By Sitaram Mewati
Expanding its curated culinary platform, Fairmont Mumbai has introduced the next chapter of The Locale Series at The Merchants with The Himalayan Edit, a culturally immersive showcase of the region’s rich and lesser-explored food traditions.
With this edition, the series moves beyond familiar regional cuisines to highlight micro-regional food cultures shaped by geography, climate, and generational practices. The Himalayan Edit presents a nuanced dining narrative rooted in simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and time-honoured techniques such as fermentation, offering guests an experience that reflects both heritage and lived tradition.
The culinary showcase is led by Arati Thapa, founder of Boju’s Kitchen, whose journey began as a homegrown venture during the pandemic and has since evolved into a recognised destination for authentic Himalayan and Nepali cuisine. Drawing from her upbringing and family recipes, Thapa’s menu brings a strong sense of nostalgia and authenticity to urban diners.
The specially curated menu at The Merchants features a range of Himalayan staples, including momos in pork, chicken and vegetarian variants, along with thukpa, chilli pork, dal bhat and gundruk. Traditional elements such as sel roti and first flush Darjeeling tea complete the experience, offering a well-rounded exploration of the region’s culinary identity.
Chef Arati Thapa, founder of Boju’s Kitchen
At the heart of Thapa’s philosophy is the concept of “Boju,” meaning grandmother in Nepali, symbolising the legacy of recipes and techniques passed down through generations. This ethos aligns with the broader vision of The Locale Series, which seeks to spotlight culinary custodians preserving regional food heritage while reinterpreting it for contemporary audiences.
Speaking on the initiative, Mihir Kane said the series is envisioned as an evolving dialogue between regions, chefs and guests, bringing lesser-known cuisines into metropolitan settings while staying true to their origins.
The Himalayan Edit will be held from April 9 to April 12, 2026, at The Merchants, Fairmont Mumbai, and will be available exclusively for dinner. Priced at INR 2,799 plus taxes per person, the experience promises an immersive journey through the flavours, stories and traditions of the Himalayan region.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
