Indikaya Reimagined: A Culinary Masterstroke by Chef Hemant Oberoi

When culinary maestro Chef Hemant Oberoi steps into the kitchen, it’s never just about food—it’s about storytelling, culture, and timeless craftsmanship. And with the much-anticipated relaunch of Indikaya, Dubai’s discerning diners are invited to indulge in a truly evocative experience where every bite is rooted in heritage and elevated with global finesse.

Located at Level 2, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Indikaya has reopened its doors with a fresh new vision, helmed by one of India’s most iconic chefs. With a career that has delighted heads of state, royalty, and industrialists alike, Chef Oberoi now turns his attention to Dubai—offering a modern interpretation of India’s vast culinary repertoire.

“Dubai is an international cuisine hub where something unique and different is always appreciated,” says Chef Oberoi, whose arrival signals a new chapter in the city’s fine dining scene. “What we’ve brought to the plate is innovative and forgotten refined Indian cuisine.”

A Menu that Marries Memory with Modernity

At Indikaya, the menu is a carefully crafted ode to India’s culinary diversity. Each dish is as much about nostalgia as it is about innovation. From the Hathodi Chaat—a crunchy, tangy treat smashed open with a mini hammer at the table—to the dramatic Atta Chicken, a slow-cooked Punjabi classic sealed in wheat dough, every plate celebrates the complexity and richness of Indian traditions. The Morel of the Story, sourced from Kashmir’s valleys, is a testament to Oberoi’s passion for rare ingredients, while Grazing Goat showcases goat chops bathed in milk and saffron, paired with fresh goat cheese and lamb cigars.

And then there’s the pièce de résistance: Chocolate Shawarma. A dessert unlike any other, it features handcrafted chocolate ribbons, rose petal ice cream, and sabayon sauce, theatrically prepared tableside. “We’ve brought some unique chaats, main courses, and unusual desserts—like the Chocolate Shawarma, which is the first of its kind,” Oberoi shares.

A Dining Experience Beyond Trends

Dubai’s food scene is no stranger to innovation, but Indikaya seeks to move beyond trends, diving deeper into authenticity and emotional connection. While many restaurants champion “modern Indian,” Oberoi’s take is rooted in revival—reintroducing forgotten techniques, age-old flavor profiles, and elegantly understated presentation.

“The city already has everything—from eclectic to fusion Indian. But refined Indian cuisine, presented with artistry and restraint, is something we felt was missing,” he explains.

Navigating a Post-Pandemic Palate

The post-COVID era has made diners more conscious—of value, quality, and experiences. Chef Oberoi acknowledges the shift. “Yes, pocket sizes shrunk a bit after COVID, but it’s coming back to normal. For quality and value, the customer is still willing to pay.” Sourcing top-tier ingredients has been central to maintaining this standard, and Indikaya spares no effort in delivering freshness, originality, and premium taste.

What’s Next for Indikaya?

While this relaunch marks an exciting new beginning, Oberoi is already thinking ahead. “We will continue to bring something unique to the city in the months to come,” he affirms with characteristic humility and ambition. Indikaya is more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary chronicle. A place where food doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it stirs emotion, sparks memory, and celebrates a culture that’s as layered as its spices.

So whether you’re a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a curious explorer, Indikaya offers a dining experience that’s bold, refined, and unforgettable.