Malaika Arora invites you to Scarlett House's second address in Mumbai

The Hindu

4 days ago

Scarlett House has found a second home — this time tucked away in a quiet Juhu lane. While the original Bandra location is known for its red-hued charm, the new space leans into calming whites and sunlit corners, drawing inspiration from coastal European cafés. Designed with alfresco dining in mind, the 100-seater is divided into three inviting zones: a Hydration Bar (India's first), a relaxed living room, and a cocktail bar.
Conceived by Amit and Afsana Verma, restaurateur Dhaval Udeshi, actor Malaika Arora, Malaya Nagpal and Arhaan Khan(Malaika's son), the space is rooted in the idea of home. From the first espresso of the morning to soulful lunches and evenings stirred with cocktails and conversation, Scarlett House was designed to be lived in, not just visited.
Inside, it is all warmth and detail. Dark, timeworn Acacia wood floors set the tone, contrasted by exposed red brick, vintage wallpaper, and ambient lighting cast by chandeliers and old-world wall sconces. No two chairs look the same, upholstered in plush velvets, with whimsical tie-backs and an intentionally mismatched feel that adds to its intimacy.
Malaika Arora takes full ownership of of the Hydration Bar, and with reason. 'I'm pro infused waters,' she says. 'Everyone knows I love flavouring my drinking water with natural ingredients easily found at home. Whether it's a turmeric tonic after yoga, or something that supports gut health or immunity, there's always something that works.'
This isn't just 'fancy water', she's quick to add. The menu features flavoured waters, functional coolers, and smoothie-style blends to support clarity, mood, and recovery. Packaged in petite pauwa-sized bottles, you will find them labelled with names like Cleanse & Purify, The Healer, Immunity Booster, Gut Wellness, and Hangover. I grab a bottle of Cleanse & Purify before settling into lunch — hoping it might just work a little magic ahead of what is sure to be a long meal.
Clean, not clinical
The menu has been designed for sharing. In fact, a party of six can polish off every dish on it. Plates arrive with an informality that mirrors the vibe of dining at a friend's home. Case in point: the crumb-fried chicken, which is flattened, crisped, and devoured within seconds.
Cocktails arrive with a twist, or rather, a puzzle. Curated by Fay Baretto, the beverage programme is built on the idea that 'art is an emotion.' Expect blindfolds, riddles, evocative garnishes, and scent-led memories before your first sip. Each cocktail is also light, aromatic, and unsweetened.
As more food makes its way to the table, Malaika's favourite — thecha paneer — gets unanimous approval. It is a spicy green take on paneer cubes, simple yet memorable. European flavours dominate here, with no heavy gravies or overworked masalas in sight. A side of sundried tomato butter with chilli oil does the heavy lifting when needed. The grilled halloumi with onions and olives is tasty, but the pasta in caramelised onion sauce is what steals the show. It is delicate, flavour-packed, and entirely comforting. The avocado phyllo cups are not to be missed.
The Malabar prawn curry, surprisingly light, may not win over lovers of a traditional, creamier version, but it holds its own.
As for dessert, the gluten-free chocolate cake struggles for attention next to a pistachio cheesecake that disappears almost instantly. It took Malaika's playful insistence to give the chocolate another go.
The writer was in Mumbai on invitation of Scarlett House.