Namaste | Irasshaimase
About INJA
INJA represents a debut venture in India for the Dubai based restaurant group, Atelier House Hospitality. This venture is in collaboration with the company’s local partner in India, Mr. Manav Thadani, Founder and Chairman of Hotelivate. INJA is potentially the world's first restaurant to seamlessly merge Indian and Japanese cuisines. These two culinary styles have their own unique features, and the concept of blending them piqued our interest when our Chef Partner, Adwait Anantwar, proposed it to Ms. Panchali Mahendra (President, Atelier House Hospitality). Combining Japanese and Indian cuisines is a challenging endeavor, as Japanese food is characterized by its delicate nature, clean and subtle flavors, and a strong emphasis on technique. Conversely, Indian cuisine boasts a diverse range of ingredients, resulting in a complex flavor profile. Achieving a balance between these culinary styles has required comprehensive research and experimentation, leading to the discovery of a thrilling harmony of flavors that enhanced one another rather than dominating.
Complementing the culinary experience, the harmony of the two cultures extends with the design of the restaurant. The interior design incorporates Japanese elements such as neutral clean wooden surfaces, natural stone, wood colors, wallpaper, lamp lighting, and bonsai, which serve as a canvas for simplicity and minimalism. We then added pops of color, Mughal trinkets, peacock-colored fabric, and lime wash materials to symbolize Indian culture. The result is a subtly vibrant space with a comfortable flow and an organic feeling of perfect balance. INJA's design engages our guests, encouraging them to explore every intriguing corner of the restaurant. Notable features include the Itajime Shibori framework in 100% Indian Silk, the private room door and interior, the copper-toned ceiling, malt cabinets, and floating artifact shelves. The overall design showcases a seamless and captivating integration of Indian and Japanese cultures.
Inja is the world’s first Indian-Japanese fusion restaurant, bringing you innovative fine dining experiences in the heart of New Delhi.
ABOUT THE CHEF
ADWAIT ANANTWAR
A highly skilled and innovative culinary artist, Chef Adwait Anantwar is best known for revolutionizing Indian cuisine in the United Arab Emirates. Born and raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Adwait discovered his passion for cooking while studying software applications. Despite societal and familial pressures, he chose to follow his heart, leaving behind a career in technology to pursue his culinary dreams.
Adwait began his culinary journey in India, but his career truly took off when he moved to the UAE in 2014. He spent considerable time working under the guidance of Chef Himanshu Saini, honing his skills, and developing a deep understanding of the importance of innovation and hard work in the culinary arts. Atelier House Hospitality recognized his talent and offered him to curate Mohalla, an Indian restaurant that aimed to break the mold of traditional Indian eateries. With a focus on authenticity, fresh ingredients, and seasonal produce, Adwait introduced street food from various parts of India, quickly making Mohalla a standout success in the region.
He conceived the idea of INJA during the lockdown. Inspired by the subtlety of Japanese flavors and the precision of their techniques, he sought to merge these qualities with the complex and robust flavors of Indian cuisine. After extensive research and experimentation, INJA was born, a testament to Adwait's creativity and dedication to his craft.
