As the winter chill sets in, restaurants across India's major cities are rolling out exclusive seasonal menus. These curated offerings celebrate the finest produce of the cold months, from earthy tubers and mushrooms to vibrant winter greens and citrus. Chefs are crafting innovative dishes that blend traditional comfort with contemporary flair, providing a compelling reason for food lovers to dine out.
Delhi's QLA Presents a Contemporary European Winter Feast
In the capital city, the contemporary European restaurant QLA in Mehrauli is embracing the season with a menu crafted by chef Dipender Tiwari. The focus is on slow grills and highlighting ingredients like the unique Lion’s Mane Mushroom, which is transformed into a rich demi-glace. Pumpkin finds new life as golden Japanese curry croquettes, while the Morel & White Asparagus Soup promises hearty, robust flavours. The beverage menu complements the food with inventive options like Bourbon Tea infused with saffron, kahwa, jaggery, and spices, a Barrel-Aged Whiskey Cocktail with chocolate and oak smoke notes, and a Spiked Hot Chocolate for a boozy treat.
Mumbai's Culinary Winter Warmers: From Awadhi to Coastal Flavours
Mumbai's dining scene is equally vibrant with winter specials. At Waarsa in Nariman Point, the menu draws inspiration from Awadhi winters, featuring the smoky essence of tandoors and seasonal gems like kali gajar (black carrots). Standout dishes include Ananas Desi Tomato Rassa pairing juicy tomatoes with charred pineapple, and the decadent Black Gajar ka Halwa served with Sitafal Ice Cream.
Meanwhile, Kari Apla in Khar West, helmed by chefs Ebaani Tewari and Mathew Varghese, offers a coastal-inspired winter menu. It features hot bowls of rasam, an Ooty Apple Salad, and innovative mains like Bheja Pav with winter-garlic thecha and Madras Prawn Thermidor. The meal can be rounded off with a Strawberry and Gondhoraj Delight dessert.
For those in South Mumbai craving North Indian winter classics, Nksha at Churchgate, under chef Vikram Arora, serves the ultimate comfort combination of sarson ka saag and makki ki roti, along with a warming paya soup and traditional gajar ka halwa.
Pune's Sante Spa Cuisine Focuses on Plant-Forward Wellness
In Pune, Sante Spa Cuisine on Law College Road & Koregaon Park continues its plant-forward philosophy with a wholesome winter menu. The offerings incorporate seasonal produce like ponkh (tender jowar), black sesame, mustard greens, and walnuts. Dishes such as sarson da saag with baked missi roti and stir-fried ponkh with gochujang paneer steaks are designed to nourish. The meal is perfectly complemented by a Hot Ginger and Cider Tea and concluded with a dessert of roasted black sesame and walnut halwa.
These limited-time menus showcase the creativity of India's culinary talent, turning seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients into memorable gastronomic experiences. They highlight a growing trend where restaurants actively change their offerings with the seasons, providing diners with fresh and contextually relevant flavours throughout the year.
