Suma: Mumbai's New Indian-Arabic Fine-Dining Destination

A Culinary Journey Inspired by the Historic Grand Trunk Road

Mumbai has welcomed a distinctive new fine-dining concept that celebrates the culinary connections between India and Arabia. Suma, launched by S.P. Motles and founded by Niketa Sharma, officially opened its doors on 26th November 2025, offering an immersive dining experience that draws inspiration from the historic Grand Trunk Road and Arabian flavours.

A Concept Rooted in Culinary Heritage

Suma positions itself as more than a restaurant — it aims to be a sensorial journey through time, where recipes travelled with caravans, stories crossed borders, and music filled ancient markets and forts. The concept traces culinary traditions along the historic route stretching from Lucknow towards Afghanistan, bringing together two distinct yet harmonious food cultures.

Founder Niketa Sharma describes Suma as her "love letter to the journeys that shaped our food culture." She envisions a space where flavours, stories, music, and memories come together effortlessly, creating an experience that resonates emotionally with guests.

The Menu: Where Two Culinary Worlds Meet

At Suma, food serves as the storyteller. The menu blends the deep, earthy comfort of North Indian cooking with the warm, fragrant, spice-driven soul of Arabic cuisine. Chef Rahul, Group Executive Chef at Suma, has crafted dishes built on slow-cooked traditions, coal-roasted depth, and ingredient-led storytelling.

Signature dishes feature creative pairings such as:

• Shawarmas served alongside seekh kebabs
• Hummus paired with smoky aubergine
• Dishes shaped by za'atar, saffron, nuts, and coal-roasted marinades
• Biryanis and kebabs carrying influences from both the Grand Trunk Road and Middle Eastern kitchens

The culinary philosophy ensures every dish feels rooted yet new, familiar yet exciting — creating plates where centuries of culinary exchange are honoured through contemporary presentation.

The Bar: Madhushala Cocktail Programme

Suma's bar programme adds its own cultural layer through a signature cocktail book titled Madhushala — a tribute to Indian poetic tradition. The drinks follow an ingredient-led philosophy, featuring creatively named creations including Navras, Shahi Barrel, Nawaabi Raat, Jashn-e-Qahwa, Thoda Zyada, and Khatta-Meetha Safar.

The highlight cocktail, Navras, draws inspiration from India's nine classical emotions (the Navarasas from Natya Shastra). This signature serve is crafted with gin, spiced honey, tomato, and lime, topped with a silky cashew foam — embodying the restaurant's commitment to ingredient-driven storytelling in liquid form.

Design: Mediterranean Warmth Meets Indian Character

The interiors bring Suma's philosophy to life through careful design by Design Alma, led by Ankita Sharma. The space blends Mediterranean warmth with rustic Victorian detailing and subtle Indian character, creating an atmosphere that feels both rooted and contemporary.

Key design elements include:

• A statement arch-framed bar anchoring the dining room
• Rich maroon and soothing olive tones throughout
• Brass accents and textured surfaces
• Layered lighting creating intimate ambiance
• Flexible seating ideal for both intimate dinners and large family gatherings

Ankita Sharma of Design Alma explains: "Our intention with Suma was to create a space that feels warm, expressive and deeply connected to its food philosophy. We used arches, maroon tones, brass accents and layered lighting to build a space that flows like a journey."

Cultural Programming: Qawwali and Sufi Nights

Adding to the experiential dimension, Suma hosts regular Qawwali and Sufi Nights featuring folk artists from across India. These evenings transform the restaurant into a vibrant mehfil — a traditional gathering for entertainment and poetry — where harmoniums, rhythmic claps, and soulful voices fill the room with emotion.

These cultural nights deepen the dining experience, allowing guests to enjoy food, music, and storytelling together in an authentic atmosphere that honours India's rich artistic heritage.

At a Glance

Restaurant Name: Suma

Cuisine: Indian-Arabic Fine Dining

Launched: 26th November 2025

Founder: Niketa Sharma (S.P. Motles)

Group Executive Chef: Chef Rahul

Interior Design: Design Alma (Ankita Sharma)

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Concept Highlights: Grand Trunk Road inspiration, cultural storytelling, artisanal cooking, Madhushala cocktail programme, live Qawwali and Sufi performances

A New Chapter in Mumbai's Culinary Landscape

With its layered food philosophy, cultural programming, crafted cocktails, and expressive design, Suma brings a refreshing experiential dining culture to Mumbai. The restaurant positions itself as a meeting point between history and contemporary craft — created for those who appreciate food, music, and storytelling coming together in one space.

For travellers and locals seeking an authentic connection to India's culinary heritage and its historic ties to Arabia, Suma promises not just a meal, but an emotional journey through flavours, traditions, and shared histories.