It is not an exaggeration to claim that Masque restaurant in Mumbai has reimagined Indian cuisine in unimaginable ways&ndashalways with a delicate touch and panache. After being named Best Restaurant in India in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants guide early this year, Masque has earned another shining badge. It is now the only standalone restaurant in India to have made it to the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
With an unflinching devotion to highlighting local ingredients and food traditions, the team at Masque has always strived to nurture curiosity and intrigue among its patrons through innovative culinary creations. Aditi Dugar, the Director and Founder of Masque, is confident that this accreditation strengthens the trend they've stirred.
Aditi Dugar, Founder and Director, Masque Restaurant
"I see our values around deep local roots, hospitality, and one-of-a-kind experiences as equally matched, and we're looking forward to this partnership&ndashand the platform Relais & Châteaux offers&ndashonly enhances the community we strive to build, both within India and around the world," said Dugar.
Since it was established in 1954, Relais & Châteaux has been committed to celebrating and promoting the world's diverse culinary and hospitality traditions. Therefore, this new journey with Masque is a meaningful extension of the group's cherished values of preserving local heritage and the environment.
"Ranked among Asia's 50 best restaurants, its ingredient-driven menu combines tradition and innovation. Local flavours and age-old practices meet the contemporary to reimagine a new type of modern Indian cuisine. This approach aligns perfectly with the Relais & Châteaux vision to protect the diversity of ingredients and showcase terroir-inspired cuisines," said Joerg Drechsel, Delegate&ndashIndian subcontinent and SEA and member on the Board of Directors, Relais & Châteaux.
With immense interest in understanding India's rich culinary landscape and heritage, Masque's Head Chef, Varun Totlani, looks forward to developing more unique experiences as Masque unfolds this new chapter.
Varun Totlani, Head Chef, Masque Restaurant
"Our focus remains the same to highlight the wealth and diversity of Indian ingredients and cuisines. That vision and commitment align us with Relais & Châteaux as they recognize the value of exploring rich, local histories. With their support, we hope to expand our impact through food. At the end of the day, our goal is to keep cooking good food in ways that can marry India's past, present and future," said Totlani.