Happenings

Chef Samaira Kavatkar opens Nine One in Hong Kong, celebrating Indian-Portuguese cuisine

Nine One explores India’s culinary diversity with Chef Kavatkar’s unique take on classic dishes.

Source: Nine One

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This summer, self-taught chef Samaira Kavatkar will debut her first restaurant, Nine One, in Hong Kong. Known for her sold-out pop-up dinners, the Mumbai native brings a unique take on Indian cuisine by incorporating her roots – Kavatkar learned to cook from generations of her family, blending traditional Indian and Portuguese flavors.

"Opening my own restaurant is a childhood dream of mine, and now is an excellent time to realize that dream," Kavatkar says. She transformed a space in Tsim Sha Tsui East for the new Nine One location, which will showcase her homemade flatbreads, braises, chutneys and sauces. The restaurant’s name comes from India's international dialing code, symbolizing her connection to her home country.

Nine One’s menu features some of Kavatkar’s popular pop-up dishes like East Indian Lamb Potato Chop with Green Pea Chutney, Fish Kujit in Banana Leaf and Chicken Khuddi with Wedding Rice. Larger dishes for sharing include Roasted Three Yellow Chicken with Bottle Masala and Pan-fried Stuffed Pomfre. Vegetarians have plenty to choose from, too, with dishes like the Tomato and Burrata Salad with Chatpata Chutney and Precious Than Gucci ‘Khichdi.’

The "Want Extras" section of the menu offers traditional East Indian breads to enjoy with Kavatkar’s chutney set. These include her signature dosa, plain uttapam, baked pao and fugias, which is a slightly sweet deep-fried balloon bread. Desserts include aamrakhand, a yogurt dessert with mangoes and saffron-infused cantaloupe rabdi.