If you make your way to one of Mumbai’s old textile mill districts in Mahalaxmi, you will be greeted by a narrow lane sprinkled with several restaurants specialising in globally inspired cuisines. Pass the siren calls and head further down to find yourself in front of the then-warehouse space illuminating a sign reading Masque.
Towering ceilings, cocoa-coloured polished wooden tables, earthy overtones, and orange hues of light from pendant lamps littered across the restaurant. Stepping into this gorgeous restaurant marrying sleek designs and a timeless charm, Masque in Mumbai serves a luxurious experience right off the bat.
Masque’s philosophy & inspiration
Helmed by entrepreneur Aditi Dugar and led by the head chef Varun Totlani, Masque offers a 10-course tasting menu. Subject to change given a season’s produce, the ingredients as presented in the menu are all homegrown! Amalgamating age-old practices with new techniques the restaurant seeks to make Indian food accessible to the world palate. You will find most of the dishes served here bespeaking a degree of innovation and excellence both in matters of taste and presentation.
The tasting menu accommodating changes in seasons, preferences, and taste, boasts meals coming in vegetarian, meat, and seafood options. A careful synthesis of traditional Indian food with innovative techniques, Masque provides a backdrop for an evening to be celebrated and an experience to be remembered.
A glimpse of the menu at Masque
Waiters bring out gorgeous plated dishes from the kitchen like Clams with Karandi Loncha and Goda Masala. This uniquely flavoured dish plays off well with each element on the plate- steamed clams stuffed with Koli Masala chutney residing on a layer of onions and Godi masala, finally topped with Karandi Loncha (prawn pickle) imitating the mistletoe. Complemented with a soft ladi pav to swab the pool of flavourful curry, this dish is a hallmark of Masque’s innovative credo.
As you make your way towards the main course you will be greeted with Masque’s Thali. A concoction of soft shell crab, lamb mango aamti (spicy, sweet, and sour lentils), and crisped ladyfish perched atop a layer of kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce). Served alongside buttery ladi pavs and steaming rice, the plate comes bursting with flavours. Dessert includes Citrus Cacao served in chocolate pods holding a rich flavour with a delightful crunchy contrast.
The 10-course tasting menu is priced at INR 5200. Wine and cocktail pairings are priced at INR 7000 and INR 5000 respectively. A non-alcoholic pairing is priced at INR 2250. Employing high-quality ingredients and techniques- a reservation here would require weeks of waiting and for good reason!
Awards & recognition won by Masque
Masque has recently made its debut ranking #78 on the world stage at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. It ranked #23 in the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Further, it was awarded India’s Best Restaurant three years in a row!
Upcoming events – Masque x Nahargarh Ranthambhore in January 2025
In association with the luxury hotel Nahargarh in Ranthambhore, Masque celebrates India’s food, culture, and diversity. The curated menu will be a product of the land’s distinct produce and culinary heritage. Explored through Masque’s lens, the dishes served will offer a slice of heritage infused with innovation.
📅You can find more information here.
📅You can register for 2025 here.