Farzi Café Lands in NYC’s Tribeca as Zorawar Kalra Joins Indian Cuisine’s Global Renaissance

Imagine tucking into an avocado tikka or a Guntur chilli chicken bao sitting in the heart of New York’s Tribeca. With the iconic yellow cabs whirring past cobblestoned streets and the Manhattan skyline glinting in the distance, the city’s energy meets the bold drama of modern Indian dining.

India’s culinary trailblazer, Zorawar Kalra, has brought his genre-defying bistro to 78 Leonard Street with the launch of Farzi Tribeca—a bold, immersive dining experience that reimagines Indian cuisine for one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. It marks the US East Coast debut of Kalra’s Massive Restaurants group, already acclaimed for its international footprints in London, Toronto and Seattle.

“I want Indian cuisine to become the mainstream cuisine in the United States, and with Farzi Tribeca, we’re going to make that vision a reality,” says restaurateur Kalra. He adds, “Just as we sparked a renaissance among young diners in India, we aim to redefine how the next generation in America experiences Indian food.”

In India, when Farzi Café opened its first outlet in Delhi’s Cyber Hub, it became an instant hit among youngsters. They finally found a place that had modern design with a dash of theatrical flair, an edgy playlist and a menu that turned traditional Indian dishes into playful, Instagram-worthy creations.

Now, as Indian restaurants like Dubai’s Trèsind Studio earn Michelin stars, Chef Vijay Kumar’s Semma in NYC wins a coveted James Beard Award and Chef Vikas Khanna of Bungalow NYC is awarded the Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand, the global appetite for inventive Indian cuisine is at an all-time high. Farzi Café, which means “illusion” in Hindi, is set to channel this zeitgeist with its immersive, avant-garde approach that fuses traditional Indian flavours with modern techniques and dramatic flair.

Kalra, whose father, the legendary chef and culinary chronicler Jiggs Kalra, dedicated his life to putting Indian cuisine on the global map, is now carrying that legacy forward with bold ambition. “New York is the ultimate culinary proving ground. Farzi’s arrival here isn’t just about opening another restaurant—it’s about showcasing India’s new culinary language to the world’s most discerning diners,” says Kalra.

Set in the former Goa space, Farzi Tribeca’s interiors have been completely reimagined; vibrant, theatrical spirit and mood lifting. With its buzzing bar, statement design and immersive plating, Farzi Tribeca promises more than just a meal—a curated experience.

Helmed by Chef Gaurav Chawla, Farzi Tribeca’s menu celebrates India’s culinary diversity while drawing inspiration from New York’s seasonal bounty. Guests can expect signature creations like Dal Chawal Arancini, Avocado and Raw Mango Chaat and ‘Farzified’ versions of traditional dishes, along with an exclusive slate of new dishes like Avocado Tikka, Prawnstar, Paneer Donut Kofta and Pressure Cooker Mutton Curry, developed just for NYC. With Farzi Tribeca’s arrival, New Yorkers are in for a high-octane taste of modern India like never before.

It is poised to become one of New York City’s most talked-about openings. It’s not just a new chapter for the brand, but a statement about where Indian cuisine is headed next. As Kalra puts it, “Every chef taking Indian cuisine global is a collaborator in this collective journey. It’s India first, always. We’re bound by a shared mission to elevate our cuisine and tell its story on the world’s finest stage.”