Support Us Button Widget

Chef Cheetie Kumar is bringing vibrant food to Five Points

The Garland team will open a new concept called Ajja near downtown.

Cheetie Kumar sitting on a bartop with Paul Siler beside her.

Paul Siler and Cheetie Kumar collaborated to create Ajja.

Photo by Baxter Miller

Garland Chef Cheetie Kumar and partner Paul Siler plan to open a new restaurant in Raleigh’s Five Points very soon. Ajja, meaning “come over” in Hindi/Urdu, will feature foods from different cultures made with vibrant spices and different cooking techniques drawn from the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Much like the now shuttered Garland, this foodie destination will continue the restaurant’s tradition of highlighting the rich story of NC’s growers by using fresh ingredients. Along with its stylish indoor space, the eatery will include an outdoor bar, extensive dining area under a covered patio, and a large fire pit with views of Raleigh’s skyline.

Adjacent to Anisette Sweet Shop, guests can expect shareable menu items like skewered grilled meats and veggies with bold flavors.

An opening date has not yet been announced, but you can sign up for updates on Ajja’s website. Plus, we’ll keep you in the loop.

More from RALtoday
Warm up with this spiced apple cocktail recipe, perfect for using fall produce.
We’re blowing out the candles to celebrate six years of RALtoday — here are some of our favorite articles from over the years.
As the weather gets colder, soup is there to keep you warm. Get cozy with a cup or bowl at some of our favorite spots for soup in Raleigh, from pozole to pho and ramen.
This quiche from Durham’s Lutra will warm up your kitchen to welcome fall.
Directly north, east, south, and west of RAL, cities across the world await.
Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these local businesses to come and spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in RAL, or start making your own.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
It’s time to party. With over a quarter million pounds of trash collected, thousands of volunteers, and five years of community and impact, The Great Raleigh Cleanup is hosting a birthday bash.
Managing Editor Cat and Newsletter Editor Allie completed the Spring 2025 Raleigh Neighborhood College cohort — bookmark this to sign up for the next one, running March through May.