Here’s what to expect at the Up North X Indian Accent popup

Chef Rijul Gulati’s luggage has an odd mix of things: large quantities of pav, truffles, spice blends, tiny shorba cups and pressure cookers. The head chef from Indian Accent, Mumbai, has now landed in Chennai with these and more for the Up North X Indian Accent popup. “We serve our shorba in these cups. They are handmade in Manipur, each one different from the other, and the small pressure cookers are what we serve our dessert in,” he says with a smile, touching upon how seriously they take all culinary aspects including plating.

While Chennai’s Up North, at the Pullman Hotel, is known for its hearty North Indian meal and experimental fusion flavours, Indian Accent — with outposts in Delhi, Mumbai, and New York — is recognised for its innovative approach to modern Indian cuisine and is on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Kashmiri morrel musallam
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“After an overwhelming response last year, we are back in Chennai again,” says Rijul. The seven-course meal will feature new dishes and old favourites from Indian Accent’s tasting menu. “These are staples that one expects at Indian Accent. It’s a signature of the brand, and so we have them at most of our popups,” he explains. The globally-acclaimed restaurant does not believe in resting on its laurels and strives to innovate constantly, he says. “We are continuously updating ourselves and evolving with the times.”

Expect their iconic chaats and seasonal produce. “We are inspired by the streets of India, and we always explore what’s around during a season. That way, we celebrate all the flavours, and traditions of India,” says Rijul, who started out with the restaurant in Delhi, before moving to Mumbai in 2023 to set up the new outlet.

Alongside the eternal stars like daulat ki chat, blue cheese naan and shorba, and warm doda burfi treacle tart, the menu here will also feature new entrants like Delhi papdi chaat with kachalu and chana; buttery Malwani shrimp pulao; baked beetroot with goat curd and ravioli made of khandvi; and bite-sized pao bhaji with chilli maska among others. And what is the chef’s favourite? “The black cod with pickled masala,” he smiles.

The popup is from September 11-13, 7pm onwards. ₹5,999-plus taxes. Call 9150001758

Black cod, masala carrot, apricot chutney
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Chef Rijul Gulati
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Special Arrangement

Daulat ki chaat
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Special Arrangement

Pao bhaji
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement