By Anirban Dasgupta
“For me, it is a dream turned into a treasure, built from passion and a deep love for storytelling through food and design. One half of Raiya celebrates the warmth of India, while the other embodies contemporary global elegance. Together, they tell the story of a new India: rooted in heritage, yet confident in its global expression.”
– Priyam Chauhan, Founder of Raiya
On a not-so-cool September afternoon, I found myself stepping into Raiya, South Delhi’s latest culinary gem, which officially opened its doors on 5th September. The name itself, Raiya—rooted in the Sanskrit word for “treasure”—sets the tone for what you’re about to experience: an opulent yet welcoming space that redefines Indian fusion dining.
From the moment I walked in, I was swept away by the touch of royalty in the interiors—rich yet tastefully subtle. Every seating arrangement was deliberate, offering both comfort and visual appeal.
Indeed, even before tasting a morsel, the warmth of Raiya’s staff impressed me. Premium dining venues often risk feeling stiff or transactional, but here, each staff member exuded genuine courtesy. The team’s menu knowledge was impressive—they didn’t just list ingredients but narrated stories behind the dishes. Priyam’s commitment to extensive research and tasting sessions clearly shone through them.
An Evening of Culinary Storytelling
I started my journey with Saladier: Imperial Caesar (endive, romaine lettuce, lemon zest, parmesan, parsley) for my companion, while I was treated to a customised hummus dip bowl—creamy, flavorful, and served with just the right accompaniments.
Before I forget the showstopper duos, -Taco Trove with Jackfruit – a refreshing plant-based twist and Mooradabadi Dal with Thinly Sliced Sourdough– a heritage recipe reborn with the elegance of modern technique.In between, the chef himself prepared Guacamole live at our table—a blend of extra virgin olive oil, avocado, and garlic, paired with crisp chips. Fresh, fragrant, and delightfully simple.
Where Fusion is Philosophy
Priyam Chauhan’s vision is indeed bold—Indian flavors intertwined seamlessly with global techniques. Fusion can be tricky; one small imbalance can throw a dish off. But at Raiya, each plate was thoughtful, harmonious, and confident.
The Pinwheel Ravioli was a revelation—ghee-roasted mushrooms embraced by silky pasta in true Indo-Italian style. For mains, the Maharaja Cauli and Royal Spring Chicken showcased flavours that were distinctly Indian yet plated with international finesse.
The desserts? Heavenly. My personal favorite was the Timeless Tiramisu, though the Lotus Biscoff Royale Cheesecake might win as the crowd-pleaser. A very unsual shape and look, again, the taste grows on you with every spoon.
A Space Where Two Worlds Meet
One of the most intriguing aspects of Raiya is its duality—architecturally and gastronomically. To the left, whispers of Indian heritage inspired by temples and palaces; to the right, Victorian elegance with timeless charm. This interplay of Eastern warmth and Western refinement transcends just design—it’s on every plate, in every sip.
Raiya is an immersive cultural voyage. Priyam Chauhan’s vision has successfully created a bridge between tradition and innovation. It’s rare to find a fine dining space where the food, service, interiors, and philosophy align so harmoniously.
Would I recommend Raiya? Absolutely. Whether you’re a seeker of new flavours, an admirer of fine design, or simply someone who appreciates being treated like royalty, Raiya is a treasure worth uncovering.
📍 South Delhi – Now open. Modern Indian, Asian, European, Middle Eastern G9, 2nd floor, Hauz Khas, New Delhi .Insta:experience_raiya
