Rishtedar Debuts Authentic Indian Cuisine In The Heart Of Wynwood Miami

Annabella Pardo

Rishtedar is known for merging authentic Indian traditional food flavor, elevated dining experiences and dynamic culinary leaders for more than fifteen years since its Santiago, Chile opening.

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

After much anticipation, Rishtedar opened its doors in its first U.S location in the heart of Miami’s arts district in Wynwood at 232 NW 24th St. Miami, FL 33127. Rishtedar boasts an exotic menu of masalas and kebabs all created with traditional spices boasting an authentic introduction to Indian delicacy. As far as foodie history goes, few come close to the five-thousand-year-old history Indian dishes boast; making most recipes extremely difficult to recreate at home with layered and precise techniques. 

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

Guests can look forward to an authentic Indian experience upon walking in, starting with the placing of a bindi applied between the eyebrows on the forehead inviting guests to embrace the culture for a fully immersive experience to ending with a “finger bowl” for hand washing at the table with lemon, cardamom and rose water – to cleanse the oil away from your hands.

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

The menu features a section of starters and shared plates separated on the menu into sections for vegetarian, chicken, kebabs and tandoor, seafood, lamb and of course, accompaniments of naan, rice and sweet traditional desserts to top it off. The dishware comes embellished with gold accents and interactive table-side presentations. 

Examples of signature dishes include:

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

Starters 

• Samosas (Triangular shaped cumin pastry stuffed with potatoes and other vegetables and Indian spices)

• Jheenga Til Tikka (Sesame breaded shrimp and twelve spices)

• Goa Chilly Bengan (Eggplant in fresh onion, pepper and tomato sauce with spices)

• Murgh Tikka (Spicy chicken cooked in the tandoor and tikka sauce) *This dish comes with fire ablaze with charcoal underneath to really accentuate the smoky notes simmered into the dish 

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

Mains

• Achari Bengan (Eggplant marinated and cooked in an Achari sauce (aphrodisiac mix sauce) with a spicy sour taste)

• Aloo Matar Aur Gobhi (Delicious potatoes with peas and cauliflower in a traditional Indian seasoned masala with an onion and tomato sauce)

• Goa Jheenga Curry (Ecuadorian Shrimp with curry, onion, garlic, coconut sauce and spices)

• Butter Chicken (Chicken in tomato cream cooked in butter and masala)

• Mathan Roghan Josh (Famous Indian lamb dish marinated in onion sauce with spices and plenty of masala)

Rice

• Kashmiri Pulao (Basmati rice with fruits and spices)

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

Bread

• Cheese Naan (Indian bread with cheese made in the tandoor)

• Lasun Naan (Indian garlic bread made in the tandoor)

• Till Dania Naan (Indian bread with sesame and coriander made in the tandoor)

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

Designed by Mico Design & Co. with Gino Falcone, their aim was to represent the rich culture of India through the ambiance of the space creating an environment that transports guests into Indian culture, enhancing the experience of dining with friends and family. They focused on highlighting the most emblematic elements of the culture, such as vibrant colors and textures. The lamps were inspired by the attire of Indian women, the VIP area recreates the classic image of the Holi celebration, using tulle to represent the colorful powder. A modern take on traditional facades of Indian architecture boasts mirrors and arches carefully integrated into the design. Rishtedar currently spans over 2,600 square feet including the patio, main dining room and VIP area upstairs comfortably accommodating 88 seats, with plans to open a full bar totaling to 4,360 square feet with 168 seats. 

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

At the helm of Rishtedar’s authentic Indian cuisine experience is Vikram Thadani, who was born Chilean to Indian parents. What started as an import business soon developed into a mission to bring authentic Indian cuisine to Chile, where most of the population is unfamiliar with true Indian flavor. “Creating an experience that captures my heritage and can serve as an introduction to Indian culture was our aim behind Rishtedar. Rishtedar means “family,” and as soon as our diners step foot in here we like to expose them to as many traditions giving a piece of our culture paired with scrumptious tastings of bona fide Indian cuisine.”

Photo via @rishtedar_miami

Rishtedar’s operating hours will be open for lunch service from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. and dinner service from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and open for lunch from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. and dinner 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Reservations are available on OpenTable. For more information, please visit https://rishtedar.com/ or follow us on Instagram @rishtedar_miami, on Facebook @Rishtedar and TikTok @rishtedar_restaurante.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

MasterChef Tom Aviv Makes US Debut With Branja, Retro Concept in Miami

Annabella Pardo

Award-winning chef and restaurateur Tom Aviv is bringing his bold style and out-of-the box recipes to the U.S. with the highly anticipated concept, Branja. Officially debuting on February 7, 2023, the restaurant, located in Miami’s Upper Buena Vista, offers elevated dishes reflective of Aviv’s Israeli background.

