Giving a twist to Southern Indian flavours, Avartana is the capital’s latest culinary treasure, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Today’s food has evolved a lot with techniques and fusions but it is always amazing to have authentic flavours from ingredients from the place where they are grown. Avartana has made its way to ITC Maurya, New Delhi and it exemplifies an exclusive blend of traditional and progressive renditions of Southern Indian cuisines, which are rooted to the gravitas of the unique tastes, aromas and flavours of southern Indian spices.
At Avartana, guests can indulge in curated degustation menus comprising 7, 9, 11 or 13 courses, thoughtfully named Maya, Bela, Jiaa and Anika, respectively. An additional 13-course menu, Tara, is also available for those seeking a distinctive sea food culinary experience.
Each menu is offered in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, allowing diners to choose according to their preference. The courses are portioned carefully to ensure balance and enjoyment, while the 13-course menu offers a more extensive experience, the servings are intentionally smaller than those in the 7-course option. A must try at the Avartana, that offers a luxurious foray into elevated vegetarian cuisine with its degustation menu is titled ‘Bela Beautiful’.
The journey begins with a Tomato and Millet Rice Crisp, an earthy, umami-laced bite that sets the tone with a bit of a sour and tart taste. The Crispy Chilli Potato paired with a buttermilk sphere delivers heat and tang in equal measure. Then, you are moved to a Cauliflower Crunch arrives, balanced by the freshness of pomegranate and mint. The Pumpkin Dumpling, nestled in a silky butter emulsion with fried beans, brings a touch of richness. To cleanse the palate, a refreshing Cucumber and Apple Sorbet offers a clean interlude before the main courses to take you to a completely admirable taste.
The Asparagus and Coconut Stew is delicately spiced, brought to life by turmeric and paired with airy idiyappam. The Spiced Aubergine follows, layered with the deep warmth of Byadagi chili emulsion and crispy sago pearls, highlighting regional notes with finesse.
The grand finale before the surprise is the Fennel Panacotta, shaped as an egg in a nest, is topped with ethereal angel hair caramel, a dessert that is as visually striking as it is indulgent and shocks you as it is all edible. It is amazingly plated and presented for the diners to savour and enjoy with looks and taste.
Apart from this what came as a surprise from the Chef was Jasmine Paysam, in the shape of stones resting upon the real jasmine flowers giving a taste and aroma like no other. As soon as the Jasmine Paysam enters your mouth, it teleports you to a completely different world of desserts that you must (must) try.
Bela Beautiful
Each course in the Bela Beautiful tasting menu exemplifies harmony — between tradition and innovation, spice and subtlety. This is a meticulously choreographed performance of vegetarian artistry which you don’t see at places you regularly dine in. With Bela Beautiful and other degustation menus you have tasty and finger options in the vegetarian side too.
Spiced Prelude
The journey begins with a Tomato and Millet Rice Crisp, an earthy, umami-laced bite that sets the tone with a bit of a sour and tart taste. The Tomato and Millet Rice Crisp delivers a satisfying crunch that awakens the palate. The tang of ripe tomato meets the nutty undertones of millet, creating a harmony of texture and flavour when you are directed to mix and eat. A whisper of southern spice lingers, setting the stage for the courses ahead. It serves as a clever and earthy introduction.
Curated Menus
Having a thoughtfully crafted menu is often all a discerning diner needs to feel truly catered to. The joy of choice, after all, lies in finding a journey that matches your appetite and curiosity. At Avartana, this philosophy takes elegant shape where guests can indulge in curated degustation menus comprising 7, 9, 11 or 13 courses, thoughtfully named Maya Mystical, Bela Beautiful, Jiaa Soulful and Anika Graceful, respectively. An additional 13-course sea food menu, Tara Sparkle, is also available.
Balanced Indulgence
Each menu at Avartana is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian formats, offering guests the flexibility to choose according to their taste, dietary preferences. The courses are mindfully portioned to maintain a sense of balance across the meal. While the 13-course menu offers a more elaborate culinary journey, the serving sizes are intentionally smaller than those in the 7-course menu. This approach allows diners to experience a wider array of flavours.
Culinary Elegance
Avartana leaves its guests with more than just the memory of exceptional food — it offers a sensory journey steeped in heritage and reimagined with finesse. At ITC Maurya, Avartana proves that true culinary innovation does not abandon tradition — it elevates it. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or lover of the South Indian ingridients or a curious diner exploring new frontiers, this is one gastronomic journey is indeed worth savouring for your taste buds.
Fact Sheet:
Address: Avartana, ITC Maurya, New Delhi
Timings: 7 to 11 pm (dinner)
Price for two: Different prices for different degustation menus (ranging from Rs 3000 - Rs 5,500)
