With an ever-expanding culinary landscape for discerning diners, the metropolis that is Kingston has welcomed yet a new restaurant (of sorts) — Aarya (Indian for ‘honour’) — to the foodie scene. The eatery, which specialises in Indian and Thai cuisine, is housed on Holborn Road in the same space that was once occupied by Akbar and Kohinoor prior to that. Having undergone a name change, Aarya has complemented the makeover with an expansive menu, which features well over 100 options, including soup, salad, tandoori, beef, seafood, and Thai curry dishes. Just in time for Lent, the restaurant also has its fair share of vegetarian meals for those wont for meat-free courses.

Anil Poojari, the restaurant’s manager, tells Thursday F o o d the calling card for the restaurant is “the authenticity of the food prepared by Indian chefs”.

“It’s a fine dining experience,” he tells us over dinner, “The dual ambiance is a definite plus,” he adds, referring to the indoor and outdoor dining options available.

Prior to assuming oversight responsibility at Aarya — named after Poojari’s five-year-old daughter — Poojari ran Akbar with Rajiv Bakshi for several years before deciding to make a run of it in the restaurant biz alone.

As with any undertaking in his professional sphere, Poojari has faced challenges (tables not always turning), but he is determined to soldier on, and with an exciting array of plates to tantalise the taste buds, things look promising. Indeed, Aarya’s afternoon buffet has been well received by the lunch-seeking crowd in the New Kingston district.

Give them a visit and share your feedback.

Aarya Authentic Indian & Thai Cuisine is located at 11 Holborn Road, Kingston 5

Telephone: 754-7478 or 754-8011. The restaurant is open from noon to 3:30 pm for lunch and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm for dinner.