Thadani, who started Rishtedar as an import business, said in a statement that his goal is to bring authentic Indian food to Miami just as it was presented to Chileans.
Amidst a sea of New York moves, a Chilean import has arrived in Miami. The Indian restaurant Rishtedar, a Santiago fine-dining establishment, has opened its first location in the US in Wynwood.
"Creating an experience that captures my heritage and can serve as an introduction to Indian culture was our goal behind Rishtedar," he said. "Rishtedar means 'family' and as soon as our diners set foot here, we like to expose them to many traditions."
The culture highlighted by Rishtedar is evident before, during, and after each meal. Upon entering the restaurant, diners will be given a bindi, a colored dot or sticker, between their eyebrows. In the end, they will be given a stick with lemon, cardamom, and rose water to wash their hands.
In between, they can taste traditional Indian cuisine and a high-level gastronomic experience. Menu items include samosas; eggplant in fresh onion, pepper, and tomato sauce; breaded shrimp with sesame and 12 spices; and spicy tandoor-cooked chicken with tikka sauce. The latter dish comes with hot charcoal underneath to add a smoky touch.
There's also butter chicken, lamb marinated in onion sauce with masala, Ecuadorian shrimp with curry, and potatoes with peas and cauliflower in traditional masala.
Mico Design & Co. with Gino Falcone designed the restaurant, which is full of bright colors and textures to emphasize Indian culture. Currently, the space extends to 2,600 feet, but Thadani plans to open a VIP area on the upstairs floor with a full bar, eventually raising the size to 4,360 feet. Rishtedar in Wynwood hopes to highlight the best of Indian cuisine.