Kebabs & Kurries

Kebabs & Kurries, located at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, is an exceptional dining destination celebrating the harmonious blend of Persian architecture and Rajasthani craftsmanship. Nestled amidst the undulating terrain of Udaipur, the restaurant features arched niches, intricate Thikri mirror inlay work, and earthy tones that evoke warmth and sophistication. Its design perfectly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a luxurious and intimate dining experience. Reflective materials, soft lighting, and carefully curated furniture enhance the ambience, making the restaurant an iconic space that embodies contemporary aesthetics while honouring the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Project description
Kebabs & Kurries is a modern fine-dining restaurant that redefines the concept of experiential dining. The design narrative draws inspiration from the traditional elegance of Persian architecture and thoughtfully integrates the artistic essence of Rajasthan. The restaurant blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, situated amidst expansive landscapes, offering guests an immersive connection with nature.

Architectural concept and style
The design language is rooted in arches, a hallmark of Persian architecture, which is accentuated through etched geometric patterns and bronze mirror finishes. These arches are thoughtfully integrated across entrances and interior niches to create a sense of scale, symmetry, and elegance. Locally crafted Thikri mirror inlay work further enriches the design, adding an artisanal touch that reflects Rajasthan’s traditional craftsmanship.

Material palette and textures
The earthy colour palette of the interiors, with shades of brown and beige, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reflective materials, including bronze and mirror finishes, were used to add vibrancy to the space. We enhanced the design quality through a thoughtful juxtaposition of raw wooden furniture and ornate mouldings and added a touch of modernity with the geometric flooring pattern.

Lighting and ambience
Cove lighting and recessed downlighters are strategically placed to highlight key design elements without overwhelming the space. We decided to amplify the interplay of natural and artificial light by using reflective surfaces, which diffuse light evenly to create a rich and comfortable environment. The soft glow of bronze accents enhances the dining experience while ensuring visual comfort for guests.

Integrating the interior and exterior
The restaurant’s layout extends into an outdoor deck area designed to offer spectacular views of a tranquil pool and the surrounding natural terrain. We decided to use locally sourced stone cladding on the exterior façade to sync the design with its geographical context. The continuity of materials and design elements ensures a cohesive transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Furniture and upholstery
We used furniture pieces with raw wooden finishes and intricate detailing to give the interiors a touch of rustic charm and refined luxury. The upholstery is a mix of textures and patterns chosen to complement the earthy tones of the furniture.

Cultural amalgamation
Kebabs & Kurries is a successful medley of tradition and modernity. The space is both rooted in heritage and forward-thinking in its design approach. We used traditional Rajasthani and Persian elements, executed with modern techniques and finishes, to ensure the restaurant resonated with a diverse audience while staying true to its cultural context.

Guest experience
The overall design of Kebabs & Kurries is a testament to the art of storytelling through architecture. The intricate detailing, carefully curated materials, and harmonious integration of spaces work together to create a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience. From the moment guests step into the space, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, sophistication, and cultural richness, making every visit a celebration.

Architect Speaks

What makes this project special and unique?
This project stands out due to its unique fusion of Persian architectural elements and Rajasthani traditional art, creating a unique ambience that embodies the essence of luxury and culture. The use of arches as a dominant design element, combined with Thikri mirror inlay work and geometric patterns, bridges contemporary aesthetics with timeless craftsmanship. The earthy palette, complemented by bronze accents and reflective surfaces, creates a harmonious balance between warmth and opulence. What makes the project special is the unique experiential dining atmosphere it provides.

What major challenges did you face while executing the project?  
Balancing traditional and contemporary styles
A systematic design process ensured that the traditional Persian and Rajasthani elements were perfectly integrated with modern aesthetics without overpowering one another. Iterative design refinements were made to achieve harmony.

Incorporating artisanal techniques
Skilled local artisans were engaged to execute intricate Thikri mirror inlay work and other traditional craftsmanship. Regular on-site supervision was undertaken to ensure that these details were incorporated accurately while maintaining traditional methods.

Enhancing natural lighting
The light design was thoughtfully curated to create a warm, welcoming ambience. We chose to use bronze and mirror surfaces to enhance natural illumination and strategically placed downlighters and cove lighting to ensure comfortable visibility without any glare.

Harmonising indoor and outdoor spaces
The layout was designed to flow seamlessly between the interior dining area and the outdoor deck, utilising locally sourced stone for the façade to unify the design language and maintain a natural connection.

About the architect

Ar. Dharmesh Patel is an award-winning architect and founder of Art & Architecture Associates (AAA). The firm was established in 2005. With over 18 years of professional expertise, Dharmesh has shaped AAA into a multidisciplinary practice, with 50 professionals delivering innovative designs in architecture, interiors, and sustainable master planning across nine countries. Renowned for integrating contemporary aesthetics with eco-conscious principles, his projects range from luxury resorts to urban developments. His work has earned him multiple international accolades, including recognition at the World Architecture Festival and Asia Design Awards, celebrating iconic projects such as The Earth House and ITC Mementos, Udaipur.

For more details, visit: http://aaa.works/