A new vegetarian restaurant named Kalpaney has been unveiled in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, marking a significant addition to the city’s evolving culinary landscape. Conceptualised by hospitality professional Avinash Kapoli and chef Sombir Chaudary, the restaurant has been designed around the theme of imagination, or kalpana, from which it draws its name.
A philosophy rooted in nostalgia has been adopted by the creators, where familiar Indian flavours are being reinterpreted with elegance and innovation. The menu has been structured to evoke food memories—ranging from family meals to festive treats—while presenting them with contemporary finesse. Rather than aiming to redefine vegetarian cuisine, an effort has been made to refine and reframe it.
The founders have expressed a desire to reintroduce a sense of wonder into vegetarian dining. A vision has been shared wherein each bite is meant to feel reminiscent of something known, yet introduces a surprising new element. With this intention, both the food and drink menus have been curated to represent originality and authenticity.
An equally imaginative approach has been applied to the beverage menu. Alcoholic alternatives have not been imitated. Instead, India’s traditional beverage heritage has been celebrated. Drinks such as Preeti Prema, a floral interpretation of Mohobbat ka Sharbat, and Imli ka Khajur, a layered tamarind-ginger drink enhanced with date molasses and smoked Himalayan salt, have been introduced. These beverages have been described as complete experiences in themselves rather than substitutes.
The physical space has been carefully designed to reflect the restaurant’s ethos. With seating for 90 guests, the interior is adorned with warm wooden textures, subdued lighting, and a palette inspired by kalamkari—featuring earthy hues such as deep red, moss green, and mustard. Wall art has been used to creatively portray vegetables as cultural motifs, inviting guests to reinterpret the everyday.
Chef Sombir Chaudary, known for his nuanced take on regional cuisines, has revealed that personal food memories have served as a central inspiration. A commitment to staying rooted while reimagining traditional ideas has been highlighted as the foundation of Kalpaney’s culinary identity.
With its opening, Kalpaney has added a thoughtful, artistic dimension to vegetarian dining in Bengaluru—where imagination and memory are served on every plate.