Step into Hitchki RestoBar, where nostalgia meets innovation in a vibrant, Bollywood-inspired setting. Known for its quirky décor, electrifying atmosphere, and a fusion of regional Indian cuisine with a modern twist, Hitchki transforms every visit into a celebration. With outlets across Mumbai, Bangalore, and Nagpur, it’s the ultimate social destination—perfect for lively gatherings, unforgettable cocktails, and a taste of India’s cultural and culinary magic.
Chef Ajay Thakur – Corporate Chef, Hitchki & Bayroute
Ajay’s love for cooking stems from his food-passionate family, where meals were the highlight of the day. Armed with a Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology from Mumbai University, he began his culinary journey at Taj Birdy’s bakery and confectionery department.
From 1999 to 2013, Ajay honed his skills across the world, working with top hospitality brands. At The Olive Bar and Kitchen, he specialized in Italian cuisine, later refining his expertise as Sous Chef at 5 – The Restaurant. His tenure with Carnival Cruises introduced him to global cuisines, mastering roasting, braising, and grilling. A decade in the Cayman Islands at Cobalt Coast Resort saw him perfecting Caribbean flavors and earning local recognition for his culinary contributions.
Returning to India in 2013, Ajay joined HITCHKI as Brand Chef, revolutionizing Mumbai’s dining scene with authentic global flavors. At Falafels, he introduced innovative twists on classic Mediterranean dishes, constantly surprising patrons with new creations. As a hands-on chef, he oversees operations, curates menus, and ensures every dish meets his high standards.
Ajay believes great food comes from a positive mind-set. His passion for travel fuels his culinary creativity, bringing hidden flavours from around the world to diners’ plates. Given a choice, he indulges in American cuisine for its playful and experimental nature.
Cedrik Rodrigues – Beverage Manager, Hitchki Resto Bar & Bayroute
A passionate mixologist, Cedrik Rodrigues has carved a unique career path in the beverage industry. Born and raised in Mumbai, he completed his Diploma in F&B Service and Bartending from Hospitality Training Institute. His journey began with The Oberois and Global Foods before joining Mirah Hospitality, where his mixology skills set him apart.
Cedrik thrives on creativity, blending unique ingredients to craft innovative cocktails. His role involves designing beverage menus, experimenting with new concoctions, and ensuring every drink is a memorable experience. Some of his signature creations include the Feni-Nariyal Pani LIIT, Longest Island Iced Tea (7 alcohols), Pudin Hara Mojito, Maggi Masala Cocktail, and Chocolate Pani Puri shots.
A true extrovert, Cedrik believes cocktails bring people together, fostering great conversations and laughter. He enjoys experimenting with evolving drink trends and finds inspiration in classic cocktails like Martinis and Campari variations. Beyond mixology, he has a keen interest in music and cricket. With an ever-growing demand for stylish and innovative cocktails, Cedrik continues to push creative boundaries in the industry.
MadeInMedia’s Kalpana Ravi one Saturday evening was invited to taste Hitchki’s revamped menu. It offered more than just cocktails and dishes; the curating was a bold, playful experience that surprises, delights and keeps you wanting to come back for more. From Mumbai to Bangalore to Nagpur, this new menu is an invitation to those who seek inventive flavours with a nostalgic twist, served the Hitchki way.
We spoke to Chef Ajay Thakur – Corporate Chef, Hitchki & Bayroute and Cedrik Rodrigues – Beverage Manager, Hitchki Resto Bar & Bayroute on the new menu featuring Cocktails an food.
What inspired the unique fusion of Bollywood and global flavors in the new cocktail lineup? How does the new menu reflect Hitchki’s signature blend of nostalgia and innovation?
Hitchki has always been about celebrating nostalgia with a contemporary twist. Our latest cocktail lineup continues this philosophy by blending Bollywood’s vibrant, larger-than-life personality with bold global flavors. Each drink tells a story—whether it’s through unexpected spice infusions, playful presentations, or unconventional pairings. Just like Bollywood itself, our cocktails are colorful, expressive, and packed with drama.
Does the revamped menu enhance the overall Hitchki experience for guests?
Absolutely! At Hitchki, we don’t just serve food and drinks; we craft experiences. The new menu is designed to be immersive, engaging all the senses. From visually stunning presentations to bold flavor combinations and playful elements that bring back fond memories, every dish and cocktail has been carefully curated to elevate the guest experience.
Can you share the creative process behind crafting signature drinks like “Mexico 2 China” and “Mood Banaao”?
Our mixologists draw inspiration from diverse culinary cultures and ingredients. Mexico 2 China is a testament to this creative fusion—bringing together tequila’s bold intensity with the aromatic warmth of star anise and pink peppercorns. On the other hand, Mood Banaao is all about uplifting spirits, quite literally! With an infusion of fresh, citrusy notes and a fun, theatrical presentation, it’s a drink that instantly sparks joy. Every cocktail undergoes multiple trials to ensure the perfect balance of flavors and an unforgettable drinking experience.
What are some must-try food pairings that perfectly complement the new cocktails?
We’ve designed the menu with pairings in mind to create a holistic dining experience. For instance, the Desi Girl cocktail, with its bold tequila base and Maggi masala punch, pairs beautifully with Saras Dabeli Kachori, which carries a similar mix of spice and nostalgia. Chulbuli Saami, with its tamarind and jaggery notes, complements smoky, char-grilled dishes. Each cocktail is meant to enhance and contrast flavors, making every sip and bite more exciting.
How does Hitchki plan to keep the menu fresh and exciting for regular visitors?
Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We constantly experiment with new flavor trends, unexpected ingredient pairings, and interactive elements to keep the menu dynamic. Whether it’s seasonal specials, collaborations with renowned chefs, or introducing limited-time offerings, our goal is to ensure that every visit to Hitchki feels like a new experience.
What was the inspiration behind the unique fusion dishes like “Namma Bengaluru” and “Saras Dabeli Kachori”? Did any regional influences or local flavors play a major role in crafting the new dishes?
Regional flavors are deeply rooted in our menu. Namma Bengaluru is an ode to South India, blending the classic appeal of mini uthappams with the richness of ghee roast paneer, topped with the crunch of applam gunpowder. Similarly, Saras Dabeli Kachori takes inspiration from Gujarat’s beloved dabeli but gives it a twist with the crispiness of kachori and a tangy kala khatta salsa. These dishes bridge the gap between nostalgia and contemporary dining, making them an exciting addition to the menu.
Which dish from the revamped menu has been the biggest crowd favorite so far?
While all our dishes have received an enthusiastic response, Saras Dabeli Kachori has been a standout. Its combination of crunch, spice, and tangy sweetness has made it an instant hit. Among cocktails, Desi Girl has become a fan favorite, thanks to its bold flavors and the fun, snackable potato chip cone garnish.
How often does Hitchki plan to refresh its menu, and can guests expect seasonal specials in the future?
We introduce menu revamps periodically to keep things exciting. Our team is always researching trends, exploring new ingredients, and reimagining classic flavors. Seasonal specials are a big part of our strategy, allowing us to incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients and festive flavors throughout the year.
Are there any exclusive or seasonal specials that guests can look forward to in the coming months?
Yes! We have some exciting plans in the pipeline. Guests can expect exclusive cocktails inspired by upcoming festivals, limited-edition dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, and even interactive elements in food and drink presentations. Stay tuned for some unforgettable flavors coming your way soon!