Photo via @branjamiami

Known internationally for his flavorful and imaginative dishes, Aviv’s Branja offers options for every palate. A cultural expedition, guests entering Branja step back in time to Tel Aviv in the ‘70s. With a distinct retro design and warm pastel colors, every detail is carefully curated. Branja’s interior and exterior design is a cross between Tel Aviv’s iconic indoor-outdoor train station structure and a cathedral structure, and ancient Synagogue seating, while a towering outdoor mural depicts retro art vignettes by Tel Aviv-based artist Paul Curran, representing the city’s neighborhoods and bustling markets.

Photo via @branjamiami

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, the chef became a household name after winning MasterChef Israel in 2016. Although Aviv had no formal culinary training, he quickly gained notoriety for his sensational persona and use of imaginative flavors. Over the past six years, he has launched multiple unique restaurant concepts in Israel and Morocco — all of which quickly became dining hotspots. Starting with the energetic Coco Bambino, located in Tel Aviv’s popular Carmel Market, which was an immediate success thanks to its Israeli dishes with an Italian twist. Following the accolades of his initial concept, Aviv debuted Fat Cow, which earned TimeOut’s “Best Hamburger in Tel Aviv” for three consecutive years. Most recently, thanks to the historic peace agreement between Israel and Morocco, Aviv became the first Israeli chef to open a restaurant in Casablanca with his concept Milk + Honey. Offering modern Halal fare, the casual eatery has become wildly popular. Now, Aviv is making his state-side debut with Branja—an  immersive, high-vibe culinary voyage. 

Photo via @branjamiami

“Miami’s melting pot of cultures and cuisines is much like my own culinary inspirations, which combine the vibrant flavors of my upbringing in Israel with my travels across the globe. With Branja being my first restaurant in the United States, I am excited to introduce this unique taste and create a memorable dining experience,” shares Aviv. “The name Branja is Hebrew slang, originating from the word for tree branch, that translates to ‘a circle of friends.’ Branja’s small outdoor terrace and 12-seat Chef’s Table experience offer an exclusive setting to share plates and explore new flavors.”

Photo via @branjamiami

Located in the idyllic Upper Buena Vista retail sanctuary, Branja’s retro, 3,000-square foot space, is as captivating as its menu. The 12-seat Chef’s Table offers two intimate omakase-style seatings for guests each night, and the open-concept kitchen allows guests to watch Aviv and his team construct culinary art. Replete with copper accents throughout, the indoor portion of space also offers a flashback to retro Miami: The iconic bar from the Delano Hotel’s Florida Room, designed by Lenny Kravitz, is repurposed as the Chef’s Table. 

Photo via @branjamiami

The idyllic, covered outdoor terrace, seat 150s, and blends the sights and smells of Tel Aviv with the bustling Buena Vista neighborhood. Curran’s 45-foot tall mural, greets guests with retro patterns and colorful vignettes inspired by Tel Aviv. Looking up, a kaleidoscope of yellows, blues and greens created by the restaurant’s colorful stained-glass ceiling sets the vibe for the unique dining experience, with fixtures like hand-crafted terrazzo-top tables and reclaimed synagogue benches, while guests dine with upcycled 1970’s original cutlery and pastel ceramic plates.  

Photo via @branjamiami

Branja’s menu pulls inspiration from around the globe, while incorporating the signature spices and flavors of generational Israeli recipes. Dishes will change seasonally, as Branja sources ingredients locally. Intentionally light and designed for sharing, signature dishes include Fish & Bread, a flavorful ceviche style appetizer, and fresh takes on classics like Falafish, a Falafel and juice fish hybrid and Fishwarma, made with a spiced fish mix that includes fatty salmon and grouper to emulate classic shawarma. Other creative dishes include Krouv - “Cabbage” in Hebrew - which, through a four stage preparation, mimics a slow cooked short rib. Guests can also opt for the Mama Ligua,  a fresh corn polenta with caramelized leeks and truffles. Branja is a Kosher-style restaurant, and Kosher meat dishes include Tuktuk Kebab - a Branja favorite that uses Thai-inspired ingredients - tamarind glaze and a herbaceous seasoning - for a perfectly sweet and sour ground meat; Beef Tarpaccio, which elegantly melds classic beef tartare and carpaccio; and  Orthodox steak, a premium quality Glatt Kosher ribeye. To end on a sweet note, Branja showcases a selection of addictive desserts, including Layali Beirout, a modern take on a Lebanese classic, and Halva Crack Pie, which plays on familiar forms and nostalgic flavors distinctive of Israel. 

Photo via @branjamiami

Guests can pair their meal with a libation from Branja’s selection of high end and premium signature cocktails, such as the colorful Purple Rain, made with za’atar infused tequila and butterfly pea, and rimmed with salt and dry za’atar as an ode to a classic Margarita; and the Paloma & Yaya, a raisin infused Arak paired ginger and grapefruit to give nostalgic hints of a casual Tel Avivian evening. 

Photo via @branjamiami

Branja is located at 5010 NE 2nd Avenue in Miami and is open for Dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, please call 786.765.5555 or visit branjamiami.com.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.