This restaurant in Thane brings the flavours of Arabia and India to one table

After ldquoorganicrdquo storytelling is perhaps the most overused word in the FampB playbook mdash tossed around far more often than itrsquos truly practised Only a handful of places still understand what it actually means Suma the newest finedining destination in Thane from hospitality group SP Motels founded by Niketa Sharma has opened its doors with an experience that feels less like a meal and more like a journey Rooted in the history of the Grand Trunk Road one of South Asiarsquos oldest and longest trade routes historically connecting Bangladesh to Afghanistan and carrying people spices stories and cultures across centuries Suma brings together two rich culinary worlds of Arabia and India in a way that feels warm sensory and deeply personalThe interiors designed by Design Alma are Mediterranean warmth meets rustic Victorian detail softened by Indian accents A statement archframed bar anchors the space while maroon and olive tones textured walls brass highlights and layered lighting create an atmosphere thatrsquos intimate yet expansive mdash perfect for a quiet dinner or a lively family table Adding to the experience over weekends you can experience Qawwali and Sufi Nights featuring folk artistes from across India As harmoniums hum and voices rise in unison the dining room transforms into a vibrant mehfil mdash turning an evening here into a celebration of food music and shared emotionThe interiors blend Mediterranean warmth with rustic Victorian detail softened throughout by thoughtful Indian accentsThe menu carries the earthy comfort inspired by the timeless route from Lucknow to Afghanistan where caravans once carried ingredients songs and stories Yoursquoll find shawarmas alongside seekh kebabs hummus complementing smoky aubergine and dishes layered with zarsquoatar saffron nuts and coalroasted marinadesChicken dum biryaniWe started with Palak Patta Chaat a playful crunchy riot of flavours mdash tempurafried spinach leaves drizzled with yoghurt sweet and tangy chutneys and a sprinkle of sev The Bharwan Aloo had baby potatoes chargrilled till they blister then reveal a centre of warm paneer nuts and gentle sweetness The Arabic Mezze Platter had drama featuring a journey across the Levant on one board mdash Hummus Beiruti whipped light Fattet Hummus layered and textured Muhammara smoky and nutty Kashke Bademjan velvety and Labneh Falafels add crunch while warm homemade pita crisp lavash marinated olives pickles and olive oil turn it into a tablewide ritual of dipping and sharing Lasooni Jheenga had prawns marinated in garlic and gentle spice grilled till they carry that perfect tandoori char Juicy aromatic and built for those who love seafood with a hint of drama Amritsari Machchi was fresh fish coated in a spiced batter fried till beautifully crisp yet tender inside A classic when well done lands with warmth and nostalgia A newer addition to the menu we tried that night was the Kasundi Tandoori Avocado a contemporary standout mdash creamy avocado marinated in sharp mustardforward kasundi and finished in the tandoor Smoky unexpected and entirely memorableJalebi with rabriThe Murgh Hyderabadi Biryani arrived in a handi with a soft waft of saffron and whole spices Itrsquos comfort layered with craft The Suma Butter Chicken their signature dish is bold soulful and intentionally homestyle Shredded tandoori chicken simmers in a claypot style gravy thatrsquos rich spiced and unapologetically indulgent It feels like butter chicken reimagined through memory rather than restaurant polish For desserts we tried the Shahi Tukda crisp gheefried bread soaked in scented rabdi layered with saffron and nuts Itrsquos an indulgence the old royal kitchens would approve of And Jalebi with Rabdi Hot syrupy jalebis paired with thick slowcooked rabdi A familiar streetside comfort elevated with finesseShahi TukdaThe highlight of our trip was meeting Chef Rahul Desai group executive chef at Suma who described the essence of the restaurant beautifully ldquoSuma allowed us to connect India and Arabia through flavour technique and memory The menu comes from slowcooked traditions and coalroasted depth but also from a place of warmth Every kebab dip and biryani carries a piece of the Grand Trunk Road and the generosity of Middle Eastern kitchensrdquoAmritsari machchiSumarsquos storytelling continues at the bar through Madhushala its signature cocktail book and tribute to Indian poetic tradition Each drink is built around an ingredientled philosophy mdash creations like Navras Shahi Barrel Nawaabi Raat JashneQahwa Thoda Zyada and KhattaMeetha SafarHerbal MirageFor Sharma Suma is a love letter to the journeys that shaped our food culture I wanted to create a space where flavours stories and music come together effortlessly Every dish every drink every detail at Suma is designed to make guests feel somethingrdquoWith its layered food philosophy evocative design crafted cocktails and cultural programming Suma brings a refreshing experiential dining culture to Mumbai mdash one that sits beautifully between history and contemporary craft It is a place for those who enjoy not just food but the stories and emotions that come with it At Suma food becomes a storytellerWHERE Suma 1st FloorThe Thane Club Opposite Raheja Garden Wagle Estate Thane West