New York City’s dining scene continues to expand, with growing demand for cross-cultural cuisine. Celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and television personality, Aarthi Sampath, is bringing Drāvida to East Village on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Celebrity Chef Aarthi Sampath Opens Drāvida in New York
Located at 211 1st Ave in New York, Drāvida is Sampath’s first restaurant. The restaurant emphasizes a chef-driven dining experience. It redefines Indian dining by delivering an intimate and immersive experience inspired by the South Asian diaspora and its evolving tastes.
Drāvida is more than a restaurant launch. The concept is rooted in culture, storytelling, authenticity, and innovation as it enters New York City’s dining scene. The restaurant blends heritage and modern influences, showcasing South Asian cuisine through a contemporary lens.
The East Village space is housed in a restored building. Its design uses original brick ovens and spans two floors. The restaurant also features Jam and Jaggery, a speakeasy intended to complement the dining experience with a more intimate setting.
View this post on Instagram
Menu Highlights
The menu showcases a bold and ingredient-driven approach to cooking rooted in South Asian and diasporic recipes. Inspired by the culinary history of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Trinidad, Guyana, and beyond, each dish celebrates tradition.
Menu items include:
- Lhasa Lamb Momo
- Tender Coconut Lavariya
- Doubles
- Duck Nihari Hand Pie
- Khameeri Roti
- Oxtail Bunny Chow
The restaurant describes its food as ingredient-driven and rooted in authenticity. The dishes blend comforting home-style influences with elevated presentation.
About Chef Aarthi
Aarthi Sampath is a Mumbai native with a culinary experience of over 13 years. She began her hospitality career at the Taj Hotel before moving to the U.S. She trained at several renowned restaurants such as The Breslin and the Michelin-starred Junoon. She went on to work as Head Chef in the Rainbow Room and the Chinese Tuxedo.
Sampath’s fame rocketed when she won Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay. She has also featured in Guy’s Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions, and served as a judge on MasterChef Tamil.
In addition to television, Sampath has established herself as an entrepreneur. She started a food truck, 39 Kukree.
Through Drāvida, she merges her culinary experiences from New York with her international outlook to create a restaurant that honors South Asian diaspora dishes and provides a warm, culturally rich dining experience.
