Mumbai, September 8, 2026: Avartana, the award-winning contemporary South Indian restaurant at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, has welcomed Chef Sunanda as its new Head Chef. The appointment marks the return of a chef who has been closely associated with the restaurant’s journey and growth across India and Sri Lanka.
Known for its progressive interpretation of South Indian cuisine, Avartana brings together traditional flavours, regional ingredients and modern culinary techniques. With her experience within the ITC Hotels ecosystem and familiarity with the Avartana philosophy, Chef Sunanda is set to bring a fresh perspective to the restaurant’s dining experience in Mumbai.
Chef Sunanda Returns to Avartana
Hailing from Chennai, Chef Sunanda began her professional journey with ITC Hotels at Avartana, ITC Grand Chola. Over three formative years, she developed a strong understanding of the restaurant’s distinctive culinary identity while refining her approach to progressive South Indian cuisine.
Her journey with Avartana later took her beyond India. She moved to ITC Ratnadipa in Sri Lanka, where she played an important role in the pre-opening and establishment of Avartana at the property. The experience allowed her to introduce the restaurant’s contemporary South Indian dining concept to an international audience.
Working in Sri Lanka also gave Chef Sunanda an opportunity to explore the country’s distinctive ingredients, culinary traditions and flavour profiles. This exposure has added another dimension to her culinary perspective and complements her understanding of South Indian cuisine.
A New Culinary Chapter in Mumbai
For Chef Sunanda, returning to Avartana represents both a homecoming and the beginning of something new.
“Avartana has been one of the most defining parts of my journey as a chef. Having worked with the restaurant in Chennai and then being part of its journey in Sri Lanka, I have seen how its philosophy can remain rooted while continuing to evolve. Coming back to Avartana at ITC Maratha feels like returning to something very familiar, but at the same time, it is a completely new opportunity,” she says.
Mumbai also presents Chef Sunanda with a new culinary landscape to explore. Her experience across different markets is expected to influence the way she approaches the restaurant’s menu, while allowing her to discover new connections between regional ingredients, traditions and contemporary techniques.
Progressive South Indian Cuisine at Avartana
Avartana has built its reputation around a contemporary interpretation of South Indian cuisine, moving beyond conventional perceptions of regional dining. The restaurant celebrates the diversity of South India through carefully considered ingredients, modern presentations and inventive culinary techniques.
With Chef Sunanda at the helm, the restaurant is entering a new phase that draws on her familiarity with the Avartana brand while giving her room to develop her own culinary voice.
Her experience across Chennai, Mumbai and Sri Lanka brings together different perspectives on regional cuisine and hospitality. It also reflects the increasingly dynamic nature of contemporary Indian dining, where chefs are finding new ways to preserve culinary traditions while making them relevant to modern diners.
What to Expect from Avartana at ITC Maratha
Chef Sunanda’s appointment is expected to further strengthen Avartana’s position as one of Mumbai’s notable destinations for contemporary South Indian dining.
Guests can look forward to an experience that continues to explore the flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions of South India through a modern lens. At the same time, Chef Sunanda’s international exposure and understanding of Sri Lankan flavours could bring new influences to the restaurant’s evolving culinary narrative.
For diners exploring Mumbai’s luxury dining scene, the new chapter at Avartana offers another reason to revisit the restaurant and experience how its progressive South Indian cuisine continues to evolve.
About ITC Hotels Limited
ITC Hotels Limited is one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains, offering hospitality experiences across more than 150 hotels, 14,000+ keys and 90+ destinations.
With the enduring Namaste as its brand symbol, ITC Hotels combines India’s long-standing tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services, while reflecting the culture and character of each destination.
Sustainability and Responsible Luxury remain central to the company’s approach. ITC Hotels became the world’s largest hotel chain with 23 LEED Platinum-certified hotels and continues to lead globally in LEED Zero Water and LEED Zero Carbon-certified hotels.
The company operates across seven distinct brands, including ITC Hotels and Mementos in the luxury segment, Epiq Collection in the premium segment, Welcomhotel in the upper-upscale segment, Storii in the premium boutique category, Fortune in the mid-market to upscale segment and WelcomHeritage in the heritage leisure space.
ITC Hotels Limited was also the first hotel company in India to receive the prestigious 2024 Leadership Award for Organizational Excellence from the US Green Building Council.
With its focus on signature warmth, culinary experiences, sustainability and hospitality excellence, ITC Hotels continues to play a significant role in shaping India’s luxury hospitality landscape.
