Dadar's Chaitanya Brings Malvani Flavour to Thane

Dadar's Malvani seafood restaurant Chaitanya has opened a new outlet in Thane, a little over two months ago, founder Surekha Walke confirmed to Mid-Day.

Chaitanya built its reputation in Dadar on the strength of Malvani cooking, a coastal cuisine that has long been overshadowed by more prominent regional food cultures. Walke told Mid-Day that regional Indian food has historically been treated like "Ghar ki Murgi Dal Barabar" - taken for granted at home, undervalued in the market. The Thane expansion signals a bet that this is changing.

With Mumbaikars increasingly seeking out regional flavours, Chaitanya's move beyond its Dadar roots is one worth watching.