The hidden lores and bold choices behind Malaika Arora and Dhaval Udeshi’s dreamy restaurant

For all those knee-deep in Bollywood gossip and a little interest in the F&B sector, I am sure you already know about Malaika Arora’s newly launched Scarlett House. An old vintage bungalow decked up to the nines, Scarlett House is not just another chic dining spot—it’s a structure that narrates a story of its own,  wrapped in nostalgia, indulgence, and unexpected surprises.

Co-founded by Malaika Arora and restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi, this 90-year-old Portuguese bungalow-turned-dining-haven is full of hidden details that make it one of Mumbai’s most intriguing new culinary destinations. And if you (just like me) are always looking at the most unconventional sources to know more about your favourite movie star, here are some lesser-known facts about Scarlett House that will make you see it in a whole new light. Because hats off to Arora and Udeshi, Mumbai’s dining space just got another star studded entrant, both literally and metaphorically!

A Love letter to nostalgia

While Scarlett House is effortlessly stylish, its soul is rooted in comfort and nostalgia. As Arora puts it, “My vision was also to create a space that feels warm and familiar—where food brings back memories and sparks connections.” The warm wooden beams, vintage tiles, and cosy nooks weren’t just design choices—they were intentional elements meant to transport you to a time when dining out felt like coming home.

A vintage bungalow with secrets

The 90-year-old bungalow had its own secrets waiting to be uncovered. During restoration, the team found original Portuguese tiles beneath layers of modern flooring, which they carefully restored to preserve the home’s old-world charm. “Restoring Scarlett House was a journey of uncovering hidden stories and breathing new life into a historic space,” Arora shared. These tiles now serve as quiet storytellers of the space’s long history—if walls could talk, they’d whisper tales of a bygone era.

The wine and cheese room you never knew you needed

One of Scarlett House’s most unconventional features is its intimate wine and cheese room—a concept rarely seen in Mumbai’s dining landscape. “Mumbai’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving, and we made a bold choice by pairing the dining experience with a wine retail room,” says Udeshi. With a dedicated 15-seat space within its 50-seat capacity, this area is designed to bring people together over curated wines and artisanal cheeses. “It’s a bold choice that wouldn’t have worked everywhere, but inside Scarlett House, it fits like a dream,” he added.

A menu with a story

Scarlett House isn’t just about good food—it’s about food with history. Chef Beena Noronha, who leads the kitchen, has infused the menu with personal and regional influences. “The Malabar Prawn Curry is a tribute to my coastal roots and the rich culinary traditions I grew up with,” she explains. “It’s more than just a dish; it’s a story of my journey, my roots, and my love for honest, soulful cooking.” The use of coconut instead of tamarind lends it a sweeter, creamier depth, making it a unique take on a classic coastal favorite.

Malaika Arora’s personal touch is everywhere

From the menu to the design, Scarlett House reflects Arora’s signature aesthetic—elegant yet approachable. “I was deeply involved in both the menu and design—it’s a true reflection of me,” she says. Her love for clean eating inspired a menu that balances indulgence with wellness, while her keen eye for detail ensured the interiors exude warmth and sophistication.

Cocktail chemistry

The cocktail menu at Scarlett House is where tradition meets reinvention. Think bold infusions, unexpected pairings, and an artistry that complements heritage-inspired dishes. “Here, the beauty of contrasts comes to life through heritage-inspired dishes like Malabar Prawn Curry, Madras Calamari, and Vietnamese Pho, served in a space that is modern, warm, and effortlessly sophisticated,” says Chef Noronha. It’s a space where a classic Malabar curry and a contemporary spiced negroni make perfect sense together—contrasts that somehow blend into a seamless experience.

A space that evolves with you

Unlike restaurants that cater to one specific vibe, Scarlett House was designed to shift with your mood. Whether it’s a leisurely breakfast, a power lunch, or a wine-filled evening with friends, the space transforms effortlessly. “We knew Scarlett House couldn’t just be another coffee shop; it had to be a full dining experience,” says Dhaval. The idea was to create a place that feels just as welcoming at 9:00 a.m. as it does at midnight—no matter the occasion, there’s always a seat that feels just right.

Whether you visit Scarlett House for the prawn curry, the vintage aesthetics, or the rare wines, one thing’s for sure, you’ll leave with a story to tell. Now, the only question is, when are you visiting?

All images: The brand

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