If you’ve ever dreamed of eating chilli cheese toast while your toes dig into Maldivian sand and the waves flirt with the moonlight—well, the culinary gods have just made that fantasy deliciously real.
From 7 to 12 June 2025, Jumeirah Olhahali Island is turning up the heat (and the butter) with a pop-up that’s part tropical escape, part Indian flavor-fest, and all kinds of extra. This island soirée is brought to you by Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the Dubai hotspot known for twisting traditional Indian cuisine into something bold, eclectic, and wildly memorable.
Atrangi Meets the Atoll
Helming this culinary beach takeover is Chef Aniket Chatterjee, the creative wizard from Atrangi who’s making waves with a menu that’s equal parts nostalgia and innovation. Think: your grandma’s secret masala recipe meets a gourmet globetrotter who’s been to Paris and back—with a spice rack in hand.
Inspired by the vision of the legendary Chef Ritu Dalmia—the woman who opened Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just 22 (talk about early bloomer energy)—this five-course dining escapade is about to make your Maldives trip taste way better.
What’s On the Menu? Pure Joy, That’s What
Let’s start with an old-school favourite: chilli cheese toast, but with a classy wink. Then buckle up for pickled doodhi and smoked dahi—yes, bottle gourd just got sexy. Meat lovers, you’re in for a treat with Malvani chicken tikka and confit garlic, while vegetarians get a flavour-packed paneer peeli mirch tikka with spring onion curry. Need a palate reset? There’s a whipped butter board coming your way (cue the swoon).
Main course magic includes the coastal lovechild known as kappa meen curry, or the earthy soul food vibe of satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney. And just when you think you can’t eat any more—BAM—mini jalebi with rabri and a pistachio soan papdi show up like the grand finale of a Bollywood movie.
Ocean Views, Starry Skies & Serious Food Envy
You’ve got two dining vibes to choose from:
- A beach grill under the stars at Shimmers Beach on 10 June for USD 225++ per person (bring your flip-flops and your camera).
- Or go glam with a five-course set menu at a scenic ocean-view spot for USD 195++ per person on any other evening.
Why This is More Than Just Dinner
“It’s a thrill to be bringing Atrangi to the Maldives,” says Ritu Dalmia. “This gives us a chance to spotlight our beloved community-inspired dishes while playing with the freshest produce the islands have to offer.” Translation: every bite has a story—and it’s gonna be tasty.
So if you needed an excuse to book that dreamy Maldives getaway—this is it. Pack your appetite, your resort wear, and an extra pair of stretchy pants. Atrangi at Jumeirah Olhahali Island is what food fantasies are made of.
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