This summer, critically acclaimed Chef Rohit Ghai (of Kutir in Chelsea) will return to Mayfair, London - the neighbourhood where he made his name - to launch Manthan, a new Indian restaurant specialising in innovative sharing plates, cocktails and mocktails, on Maddox Street.
Manthan, meaning to churn and reflect, is inspired by Ghai's extensive international career to date, and dishes will reflect his culinary experiences – both professional and personal – in kitchens all over the world.
The talented and passionate chef has drawn on his childhood in Madhya Pradesh, India, as well as time spent working in London's finest Indian restaurants – including Jamavar where he was awarded a Michelin star in under a year – to create a menu that represents his appreciation of both home-style cooking and expertly honed techniques.
Diners should expect traditional flavours with a contemporary twist, with dishes including a peppery Sarson chicken chop with mustard, kachumber salad and mint chutney; a robust Goat shami kebab in bone marrow sauce, and Ghai’s signature ghati masala prawns with peanut, sesame seed and fresh coconut.
There will also be a firm focus on vegetarian dishes, with nearly half of the small plates entirely meat-free. These will include a modern take on street-food favourite ram ladoo (mong daal fritters) with mooli, yellow lentil and pomegranate; pyaz khachori (onions, mix bean sprouts and sweet & sour saunth chutney), and a Burford Brown egg curry with paratha.”
Drinks-wise, a concise cocktail menu has been compiled by co-founder and front of house Abhi Sangwan, formerly of Trishna and Bombay Bustle.
Inspired by, and named after, the 7 oceans of the world and the myths that surround them, the cocktails will take a fanciful approach with fresh exotic fruits and botanicals, an innovative selection of infusions and flavours that match and enhance the food.
Asian spirits, fine and new-world wines are accompanied by an extensive non-alcoholic cocktail menu.
Interiors have been carefully planned out, too, with seats arranged around a central statement bar and lots of sleek dark wood and marble providing the perfect backdrop for convivial dining, drinking, and snacking. Manthan will have a buzzy atmosphere; relaxed but with a Mayfair twist.
Ghai commented, “After a difficult time, we are so appreciative and humbled to be launching a new restaurant in the part of London where we have such great memories. We look forward to welcoming regular and new guests and giving them a memorable experience.”