Chef Rakesh Rana of Avatara Mumbai is renowned for his innovative vegetarian menu, where traditional dishes are given a delightful twist. Drawing inspiration from the Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant in Dubai, Avatara Mumbai offers a unique dining experience that surprises and delights diners.
The journey begins with unconventional starters like a Maharashtrian aloo wadi taco and dehydrated okra stuffed with thecha, served alongside a refreshing sol kadhi. Each bite is bursting with flavor, combining salt, spice, and acidity in perfect harmony. Grilled baby corn on savory ghewar exemplifies the kitchen’s mastery, while flaky katlam paired with pureed rajma and apple chutney offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors.
Service at Avatara is as sumptuous as the food, with attentive waitstaff ensuring a seamless dining experience. The 14-course tasting menu showcases Rana’s talent for coaxing flavors from even the most humble ingredients, such as turnips and bitter gourd. Highlights include bitter gourd cooked with ghee roast spices, accompanied by sambar-turned-gelato and dosai carved into bright flowers.
Despite occasional missteps like an overly acidic parsnip gravy, Rana’s meticulous attention to balance ensures a memorable dining experience. Spherifications, glitter, and warq add whimsy to each dish, while a sense of calm settles over diners, despite the prospect of plowing through 14 courses.
While the indulgent dining experience comes at a price (Rs 4,500 per person), diners are assured of a culinary adventure that transcends expectations. Avatara Mumbai promises a culinary journey like no other, where every bite is a revelation and every dish a masterpiece.
