FLAVOURFUL START

Situated within Shangri-La Dubai, Indikaya is a new Indian restaurant presenting fusion Indian Tapas, stunning ambiance, and an unforgettable dining experience celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage.

Dubai’s newest dining destination, Indikaya, will surprise diners with the freshest flavours and culinary creativity with its unique tapas menu. Breaking new ground and bringing Indian ingredients to the fore, the restaurant celebrates India’s diverse flavours, textures, and culinary traditions in an exciting new format, promising a feast for the senses.

Helmed by the renowned Chef Ajay Chopra, Indikaya’s ethos revolves around seasonal ingredients treated in imaginative ways while staying true to their roots. Bold yet thoughtful, playful yet meticulous, each dish on the menu is a tribute to a different region, culture, and flavour profile of India. We sat with Chef Chopra to uncover the story of Indikaya and decode how it is gearing up to allure the tastebuds of Dubai.

Why did you choose Dubai for this unique concept launch?

Dubai is where the world meets, making it the ideal stage for Indikaya’s grand debut. The city’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its people, and it thrives on innovation and creativity. We saw an opportunity to bring something truly unique—a contemporary spin on Indian regional flavors, presented as tapas and paired with craft cocktails. Dubai’s dynamic energy perfectly matches the vibrant and playful spirit of Indikaya.

You have brought in a unique menu and flavors for the audience here. I’m sure you did a lot of consumer deep dive. What is your understanding of the food scene in the region and the consumers for that matter?

Dubai’s food scene is electric, buzzing with a curiosity for new experiences and a deep appreciation for quality. The consumers here are adventurous, yet they hold a deep respect for authenticity. Our menu at Indikaya is designed to surprise and delight—offering beloved regional dishes reimagined in a way that’s fresh and unexpected. We’re not just serving food; we’re creating an experience that resonates with both the heart and palate.

You have worked with a global audience also and are now here. Do you think the pocket size for customers has reduced post-COVID?

Post-COVID, diners are indeed more conscious of where they spend, but they’re also more eager to savor every moment. At Indikaya, we believe in offering an unforgettable experience that feels indulgent yet approachable. Our focus is on delivering exceptional value—every dish is crafted with care, bursting with bold flavors, and served in a way that’s both exciting and accessible. We’re here to make every visit worth it.

The audience here is very quality-conscious. Any thoughts on the procurement of raw materials and ingredients?

Quality isn’t just a priority for us; it’s a passion. At Indikaya, we’re obsessed with sourcing the best ingredients that stay true to the essence of each dish while bringing something fresh to the table. We’ve partnered with top-tier suppliers who share our commitment to excellence, ensuring every bite is a celebration of authenticity and freshness. Our goal is to deliver flavors that are both familiar and thrilling, all while maintaining the highest standards.

What next? How do you plan to grow the concept in the coming months?

The journey has just begun! In the coming months, we’re dialing up the excitement at Indikaya with new regional explorations, inventive tapas, and cocktails that push boundaries. We’re planning immersive dining experiences, pop-up events, and collaborations that will bring even more energy and creativity to our concept. Indikaya is about to get even more vibrant, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next!