Ummrao Saaj opens at Marriott Mumbai International Airport

Ummrao Saaj, touted as the first modern Indian restaurant in South Asia, has opened at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, offering guests a contemporary homage to Awadhi cuisine. Rooted in the elegance of Lucknow’s royal kitchens, the restaurant presents an immersive journey that balances heritage with creativity, guided by its philosophy, “Modern Plates, Rooted Stories.”

At Ummrao Saaj, age-old Awadhi recipes are elevated using modern techniques while preserving their essence, allowing familiar flavours to unfold in new and nuanced ways. The cuisine reflects the gentle sophistication of Awadh, defined by patience, balance and refinement, with techniques such as dum pukht, gentle bhunao, fragrant rice preparations and delicately layered spices forming the backbone of the menu.

Signature offerings include silken galawat kebabs, slow-braised meats, aromatic rice dishes and carefully crafted vegetarian preparations. Ingredients like saffron, kewra, mace, nutmeg, ghee, yoghurt and hand-ground spices are used with restraint, ensuring elegance and depth rather than heat or heaviness.

The experience is shaped by three defining pillars: Nava, which represents thoughtful evolution of traditional recipes; Raag, an inspired cocktail philosophy translating moods of Indian classical music into spirit-forward beverages using Indian spirits and native botanicals; and Sangam, which celebrates shared dining, conversation and connection. The Raag Ritual further elevates the bar programme through a multisensory engagement of sound, aroma and taste.

Beyond the plate, Ummrao Saaj is designed as a complete sensory experience, from a soundscape to a subtle petrichor-inspired scent. Associates introduce guests to the cuisine through storytelling, enriching the dining journey with cultural context.

With its quiet sophistication, storytelling-led service and contemporary interpretation of Awadhi heritage, Ummrao Saaj stands as a modern-day ode to one of India’s most poetic culinary traditions, notes the hotel’s General Manager Abhishek Sachdev.