The iconic Bastian Bandra space, which closed its doors in August, has been reborn with a new name and a deeply regional culinary focus. Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty and her business partner, CEO Ranjit Bindra, have unveiled Bastian Ammakai, a restaurant dedicated to the comforting and soulful flavours of Mangalorean cuisine.
From Bandra to Ammakai: A Complete Transformation
Parked at the exact same location in Bandra, the venue has undergone a complete visual overhaul. The design now immerses guests in earthy terracotta and rust tones, deliberately evoking the warmth of a traditional South Indian home. Instead of one large hall, arched doorways create intimate dining pockets.
Every element tells a story, from hand-painted motifs and textured walls to patterned floors inspired by kolams, weaves, and temple art. The 125-seater space features plush seating dressed in handcrafted textiles. Quirky, stereotypical 'Amma' lines written on walls—like "When are you getting married?"—add a note of humour and lightness.
The Soul of 'Amma's Hand' on the Plate
The name 'Ammakai' translates to 'Amma's hand', and this philosophy guides the kitchen. Chefs travelled to villages in Mangaluru to learn recipes directly from home kitchens. The menu aims to reveal the depth of coastal flavours—defined by coconut, tamarind, and spice—rather than reinvent them.
The experience is designed to feel like a meal at a Mangalorean friend's home, with guests encouraged to eat with their hands. Standout dishes include a methi-carrot puliyogare salad, spicy butter green prawns, a punchy raw mango red snapper, and a fiery koli pulimunchi chicken dish made with Karnataka's famous Byadgi chilli.
Mains feature comforting classics like a thick menthi soppina pappu (toor dal with fenugreek leaves), a coastal vegetable stew in coconut milk, and a tangy Mangalorean fish curry. These are best enjoyed with paper-thin neer dosas or ghee-tempered rice. A few favourites from the old Bastian menu remain, including the popular burrata sourdough.
Cocktails, Desserts, and Practical Details
The bar, glowing with layered textures, complements the food narrative. Led by mixologist Krishna, the cocktail menu creatively uses South Indian pantry ingredients. The Amma's Ghat Road blends kokum, green chilli, and tequila, while the Mysuru Royale Paan Negroni features paan-infused gin.
Desserts lean into nostalgia with offerings like chana dal payasam and Filter Kaapi soft serve. Importantly, the pricing is positioned to be accessible. Appetisers start at Rs 250, curries from Rs 440, and cocktails are priced between Rs 595 and Rs 725. A meal for two is estimated at around Rs 2,500.
Bastian Ammakai opens to the public on Friday, December 19, and will operate from 11 am to 1 am.
