Virgin Voyages is expanding its culinary offering with the launch of Ariya, a new Indian restaurant set to debut aboard Valiant Lady following the ship’s dry dock in May.
Developed in partnership with Indie Culinaire and celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan, the restaurant introduces a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine at sea.
The concept highlights regional flavours from across India, blending traditional recipes with contemporary presentation.
Chef Maneet Chauhan, celebrity chef and cookbook author. Photo credit: Dawn Hoffmann
The restaurant will transform the ship’s Razzle Dazzle space each evening. By day the venue remains the popular breakfast and brunch restaurant, before reopening at night as a 220 seat dining space inspired by India’s spice markets.
Warm wood textures, woven details and hammered metal accents create a layered design that reflects the colours and aromas of ingredients such as turmeric, cardamom and peppercorn.
A Menu Inspired By India’s Regional Cuisine
The menu explores flavours from across India while drawing inspiration from street food traditions and regional cooking techniques.
Signature dishes include lamb shank biryani, goan curried mussels, malabar coconut crab cake and tandoori pistachio crusted snapper. Chaat dishes, known for their vibrant textures and flavours, also play a central role on the menu.
The bar program follows the same regional inspiration, with cocktails incorporating spices and ingredients such as saffron, tamarind and cardamom.
Guests are welcomed with a complimentary sip of jaljeera, a chilled drink made with tamarind and cumin that traditionally stimulates the palate before a meal.
A New Chapter For Dining At Sea
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO, Virgin Voyages, said the restaurant continues the brand’s focus on chef led dining experiences.
“Ariya is the next chapter in our food and beverage collection. Every restaurant we create is designed to show what dining at sea can become,” said Mr Saverimuttu.
Chef Levi Mezick, Senior Director of Culinary Program Development, Virgin Voyages, added that the restaurant celebrates the growing global recognition of Indian cuisine.
“Indian cuisine is finally getting the recognition it deserves. With Chef Maneet, our Sailors will experience the depth and complexity of these flavours in a completely new way,” said Chef Mezick.
