Over the past decade or two the concept of dining out, globally, has seen an evolution; more so in the
past few years. While there are numerous restaurants serving Indian cuisine or an interpretation of it,
there are a few truly representing the vastness of India’s culinary culture. With a focus on presenting
Indian food in its unabashed form, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park presents the future of Indian dining
with the launch of AAFREEN – Inspired Indian.

In the recent past, the palate of Indian diners has also evolved, allowing for further exploration of regional
Indian food and infusing modern techniques to elevate the overall dining experience. Aafreen – Inspired
Indian aims to offer a glimpse into the vastness of regional Indian cuisine, through small plates and
comfort food concepts, created by a team of culinary experts led by Chef Vikram Khatri. Chef Khatri,
with his team, spent over six months researching dishes from across India before getting to food trials.
The handcrafted menu presents a mix of classic recipes with unique ingredient pairings, offering familiar
tastes. The team has consciously endeavored to keep the focus of each creation on the four pillars that
form the basis of the cuisine at Aafreen – Inspired Indian – flavor, aroma, texture, and visual appeal.
Aafreen – Inspired Indian, envisages bringing forth traditional Indian cuisine, sans theatrics, focusing on
flavors representing the dining cultures of its varied regions.

Speaking about Aafreen, Chef Vikram Khatri, Culinary Director, The Westin Pune, shares, “The Cuisine at
Aafreen brings alive the spirit of India through its Comfort Indian Food and Unique Combination of Pan
Indian Flavors. The entire menu mix is a bouquet of ingredients emphasizing freshness and a bold
taste palate. Barring the Lamb Chops (Barrah), all other ingredients are locally sourced and are proudly
indigenous to the Indian Sub-continent. The thought behind the menu mix is also to put together an array
of small plates, with various offerings along with Timeless Classics and some comfort Dessert options.”
Sudeep Sharma, General Manager, The Westin Pune, added, “Indian cuisine, in recent times, has
captured the imagination of diners around the world. While the endeavor has been to make Indian food
exciting, we felt that it was becoming more theatrical and falling short of the culinary strengths that our
cuisine offers. With the belief that Indian food has much more to offer and realizing the gap, we felt it
was time for us to introduce a concept like Aafreen to our discerning guests”.

Sudeep Sharma, General Manager, The Westin Pune, added, “Indian cuisine, in recent times, has captured the imagination of diners around the world. While the endeavor has been to make Indian food exciting, we felt that it was becoming more theatrical and falling short of the culinary strengths that our cuisine offers. With the belief that Indian food has much more to offer and realizing the gap, we felt it was time for us to introduce a concept like Aafreen to our discerning guests”.

Designed by Rushabh Parekh and covering a dining area of 1900 square feet, accommodating 50 guests,
the restaurant is designed to offer a truly luxurious dining experience. The aesthetics of the window
paintings are inspired by The Mandu Palace in Madhya Pradesh to encapsulate the ambiance of
traditional Indian culture with luxe and modern edge added. Guests are greeted with customized
lampshades, handpicked from the Sabyasachi collection along with a Menu cover design. Savor delectable
cuisine in equally regal crockery designed by National award-winning artist, Keshari Nandan.

The menu crafted allows discerning guests to discover a true modern expression of complexities
presented by the use of spices, aromas, and flavors that Indian cuisine is globally admired for. The Culinary
innovations such as Paneer Tikka Carpaccio, Edamame & Sweet Potato Chaat, Achari Pork Ribs and
Tandoori Kerala Prawns, among others, are prepared to incorporate unique regional cooking techniques
and practices prevalent across the Indian geography, seamlessly blending them with unconventional,
contemporary, cutting-edge flair. In line with the brand’s philosophy of innovation, the Gin based
signature cocktails incorporate the use of Indian spices & herbs, which can be experienced through drinks
such as the Turmeric Bug Spritz (fermented Gin), Clarified Fashioned (using clarified butter & jaggery)
and Secret Touch (infused with spices like cumin & cardamom), among others.

Gourmet cuisine, world-class drinks coupled with the finest hospitality in an intimate milieu, awaits you for
an avant-garde dining experience at Aafreen – Inspired Indian.

With an average cost of two priced at Rs. 2500 (food only; excluding taxes, other charges & liquor),
Aafreen – Inspired Indian is open on all days for Lunch (12:30 pm until 3 pm) and Dinner (7 pm until
11:30pm). For further queries & reservations, the restaurant team can be reached at +91 70662 00300

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