Restaurant India News: Malaka Spice Opens New Baner Outlet as It Marks Nearly 29 Years in Hospitality

Malaka Spice has reopened in Pune's Baner neighbourhood with a new outlet at Baner Hills, marking another milestone for the homegrown restaurant brand that has been serving Southeast Asian cuisine in the city for close to 29 years.

The reopening reflects the continued resilience of legacy restaurant brands that are adapting to changing consumer expectations by investing in refreshed formats while retaining their core culinary identity. 

Founded in 1997 by Cheeru and Praful Chandawarkar, the restaurant began as a passion project rooted in a shared interest in introducing Southeast Asian flavours to Indian diners. Over the years, the brand has established itself as a familiar name in Pune's hospitality landscape, helping broaden consumer awareness and acceptance of regional Southeast Asian cuisines.

The newly launched Baner outlet retains the brand's established menu philosophy while introducing a redesigned dining environment inspired by countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The refreshed space has been developed to offer guests an immersive experience that complements the restaurant's culinary offering.  The brand remains committed to its long-standing philosophy of "Inspired Not Imitated," emphasising authenticity while making the cuisine accessible to local consumers.

Ilvika Chandawarkar, Head of Research and Business Development, said, "Our return to Baner feels incredibly special. For us, Malaka Spice has always been about storytelling. Every dish, every detail you see and experience comes from journeys we've made across South east Asia. We bring those travels back to the table, translating them into flavours and textures that our guests can connect with. From the ingredients we source to the way the space is designed, there is a story behind everything. Coming back to Baner feels like completing a circle."

With its renewed presence in Baner, Malaka Spice aims to build on its nearly three-decade legacy by continuing to focus on sustainability, community engagement, and hospitality-driven experiences. As Pune's dining sector continues to mature, the return of Malaka Spice highlights how regional restaurant brands are balancing consistency and innovation to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market.