Caribbean-themed club embodies the Rastafarian Culture
The Caribbean-themed Raasta opened in late 2023 by partners Gnana Koteswararao, Praveen Dandu
and Pavan Chowdary. Funky Caribbean lounge that embodies the spirit of Bob Marley and the
Rastafarian Culture is its USP.
Raasta opens to a 16,000 sq. ft. lively space with indoor and outdoor seating. Situated on the ground
floor, the exterior that overlooks passersby is breezy and peaceful. The interior is where Reggae and
contemporary music plays. Designed by Samyukta Dandu of Ishwara Designs, the entire space is decked
in vibrant hues and multiple intricately rendered wall art, including that of Bob Marley’s, by artist Ram
Nayak. The indoors also incorporate a dining area, grand bar, private dining room, and a relatively large
stage space for live performances. Samyukta patiently walks us through each area of Raasta and
describes the place as being, “very energetic, vibrant and full of life.”
DRINKS
The bar is built around a crafted structure reminiscent of a tree from which bamboo lights hang. The
bar’s countertop is made of translucent onyx marble which is lit up from below. It is here the mixologist
recommends two of Raasta’s most vibrant concoctions, Caribbean Bongs Pink Panther, made of red and
white wine, brandy and Raasta Bar men secret herbs; and White Rhino, made of white rum, vodka and
tabasco blended with spices and guava juice. The drinks are, as Raasta’s Instagram declares, “a tropical
escape for your senses.”
FOOD
In food we are recommended a varied selection of delectables. This includes the exquisite Jamaican Clay
Pot Roast Chicken, made of boneless chicken and marinated with Caribbean spices; the scrumptious
Chicken Faffa, made of fried diced chicken, tossed with chili sauce and coconut milk; the tender
Tandoori Thecha Prawns, made of tandoori prawns infused with a flavorful thecha marinade; the soft
and crunchy Cheese and Yoghurt Croquettes, made of crumb-fried drained yogurt, garlic, cashew nut
and raisin; and the mouth-watering Barbecue Pineapple Jalapeno and Feta pizza, a risqué thin crust
pizza topped with sweet pineapple, spicy jalapeno and cheese. “For vegetarians, there is a wide variety
of food to explore,” Samyukta shares.
We end our lunch with Raasta’s lipsmacking Sticky Toffee Pudding which comes with ice cream, perfect
for the summer heat.
MUSIC & OTHER ACTIVITIES
Thaikudam Bridge, Zaedan, Theory, Eltaxidi, Infusion, Moksha and Nina Shah are just a few musical
artists who put on a great show at Raasta during the evenings. Wednesdays sees Bachata Nights where
dancers from various dance schools perform at Raasta, this activity also includes training sessions for
customers; Thursdays and Fridays have live musical acts; Saturdays sees Techno Nights; and for the rest
of the week the resident DJ raises the roof with contemporary tracks and more techno music. Moving
forward, Raasta has planned a lot more events and activities, including standup comedy and karaoke
nights.
Price for two: Rs 2,500 onwards
Salarpuria Sattva Knowledge City, Silpa Gram Craft Village, Madhapur
Tel: 90763 33777, 90772 77277
Timings: 12 pm to 12 am
