Delhi is bustling with dining spaces, all opening up alleys of food, drinks, laugh and gastronomic excellence. Amid this, finding the right place to dine remains a challenge because who doesn’t want a lovely foodie journey, right?!
To help you book the right diner and have an unmatched experience, we met Mr. Dinesh Arora who is a prominent figure in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry, leaving an indelible mark with his innovative approach to dining. His journey from experiencing great food to becoming a culinary aficionado reflects his passion for gastronomy.
Arora’s impressive portfolio includes renowned establishments like Lights Camera Action, Tourist, Unplugged Courtyard, La Roca Aerocity, and his latest ventures, Chica and Qavalli, that stand out as epitomes of creativity and innovation.
Here are our top favourites!
CHICA
Chica, nestled in the heart of Delhi, is a sprawling 13,000-square-foot haven that transcends traditional dining experiences. He has meticulously curated an atmosphere of openness, featuring an elaborate Dining Room, a lively Club Bar, a charming Boutique, and a picturesque Fountain Court. The architecture and interior design of Chica form a mesmerizing cauldron of styles, with landscaping being the defining characteristic. Chica’s menu is a journey inspired by the tales of Samurais and the exploits of Sultans, focusing on Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Notably, the restaurant boasts a unique MediterAsian fusion section, pushing culinary boundaries with familiar dishes presented in an innovative light. Arora shares that his love for Bollywood finds expression in the menu, creating a delightful blend of flavors and stories. The immersive experience continues with Chica’s captivating central chandelier in the Dining Room, composed of 250 pieces of burnt glass in shades of rose, sage, and white. It exemplifies timeless beauty, enhancing the ambiance for an unforgettable dining adventure.
QAVALLI
On the other hand, Qavalli is an expansive 3,500 square-foot area, introducing a distinctive boutique concept restaurant, that offers a quintessential Indian dining experience, reviving lost recipes and culinary techniques. The restaurant, enveloped in the essence of ‘Mehmaan-nawazi,’ celebrates the ‘Virasaat’ of Indian food culture and the ‘Zaika’ of prized Indian spices. Qavalli’s design draws inspiration from Moroccan themes, featuring captivating arches, a vibrant red palette, and intricate patterns.
The gold and auburn oasis with lavishly upholstered walls, dramatic drapes, and glistening chandeliers creates a regal setting where every guest is treated like royalty. The menu at Qavalli pays homage to the Mughlai cuisine offering perfectly grilled tikkas, kebabs, soulful curries, rich breads, and aromatic biryanis. The restaurant houses an Indian botanical bar, blending authenticity with innovation to craft cocktails that awaken the senses. Chica and Qavalli, are not merely dining establishments but immersive experiences that blend culinary artistry, architectural brilliance, and a commitment to preserving cultural legacies. With each venture, the restauranter continues to keep his patrons guessing, proving that his realm of ingenious dining knows no bounds.
