Support Us Button Widget

Tamasha Modern Indian: A grand performance for Indian food in Raleigh

Chef Bhavin Chhatwani has worked in restaurants across India, Michelin-starred eateries in the US, and now, he’s in the City of Oaks for his own take on luxury Indian food with Tamasha Modern Indian.

An array of colorful foods and beverages.

Tamasha’s menu features inventive and progressive Indian dishes, including a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian bites.

Photo by Harsha Sipani

Tamasha Modern Indian opened in February 2024 near Cucciolo Terrazza + Woodhouse Spa in North Hills with all the trimmings of an upscale dining experience. The restaurant is headed by entrepreneurial co-owners Mike Kathrani and Tina Vora who brought on Chef Bhavin Chhatwani to bring a variety of Indian cuisines and flavors to Raleigh.

“It’s Indian food through my eyes, the way I see it, the way I perceive it,” Chhatwani told RALtoday. Because of the diversity of Indian cuisines — you might find two distinct cooking styles just 50 miles apart in India — Chhatwani said he doesn’t want to limit himself to just one type of Indian food.

The restaurant executes a flavorful + balanced menu with features like fried oysters, lamb shanks, and additional unique dishes playing with Indian flavors.

Chhatwani shared that Indian food is all about balance, and it’s a misconception that all Indian dishes are hot and spicy. With a sizable collection of spices in the restaurant’s repertoire, Kathrani said he wants to create a page on Tamasha’s website explaining each spice for unfamiliar diners.

Chhatwani is no newcomer to the culinary scene — he has worked in restaurants + hotels all across India before bringing his talents to the US. Notably, Chhatwani has worked at two Michelin-starred restaurants, one of which is Taj Campton Place in San Francisco, the only Indian-influenced restaurant in the US to have earned this honor.

A private dining rendering at Tamasha Modern Indian.

Every dining detail has been thoughtfully considered by the Tamasha team, including the private dining room complete with shelving for wine.

Rendering provided by Tamasha Modern Indian

In addition to choice fare prepared by a world-class chef, the space is luxurious and thoughtfully designed by co-owner Vora. The intimate space is decorated with comfortable velvet seats at marble tables, glimmering gold hanging features, and a huge wall of wine in the private dining room with a large dining table made from a single piece of wood.

According to Kathrani, no aspect of the dining experience is going unnoticed, with dry ice enhanced cocktails, a top-notch wine program, specialty tasting menus, and complimentary high-end water.

Chhatwani, Kathrani, and Vora are ready for their grand performance — the meaning of the word Tamasha — for a singular Indian dining experience in the Triangle.

More from RALtoday
We’re a few weeks shy of the NC State Fair, and to help you prepare for one of the most anticipated times of the fall season, we’re giving you the rundown on everything you need to know.
The NC Museum of History is preparing for a transformative renovation that will last two to three years + is celebrating the new chapter with celebratory events.
Do you feel that? Fall is in the air, and we’re gearing up for the top October events coming to Raleigh, from the state fair to happenings a bit off the beaten path.
Hurricane Helene hit our Western NC neighbors hard — here is how you can help Asheville and other communities.
Art nonprofit Artspace is launching a new exhibition and will host a series of events to celebrate.
We’re hitting the road to Durham — here’s what you need to know about the Bull City ahead of a Broadway show, baseball game, or just a day trip to our neighbor.
Real estate event Triangle Parade of Homes is back for the 2024 fall season. Explore the history of the event and get a glance of some homes a part of the annual parade.
See what fall events Raleigh Parks has planned for the crunchiest season in Oak City.
Fall is here — what better way to celebrate than picking out the perfect pumpkins? Bring the family for a pumpkin patch experience with hay rides + games, or purchase fall decor for your home.
The eatery, market, and community space is headed by restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias and will feature a blend of European, Mediterranean, and Americana goods + vibes.