What happens when you enter a ‘secret space’, find yourself in the mystical world with the ‘mother of moon’ watching you?
You’ll be dazed, understandably, as you have stepped in New Delhi’s first rooftop Aztec bar — Mamma Killa. Nestled in the pretty neighbourhood of iconic Qutab Minar, here is a dream setting that hosts the chosen connoisseurs of the Indian capital. Yes, only the privileged ones get qualified as it’s a ‘members only’ space.
Who can explain the concept better than the man himself, the founder-restaurateur, Zorawar Kalra. With his hugely popular restaurants like Farzi Cafe, Pa Pa Ya and Masala Library, he has yet again created one-of-a-kind concept with Mamma Killa.
“I would like to see exclusive people here as members, who could be from varied walks of life, but adding their bit to the art and culture scenario of the city,” Kalra mentions. “There is a selection process in place once we receive a DM on Mamma Killa’s Instagram account (which is private) or fill up a form on our official website,” he explains.
The selected members get an invitation kit with a black-and-gold membership card. They are allowed to bring friends and family along, and reserve tables using their membership details.
“So it’s simple, there is no membership fee, but we decide who comes,” reiterates Kalra.
An immersive voyage
Once you have made it to the exclusive list and crossed the red rope, walk up the flight of stairs from Swan, also owned by Kalra, and your curated experience begins.
The 35-cover space pays tribute to the Moon Goddess from Inca mythology, in sync with the Aztec theme. The vibe is easy, cool and earthy. Mosaic murals, terracotta walls and green planters, earthen urns, cane pendant lights and plush cane seaters – all add up to lending a calm, serene and chic character.
Matching the theme, most of the cocktails and food have been inspired from Latin American and Mexican cuisines.
Dig into that cocktail
“A story born in the 16th century — where Incan rituals collided with Asian rhythms”, reads the cocktail menu. Mamma Killa’s pride and joy is its signature cocktails with the message loud and clear – it’s all about “drinking what you eat”.
No wonder there is Pizza-ila, a daring savory cocktail reimagining the Spritz with a bold twist. Pesto-infused tequila forms the base, balanced with Aperol, crisp white wine, and a unique pizza cordial for tomato-herb complexity. Topped with pizza pilate soda for a refreshing finish.
A bold interplay of smoke, spice, and citrus makes another bold drink – Ceviche. Tequila and mezcal bring depth, Aperol adds bitter orange, while watermelon, Tiger’s Milk, and ceviche premix introduce zesty, savory vibrance.
‘Smoked Pumpkin Salad’ to eat? Nah! It’s to be sipped. Rich and autumnal with raisin-infused tequila, white wine, lime, pumpkin-carrot purée, and blueberry grenadine syrup. Sounds complex but comforting.
‘The Milky Way’ steals the show, especially for whisky lovers. It’s a dessert-like indulgence of hazelnut bourbon, truffle and tiramisu cordial, and cocoa bitters. Luxurious, smooth and decadent to the last sip. It comes with homemade truffle chocolate, to be relished with notes of coffee, orange and truffle oil.
At the heart of it all is the Guéridon Cocktail Trolley, a roving altar of mixology. Here, your drink is mixed tableside. Your vibe sets the ritual. The elixirs? Orange-Vetiver, Palo Santo-Bee Pollen, Banana-Fig, and Lotus Biscoff-Caramel. It’s theatre. It’s sensory alchemy. It’s personal.
Accompanying bites
The food menu looks smaller than the impressive beverages for sure. But who cares? The choice of tacos, sushis and pide (Turkish flatbread) goes very well with drinks. Try some of the signature dishes that include Black Mango Maki, Tamago Maki, Tori Karage with Avocado Mash, Tropical Prawn Robata and Sake Fromage Pide with Salmon, orange, mozzarella cheese sauce, dill leaf. The menu has hints of Nikkei cuisine.
Sip your favourite beverage in the celestial 1,300 sq ft rooftop modern-day fort, Mamma Killa, with the stunning Qutub Minar watching you. Take a deep breath, enjoy your moment for here is the sanctum built with local love and global soul. But first, you have to figure out how to step in. This isn’t a bar. This isn’t even a restaurant. This is a rite of passage for unfiltered indulgence.
Coordinates: Above Swan, Ward No.1, Kharsra No. 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
