Ummrao Saaj debuts as a modern tribute to Awadhi cuisine, blending the finesse of Lucknow’s royal kitchens with contemporary creativity. Guided by the philosophy of honouring tradition without being bound by it, the brand reimagines timeless recipes with fresh technique and flair—delivering an immersive dining experience where every plate feels rooted, refined, and excitingly new.
“Modern Plates, Rooted Stories”
The brand’s ethos is captured in its guiding expression, “Modern Plates, Rooted Stories.” The dishes arrive with finesse, clean plating, and a measured approach, with evolving flavours that carry the depth of Indian heritage in every bite. The result is culinary artistry that is elegant and deeply connected to its roots.
The three pillars of Ummrao Saaj: Nava, Raag, Sangam
Ummrao Saaj is built on three defining pillars:
Nava, the spirit of thoughtful evolution, where traditional recipes are elevated with modern expression while preserving authenticity.
Raag, an inspired cocktail philosophy that draws from Indian classical music, translating moods and emotions into indigenous, spirit-forward beverages crafted using Indian spirits as the foundation—resulting in drinks that are soulful and expressive.
Sangam, the coming together of people, cultures, and shared moments, making every meal a celebration of connection and conversation.
A sensory dining experience beyond the plate
Ummrao Saaj goes beyond flavour to create a full sensory experience, with a modern Indian soundscape and a petrichor-inspired scent that adds warmth and nostalgia. Storytelling is woven into the service, as associates share the origins, inspirations, and techniques behind each dish—letting diners experience the heritage as much as the taste.
Modern Indian cuisine: the grace of Awadh, reimagined
The menu channels Awadhi finesse through dum pukht cooking, subtle spices, and fragrant rice. From galawat kebabs to slow-braised meats and refined vegetarian plates, flavours unfold gently with saffron, kewra, ghee, yoghurt, and hand-ground spices.
Cocktails: composed like raags
The bar brings a lyrical twist to the experience, with cocktails inspired by Indian classical raags—capturing mood, emotion, and time of day. Crafted with Indian spirits and native botanicals, each drink is composed with balance and layered flavour. The Raag Ritual deepens it further, blending sound, aroma, and taste to turn every cocktail into an immersive experience beyond the glass.
Sangam: dining as a shared experience
True to its philosophy, Ummrao Saaj embraces Sangam—the coming together of people, stories, and cultures. The dining experience encourages shared plates, unhurried service, and storytelling at the table. Service flows with elegance, never rushed, allowing conversations and connections to unfold naturally—echoing the Nawabi tradition of hospitality where meals were moments of honour and togetherness.
Interiors: heritage, liberated
The interiors mirror Ummrao Saaj’s culinary philosophy through a poetic visual narrative. At first, the space evokes an enclosed grove—graceful, poised, and restrained. Figures appear contained within beauty, symbolic of traditions carefully guarded through generations.
As guests move deeper, the space unfolds into openness and colour. The same forms reappear, now radiant and unbound, embodying freedom, evolution, and creative expression. This spatial transition reflects the essence of Ummrao Saaj: stories that remain rooted in heritage, yet are expressed through modern interpretation. Tradition is never discarded—it is liberated.
Leadership perspective: Marriott’s first Modern Indian restaurant in South Asia
Speaking about the vision, Abhishek Sachdev, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, shared that Ummrao Saaj marks Marriott International’s first Modern Indian restaurant in South Asia. He added that the idea was to create a space that feels rooted yet relevant, built on restraint, elegance, and storytelling.
He noted that the cuisine, cocktails, and overall experience come together naturally to create moments that feel timeless and invite guests to not just dine, but truly connect—highlighting that what sets Ummrao Saaj apart is its belief in quiet sophistication, driven by purpose rather than performance.
