t afraid to take risks.
The Cocktails Stole The Show
If there’s one thing I would go back to the House of Akina for again and again, it has to be the Liquor Poetry. Made with Grey Goose vodka, vanilla, butterscotch, sesame oil, and charred banana, this cocktail was easily the winner of the evening. At first, the combination sounded unusual, but one sip completely changed my mind.
The drink is rich, smooth, and incredibly well-balanced. The vanilla and butterscotch bring a dessert-like sweetness without making it feel overly sugary, while the charred banana adds a deep, caramel-like flavour that lasts wonderfully. What intrigued me the most was the sesame oil. It adds a slight nutty note and gives the drink a distinctive depth that sets it apart from anything I’ve tried before.
Despite its complex flavours, the drink feels light, sweet and easy to sip. It almost tastes like a luxurious dessert in a glass, and trust me, you won’t regret the cocktail.
Also Read: CT Review: I Dropped By Pune’s Perk Up Paradise Cafe To Sip A Mocktail From A Tote Bag!
What is your favourite Asian dish?
Cover Image Courtesy: Tanvi Nalin Shrivastava, Internal
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FAQs
Who is the owner of Akina Bandra?
Akina (now known as House of Akina) in Bandra, Mumbai, is owned and managed by Aspect Hospitality.