Zeki, a first-of-its-kind community bistro & bar serving modern European and Mediterranean cuisine launches in Andheri West, transports visitors into a culinary sanctuary, nestled in a modern-day mud house.
Zeki, which takes its name from a Turkish word that means “intelligent,” “wise,” and “clever,” is purposefully designed to be a community bistro and bar where people can come together, enjoy, and feel like they belong. It is an invitation to retreat from the concrete jungle into a tranquil haven where community gatherings, well-prepared meals and beverages, and deep conversations take place.
The 60-seater indoor and outdoor area is the result of Actor-Turned-Businessman Khushank Arora’s concept for a sophisticated, functional dining establishment. In Zeki, pottery will be available as part of a bi-monthly calendar of interactive events under Zeki Gatherings; the schedule will also include art and craft classes, mental wellness initiatives, exhibitions, and pop-up businesses.
Mud house for the modern-day
Inside, a magnificent painting of a mushroom lady—a Goddess of the planet Earth—emerges from the center wall. The display is emphasized by the bar, which is carved out of a monolith rock. Terra cotta’s generally calming colors create the perfect atmosphere for a memorable excursion. Eco-friendly materials including terracotta clay, rice husk, dry grass, banana membranes and fiber, and even Bali cane are used to build the cob structure and furniture.
An unhurried food language
With a focus on European and Mediterranean cuisines, the culinary menu, which was created by Chef Consultant Vidit Aren and prepared by Brand Chef Debanshu Mondal, adheres to the “less is more” philosophy. Flavorful dishes made with locally grown, in-season produce that has been rustically roasted and grilled are a hallmark of communal dining concepts and shared cultural experiences.
The Ancient Grain salad, which consists of ragi, khapli wheat, barley feta, and arugula in a honey vinaigrette, is nutrient-dense, and the Beiruti Hummus is served with a 24-hour fermented pita and a choice of za’atar grilled chicken.
Spanish offerings comprise of Calamari a la plancha, caramelized squid rings with pepper and harissa coulis, as well as Gambas al Ajillo topped with confit garlic. Zeki sources its high protein, roller-milled flour for flatbreads and pizzas from Abohar, Punjab. The dough is fermented for over 24 hours to lend it an airy and crispy texture. The Zeki experience will leave patrons on a sweet note with dessert choices of Burnt Basque Cheesecake poured with Salted Caramel Melt, Caramelised Dark Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Coulis, Nonna’s Tiramisu, and a Truly Classic Crème brûlée.
Gather for cocktails
The bar program at Zeki unfolds 10 potent cocktails, crafted with the nuances of modern mixology such as homemade infusions, and clarified and fat-washed derivations. Baklava takes inspiration from the Middle Eastern pastry with clarified pistachio milk, pouring history and tradition into a glass. Lilac Breeze balances cold and warm layers with lavender-pineapple-infused tequila and topped with white chocolate foam and toasted desiccated coconut and much more.
“Zeki’s core belief lies in the natural instinct of bees – which is to gather around flowers, savour nectar, and belong to their community. For me, it’s very important to give people a purpose: A purpose to sip, savour, and make Zeki part of their social life. As an artist, I am drawn to depicting meaningful stories with a creative flair. At Zeki, the approach is the same. We invite patrons to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of their mundane life and reconnect yet rejuvenate with themselves,” says Khushank Arora.