Aditya Birla Group launches Waarsa, a signature Awadhi restaurant at NCPA

Helmed by Culinary Maestros Chef Rahul Akerkar and Chef Mukhtar Qureshi  

Mumbai, September 2024 - Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), the hospitality arm of Aditya Birla Group announces the opening of Waarsa, a premium casual dining restaurant serving signature Awadhi food. Waarsa is nestled within the heritage precinct of the iconic National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point, Mumbai.  

Waarsa, which means “inheritance” attempts to narrate the story of Awadh and its cooks through the flavours, aromas, and techniques that have been passed down through generations. It reflects the deep connection to the rich legacy and culinary heritage of Awadhi cuisine. 

Waarsa, helmed by Chef Rahul Akerkar- Culinary Director at ABNAH and Chef Mukthar Qureshi-MasterChef (Waarsa), is more than just a restaurant.  It is a journey through the vibrant and storied history of Awadhi cuisine inspired not only from the royal kitchens but also more from the homes of cooks from the region, as they travelled from Awadh to different parts of India. 

 Udai Pinnali, CEO, ABNAH, said:

“We are honoured to introduce Waarsa at the prestigious NCPA, a venue renowned for showcasing traditional and contemporary arts over the decades. Waarsa stands as our tribute to a cuisine that is shaped as much by the regal kitchens as with the warmth of traditional Awadhi homes. Chef Rahul Akerkar and Chef Mukhtar Qureshi have collaborated to build a culinary experience that is both authentically rooted in Awadh and thoughtfully adapted to contemporary tastes. 

At ABNAH, our approach to new dining concepts is driven by a mission to unlock the transformative power of food and to tell culinary stories that resonate deeply with today’s audience.” 

Signatures at Waarsa

Quote from Chef Rahul Akerkar, Culinary Director at ABNAH

“We’ve crafted every detail of Waarsa to reflect the essence of Awadh in a way that is both understated and elegant. To create this, we immersed ourselves in the diverse culinary landscapes of Lucknow, Benares, Kolkata, and beyond, deeply engaging with the history and nuances of this remarkable cuisine,” adds Chef Rahul Akerkar.

Signature dishes such as Raan-e-Mukhtar (slow cooked goat leg in its own juices with a medley of home spices and then tandoor roasted) and Daal Q-Man (kid goat slow-cooked in black masoor dal,  finished with dill, bathua leaves and white butter) showcase the complexity of flavours achieved through the artistry of slow cooking, a hallmark of Awadhi cuisine. With a menu that features around 30 varieties of kebabs and more than 13 types of bread, Waarsa is poised to become a must-visit destination for soulful Awadhi cuisine. The menu at Waarsa places a strong emphasis on vegetarian cuisine, showcasing Awadhi flavours crafted from locally sourced, everyday ingredients. It honours the traditional use of vegetables in home-cooked Awadhi dishes, drawing inspiration from the way these ingredients have been integral to daily cooking in local households. Dishes like Bhindi Kali Mirchi, okra tossed with yoghurt and cracked black pepper, Lauki Aur Chana Dal Shikhampuri, tawa-seared, bottle gourd and chickpea kebab, Bhuna Bhutta Khaas Seekh, grilled vegetable seekh with coal-roasted corn, are just some of the signatures from the menu.

Waarsa's menu is a celebration of storytelling through food, with each dish narrating the rich journey of Awadhi cuisine. Carefully crafted, these dishes delve into the cultural significance of ingredients and techniques refined over centuries. From the comforting warmth of Chilgoza shorba to the unique savoury delight of Jaituni Dingri, the menu offers a curated selection that not only delights the palate but also evokes a deep sense of history and tradition. Dishes like the Gucchi Biryani further enrich the culinary experience, ensuring that every meal at Waarsa is an exploration of Awadhi culture, where every flavour tells a story.

