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
Looking for the best coffee in the City of Oaks? Whether you’re aiming for a quick caffeine fix or a place to relax and enjoy a cup of joe, find your new favorite coffee shop with our guide featuring 40 local cafes.
Need a ride to the polls? GoRaleigh has you covered with transportation to and from voting precincts.
Get a sneak peak at what’s to come in November events in Raleigh from holidays activities to can’t miss performances.
We all know Raleigh’s sweet, but we want to talk about what kind of sweet. We assigned a few popular Raleigh neighborhoods popular Halloween candies for a seasonal treat.
From drag shows and trick-or-treating to zombies prowling Cary, we’ve got all you need to know on local Halloween events — plus an interactive map to plan your holiday.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Raleigh includes everything from becoming a park guide to fostering kittens — keep reading to find an org you’re passionate about.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
The general election is next Tuesday, Nov. 5 — here’s what you need to know to vote early or on Election Day and make your voice heard nationally + locally.
We sat down with Tricia Sabol from Raleigh Walking tours to talk about the ghost stories of Oak City, including a spooky resident of Oakwood Cemetery.
Take a look at the new additions and what’s coming soon to the North Hills development.