Himalayan Inspired Dining: A New Era of Indian Fine Dining

Renowned Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai and Abhi Sangwan have launched Vatavaran, offering Himalayan inspired dining in Knightsbridge. This immersive fine-dining restaurant draws inspiration from the majestic Himalayas, seamlessly blending modern culinary artistry with nature’s serene beauty. Offering a multi-sensory dining experience, Vatavaran promises guests a unique and unforgettable journey through innovative Indian cuisine.

The Concept of Vatavaran: Himalayan Inspired Dining

The name Vatavaran, derived from the Sanskrit word for “atmosphere,” perfectly encapsulates the restaurant’s vision. Inspired by the tranquility and grandeur of the Himalayan mountain range, the restaurant’s design and menu aim to transport diners to this sacred and awe-inspiring region. Vatavaran is not just a place to enjoy exquisite food but a full sensory experience that incorporates sound, sight, and ambiance into the overall dining experience.

Each of the four distinct levels of Vatavaran represents a different aspect of the Himalayan landscape. As a result, guests can explore the diverse elements of nature in an ever-evolving environment. Through a careful mix of design, atmosphere, and culinary innovation, Ghai and Sangwan have created a unique space. It takes diners on a journey through the natural world, from valley streams to snow-capped peaks.

A Vision Brought to Life: Himalayan Inspired Dining

Chef Rohit Ghai and Abhi Sangwan are no strangers to the world of high-end Indian cuisine. Their previous successful projects, such as Kutir in Chelsea and Manthan in Mayfair, have earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following. With Vatavaran, the duo has elevated their culinary offerings. They incorporate their deep spiritual and cultural connection to the Himalayas.

For Ghai, this venture is deeply personal. “The Himalayas hold profound cultural and spiritual significance to me. We’ve worked tirelessly to capture that essence and translate it into an immersive dining experience,” he explains. Ghai’s passion for creating innovative Indian cuisine has earned him a global reputation, with acclaimed projects in cities such as Marrakech, Muscat, and Doha.

Abhi Sangwan, who spearheaded the design of Vatavaran, continues his tradition of blending natural influences into his restaurant spaces. His previous works, Kutir and Manthan, each drew inspiration from different elements of nature—wildlife, forests, and the ocean. For Vatavaran, Sangwan looked to the ethereal beauty of the Himalayas to create a truly remarkable and immersive setting for diners.

The Atmosphere: A Journey Through the Himalayas 

Vatavaran mirrors the diverse elevations of the Himalayas, with each level representing a unique aspect of the terrain. As guests ascend, the restaurant’s atmosphere transitions. Furthermore, each floor offers a distinct experience inspired by the natural world.

Ground Level: Valley Streams

The ground floor of Vatavaran is inspired by the tranquil atmosphere of the valley streams in the Himalayas. Additionally, the design incorporates soft blue tones, floral patterns, and detailed artwork, creating a peaceful environment. As a result, guests can enjoy a calm and serene dining experience, with the interior offering a refreshing sense of space.

The Orangery: Mountain Ridges

The mezzanine level, known as the Orangery, evokes the spirit of the mountain ridges. Moreover, guests enjoy a lighter, airier atmosphere with abundant natural light from the large windows. Additionally, the Orangery features an open kitchen, allowing diners to observe the culinary team at work. This, in turn, creates an interactive, theatrical element to the dining experience.

First Floor: Forests of the Himalayas

As guests move to the first floor, the design becomes more refined and intimate. Additionally, green accents appear throughout the space, reminiscent of dense forests at higher altitudes in the Himalayas. The dining room is dressed in elegant white linens, with heavy curtains over exposed brick walls, creating a romantic atmosphere. Thus, this level offers an ideal setting for intimate meals or special occasions.

Shikhar: The Summit

At the top of the restaurant, the Shikhar lounge and cocktail bar represent the summit of the Himalayan journey. This space, bathed in deep red hues and adorned with luxurious velvet textures, evokes the dramatic beauty of the highest peaks. A reflective ceiling mimics the shimmering snow of the Himalayan summits, while the dim, intimate lighting creates a striking, luxurious ambience. Here, guests can unwind with expertly crafted cocktails while taking in panoramic views of the restaurant below.

The Culinary Experience: Himalayan Inspired Dining

Chef Rohit Ghai has curated a menu that pays homage to the flavours and ingredients of the Himalayas. Drawing on indigenous and seasonal ingredients, Ghai has created a range of dishes that combine traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques and presentations.

The menu features a diverse array of dishes, each carefully crafted to showcase the bold and vibrant flavours of the region. Signature offerings include robata-grilled wild tiger prawns with chickpea and coconut, balchao guinea fowl with smoked beetroot, and a slow-cooked lamb shank biryani. Other highlights include Amritsari kulche and choley. Additionally, a whole rotisserie masala chicken is served with burnt spices and bone marrow sauce. For dessert, guests can indulge in unique creations like garlic almond cannoli with pistachio mawa and mixed berries. Alternatively, they can try a sous-vide pineapple and coconut dish with jaggery and chutney.

Every dish at Vatavaran showcases rare, indigenous ingredients sourced from the Himalayan region. As a result, the restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and adventurers.

The Cocktail Experience: A Journey Through India’s Sweet Delights

Abhi Sangwan has also created a cocktail menu that takes inspiration from India’s beloved sweet treats, adding a contemporary twist to classic Indian flavours. The drinks are a celebration of India’s rich culinary heritage, infused with the elegance of modern mixology. Signature cocktails include gulab jamun with spiced rum, jalebi infused with saffron and arak, and besan ladoo with cardamom whisky.

At the Shikhar cocktail bar, guests can embark on an adventure of their own, selecting from a menu presented as a deck of cards. Each card offers a unique cocktail, prepared tableside by one of the expert mixologists. Guests who draw the “Joker” card can create a custom cocktail alongside the mixologist. Additionally, it may be featured on the bar’s future menu.

Sangwan is excited to introduce London to this novel approach to cocktails. He adds, “Creating a cocktail menu inspired by India’s sweet delicacies has been a dream project.” Furthermore, he says, “I’m thrilled to bring this concept to life in such a unique form.”

The Vatavaran Experience: Service and Ambience

The service at Vatavaran is both attentive and friendly, with staff who are well-versed in the menu and eager to make recommendations. Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, the team at Vatavaran ensures that each guest feels welcomed and cared for.

The restaurant’s decor combines traditional Indian design elements with a modern sensibility, thereby creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, soft, ambient lighting adds to the relaxed vibe, ensuring diners can enjoy their meal in comfort. Moreover, the spacious layout offers a variety of seating options, ranging from intimate tables for two to larger arrangements for groups. Finally, the background music complements the dining experience, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering conversation.

Conclusion: Himalayan Inspired Dining

Vatavaran is more than just a restaurant; it’s a multi-sensory journey that blends the beauty of the Himalayas with the rich flavours of Indian cuisine. With its thoughtfully designed spaces, exceptional food, and creative cocktails, Vatavaran promises to be a unique dining destination in London. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a newcomer looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, Vatavaran offers something truly special.