Ekaa is a culmination of Chef Niyati Rao's extensive travels and profound culinary background, serving as the driving force behind the concept. Trained at the prestigious Taj Group of Hotels, Niyati honed her skills in some of Mumbai's most renowned restaurants, including The Zodiac Grill, Wasabi by Morimoto, and A Reverie. Seeking to elevate her craft further, she ventured to Copenhagen for a transformative stint at Noma, hailed as the World’s Best Restaurant.
Upon her return to Mumbai in 2020, Niyati envisioned leveraging her insightful experiences at Noma to revolutionize the Indian culinary landscape. After thorough research and reflection, she conceptualised Ekaa—a restaurant whose cuisine is inspired by people, cultures, and ingredients.
Her passion for creating an unparalleled dining experience culminated in a year of dedication and meticulous effort, bringing Ekaa to life. Central to Ekaa’s philosophy are the influences of seasons, childhood memories, travel, and the shared journeys of the team. Collaborating with a former colleague, Niyati embarked on a mission to redefine the Indian dining experience, combining her vision with the team's collective passion.
Chef Niyati's innovative approach has garnered significant recognition. She was featured in the Forbes India 30 Under 30 list for her pioneering work in the Food and Beverage Industry. Additionally, she was honoured with the Excellent Award at The Best Chef Awards 2024 and ranked No. 5 on FoodSuperstars: India’s Top 30 Chefs 2024 by Culinary Culture Co. Ekaa stands as a testament to Niyati's relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and her dedication to crafting experiences that resonate deeply with her roots and the evolving global palate.
RI PASS