Quality and authenticity are at the heart of Waarsa's dining experience. Dishes like the robust Kareli Dum Dudhiya Biryani, the delicately spiced Kamal-Jhad Shami, and the luxurious Zafrani Lagaan Murgh are crafted with precision, offering a harmonious blend of flavours that resonate with both traditionalists and modern diners. Waarsa’s culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that food is not merely sustenance but an experience that evokes emotions, memories, and a deeper connection to cultural heritage.

Chef Mukhtar Qureshi, a member of the legendary Qureshi family renowned for their strong Awadhi lineage, leads the kitchen. Chef Qureshi is known for his profound respect for tradition as well as contemporary culinary practices. His childhood memories of growing up in Lucknow, where his family operated traditional restaurants, serve as a wellspring of inspiration. These experiences have shaped his culinary philosophy, which marries the time-honoured techniques of Awadhi cooking with modern sensibilities.  

Quote from Chef Mukhtar Qureshi, MasterChef, Waarsa

“For me, Waarsa represents a deeply personal journey. The menu reflects my childhood memories of home-cooked meals and the rich stories from my family, all the while incorporating the culinary voice I’ve cultivated over the years. It honours the authenticity of Awadhi cuisine and its historical roots, but it also introduces subtle modern touches to offer a lighter and more contemporary dining experience.”

Waarsa: The Cocktails

The house crafted cocktails at Waarsa draw inspiration from the rich heritage of its Awadhi cuisine, known as much for its delicate balance of flavours and aromas as it is for its slow-cooked intricacies and exquisite use of spices.

“Our cocktails do not shout; rather we use ingredients that whisper the essence of India, creating drinks that intrigue the senses without overwhelming them. We select spices and botanicals with care, choosing those that evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh twist for today. From saffron's subtle warmth to rose's gentle allure, from the zing of green cardamom to the earthiness of roasted cumin, each ingredient is chosen to tell a story of refined elegance,” says Chef Rahul Akerkar.  

Some signature items from the menu include: ‘The Emperor’s Rose’- gin, rose & cider shrub, cucumber, splash of tonic; ‘Gin Gilori’- gin, paan infused Campari, sweet vermouth, saffron, Cutting Old Fashioned- Bourbon, masala chai syrup, aromatic bitter, matri &  Summers in Agra - Mezcal, musk melon, mango pickle, coriander, lime

 Waarsa: The Design

The ambience at Waarsa has been thoughtfully curated to complement the rich culinary experience it offers. The restaurant's design, crafted by the esteemed restoration architect Abha Narain Lambah balances her expertise in creating a space which borrows from the past but speaks of the 21st century striking a harmonious balance between the old and the new. Known for her work on UNESCO World Heritage sites, Lambah has infused Waarsa with the architectural language of Awadh while introducing contemporary design touches that create an inviting and sophisticated space. The walls, bathed in a washed-out salmon hue inspired by surkhi—a material traditionally used in historic buildings—are accented by intricate ceiling designs and modern, subtly ornate furniture in Waarsa's signature blue tones. This elegant yet understated setting provides the perfect backdrop for a dining experience that is both immersive and memorable.

Waarsa invites those with a passion for culture, and history to embark on a culinary journey that honours the past while embracing the future. With its elegant ambiance, thoughtfully curated menu, and the expertise of Chefs Rahul Akerkar & Mukhtar Qureshi, Waarsa is set to redefine the dining experience in Mumbai.

The launch of Waarsa also coincides with the launch of Bay 21, a social gathering space for hire-outs, banquets and events.  Nestled at NCPA, Bay 21 is a banqueting haven that redefines luxury with a touch of coastal charm. BAY 21 is meticulously crafted to reflect the grandeur of the NCPA while exuding the intimacy of a sophisticated lounge. Whether you’re toasting to new beginnings, sealing a business deal, or simply celebrating life’s many milestones, let your story unfold at Bay 21. Here, every gathering is elevated by the promise of exceptional service, sophisticated décor, and a gourmet experience that spans across multiple cuisines, prepared by some of the most acclaimed chefs in the industry.