Tambu Phuket X Ekaa Mumbai

When two of the world’s most celebrated names in contemporary Indian gastronomy come together, the result is not just a collaboration… it is an explosive landmark culinary moment.

On July 3-4, 2026, Tambu Phuket, the Michelin Guide-listed rooftop restaurant renowned for its progressive Indian charcoal cuisine, joins hands with Ekaa Mumbai, the internationally acclaimed restaurant previously recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, for an exclusive Four Hands Dinner that promises to redefine destination dining.

Tambu Phuket x Ekaa Mumbai

Perched atop Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery, Tambu Phuket is a breathtaking rooftop tented palace that evokes the grandeur of India’s Mughal era, brought to life through the culinary artistry of Iron Chef Saurabh Sachdeva. Overlooking the azure Andaman Sea and verdant hills, the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant masterfully marries North Indian heritage with progressive charcoal cuisine. Every exquisitely crafted dish is a celebration of bold flavours, refined technique, and timeless storytelling, making Tambu one of Thailand’s most captivating fine-dining destinations.

While Ekaa Mumbai stands among India’s most acclaimed contemporary dining destinations, celebrated for its ingredient-led philosophy and imaginative culinary storytelling. Garnering international acclaim, the restaurant has been previously recognised among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in modern Indian cuisine.

The Collab Takes Place

Set within Tambu Phuket’s spectacular Mughal-inspired tented palace overlooking the shimmering Andaman Sea and the lush Patong hills, this extraordinary two-night (July 3-4, 2026) experience seamlessly blends innovation, heritage, artistry, and storytelling into an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

At the heart of this exceptional dining destination is Akhilesh Kumar, Restaurant General Manager of Tambu Phuket, whose passion for elevating guest experiences through impeccable hospitality, thoughtful service, and world-class culinary collaborations has helped establish the restaurant as one of Thailand’s most distinguished contemporary Indian fine-dining destinations.

In an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Akhilesh Kumar shares the inspiration behind this prestigious collaboration of Tambu Phuket X Ekaa Mumbai, his vision for the future of modern Indian cuisine, and how immersive experiences, authentic storytelling, and global partnerships are reshaping the landscape of luxury dining.

Over To Akhilesh Kumar, Restaurant General Manager, Tambu Phuket

Tambu Phuket and Ekaa Mumbai have both earned some of the world’s most prestigious culinary recognitions. Beyond the accolades, what inspired this collaboration, and what unique experience are you hoping guests will take away from these two exclusive evenings?

This collaboration was inspired by a shared passion for showcasing how far Indian cuisine has evolved. While Tambu and Ekaa have very different culinary identities, we share the same commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and delivering exceptional dining experiences.

What excites me most is giving our guests the opportunity to experience two distinct culinary perspectives in one evening. I hope they leave not only having enjoyed an extraordinary meal, but with a deeper appreciation for the diversity, innovation, and global evolution of modern Indian cuisine.

Tambu’s progressive Indian charcoal cuisine and Ekaa’s ingredient-driven modern Indian storytelling represent two distinct culinary philosophies. How did you bring these contrasting styles together while ensuring each retained its own identity?

Our focus was on letting each restaurant stay true to its own identity. Every detail, from the menu flow to the service was carefully planned to create a seamless experience while allowing both chefs’ styles to shine individually.

Indian cuisine is enjoying unprecedented global recognition today. In your opinion, what has changed in the way the world perceives Indian food, and where do you see its global journey heading next?

People are beginning to see Indian cuisine as far more diverse and refined than ever before. There’s growing interest in regional flavours, authentic ingredients, and modern interpretations.

I believe its global journey will continue through innovation, authenticity, and collaborations that introduce new audiences to its richness.

The dinners take place in a spectacular tented rooftop setting overlooking the Andaman Sea and the Patong hills. How does a destination and its surroundings influence your creativity, and can a location become part of the dining experience itself?

Absolutely. At Tambu, the setting is part of the experience.

Our rooftop tented palace, with views of the Andaman Sea and Patong hills, shapes the mood, the service and the memory of the evening.

As the Restaurant General Manager, you’re constantly balancing tradition with innovation. How do you decide which classic Indian flavours should remain untouched and which can be reimagined for the modern diner?

It always starts with respect for tradition. We preserve the authentic flavours and techniques, then look for thoughtful ways to elevate the experience through presentation, ingredients, and hospitality.

Luxury dining today is about much more than exceptional food. What role do storytelling, emotion, and immersive experiences play in creating a meal that guests remember long after they’ve left the table?

They’re what make a great meal unforgettable. Guests remember how an experience made them feel, and that’s created through storytelling, genuine hospitality, atmosphere, and attention to detail not just the food itself.

Collaborations between internationally acclaimed restaurants are becoming increasingly influential. Do you see these partnerships as the future of fine dining, and how do they help redefine the global narrative around contemporary Indian cuisine?

Definitely. Collaborations bring together different ideas, inspire creativity, and offer guests experiences they wouldn’t normally have. They also highlight the depth and versatility of Indian cuisine, helping strengthen its reputation on the global dining stage.