After 13 years of being the Capital’s foremost Italian Chef with 5 restaurants, 2 well loved television shows and 3 cook books, the queen of Italian cooking, Ritu Dalmia is ready to shake things up with her latest endeavor Diva Kitsch! She introduces a modern Asian cuisine
restaurant in the up-market area of Defence Colony that shares space with the retail luxury fashion boutique Kitsch launched by Priya & Charu Sachdev of TSG International.
Housed in an old bungalow with the ground floor serving as the Kitsch’s first standalone boutique and the first floor and terrace devoted to Diva Kitsch (the restaurant), this endeavor offers a unique lifestyle experience that bridges the love for fashion, art and food.
Speaking on the new venture, Ritu Dalmia said, “Change is always good to keep things interesting and people guessing! Naturally, I have chosen to present the modern flavours of Asia, my favorite cuisine after Italian. The old fashion bungalow, quiet surroundings and the sensibilities of Priya and Charu make a perfect fit for Diva Kitsch.”
Diva Kitsch is an 65 cover restaurant with a first floor and terrace seating. Classic muted greys are interspersed with splashes of bright pink. Quirky modern elements add a unique personality, like a ping pong ball chandelier in the staircase. Guest are greeted by a Bar at the entrance - perfect to mingle over a sexy cocktail list infused with modern Asian flavors like star anise, ginger and kaffir lime. The dining area with glass walls overlooking lush green South Delhi, gives way to the private dining room where a Cinderella slipper chandelier lends a sense of fun!
For the cuisine at Diva Kitsch, Ritu Dalmia draws her inspiration from her travels across Asia; aromas, sights and sounds of street hawkers in Vietnam, food markets in Thailand and many more. Diva Kitsch is also influenced by Ritu’s deep admiration for talented chefs like David Thompson of Nahm in London & Bangkok and Bawmra Jap of Bomra in Goa. The result is unpretentious modern Asian cuisine that is light yet big on fresh ingredients and flavors.
Some of the recommendations from Ritu include Roti Bawang (Malay roti), DIVA’s unique take on the traditional Chicken satay, mouth watering Yellow Fin Tuna burger smeared with Wasabi mayo, Grilled prawn in Tom Yum flavoured Oil, a unique Jackfruit (a vegetarian’s meat) curry with fresh red chilli and crispy ginger and many more. A few classic European dishes have been given an Asian twist such as a perfect steak and egg now Wasabi rubbed & sprinkled with Shichimi, Chicken Schnitzel with an Apricot chilli salsa served with salt & pepper potatoes or classic Fish n Chips served with wok fried Edamame and Wasabi fries!
Staying true to her classic style, a definite splash of European technique and presentation is evident in the cuisine.
Diva Kitsch will offer a selection of award-winning international wines and a cocktail menu shortly.