Chatting With Aarathi Arambhan Curator Of The Captain's Table Mumbai

The Captain’s Table is the newest addition to Mumbai’s fine-dining scene. It was brought to Mumbai by the same people behind MeSoHappi, and is focused on global seafood. The Culture Trip caught up with Aarathi Arambhan, the curator for The Captain’s Table and MeSoHappi, and chatted about her food dreams, inspiration and the future.
What is the inspiration behind a place like The Captain’s Table?
The Captain’s Table is a tribute to my mother who often cooked seafood for my sister and I. We grew up eating fish. She had her own restaurant before she had us, and then she gave up work. So this is my way of returning to that restaurant.

Why ‘Captain’s Table’?
On a cruise, when you are invited to the Captain’s table, it is a matter of pride. You are assured of quality service and food. I want people to associate that feeling with coming here.

What is your vision for The Captain’s Table?
I want to raise the bar of fine dining in the city.

What is your favorite food memory, and how have you tried to incorporate that here?
My favorite memory is eating my mum’s food mixed with all the spices. When mom would make fried fish, the masala would be stuck to the pan – we would take rice, mix it together and eat it up. Mumbai locals are very familiar with seafood, so I am trying to bring more options to the city’s dining scene by introducing global seafood here.

What’s next for you?
More Captain’s Tables and more MeSoHappi. We hope to go to more cities by the end of this year.

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