Marriott International has expanded its portfolio of global dining experiences with the opening of Ummrao Saaj, the company’s first modern Indian restaurant in South Asia, located at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport. Ummrao Saaj seeks to reinterpret Awadhi cuisine, which is traditionally slow-cooked over long periods and seasoned with delicate spices, using modern techniques and design to create a complete culinary experience rooted in classical Indian culinary heritage.
The restaurant is also designed to tell the dish’s tradition through flavour balance and storytelling. Part of this is achieved with cocktails inspired by Indian classical music, and made with regional spirits and botanicals.
According to the General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport, Abhishek Sachdev, who was interviewed by Hotelier India, Ummrao Saaj is a “rooted yet relevant” restaurant. The goal is to provide guests with a dining experience in which the sense of connection and sensory experience take precedence over the performance-oriented nature of dining.
The opening of Ummrao Saaj forms part of Marriott’s overall strategy to create deeper engagement with local communities and experiences across regions, and to utilise regional culinary experiences and offerings as content to enhance regional experiences on a global platform.
With over 8,000 properties worldwide, Marriott International is using local restaurant concepts, such as Ummrao Saaj, to highlight cultural authenticity and elevate regional cuisine into the global market.
