Priyanka Chopra’s New Indian Restaurant Opens in New York, Serves Up Indian Dishes with a Spin

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra attends the THR Power Business Managers Breakfast on Oct. 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, Calif. The photo on the right was among the photos that Chopra posted of her new Indian restaurant in New York City called Sona, helmed by Indian American chef Hari Nayak. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for THR; Priyanka Chopra/Twitter photo)

By REENA RATHORE/India-West Staff Reporter

If you are in the mood for some playful but lip-smacking Indian food comprising dishes such as spiced tequila and avocado golgappa shots, or Calcutta mutton cutlet, or tamarind barbeque lamb chops, or black spiced roast chicken feast, then head over to Sona, Indian actress Priyanka Chopra’s new restaurant in New York City.

The restaurant opened for the public March 26. Its kitchen is helmed by Indian American chef/restaurateur/author Hari Nayak.

“What started as a simple craving for great Indian food has become this labor of love, and I can’t wait to welcome you all in, & for you to experience timeless India in the heart of NYC!” Chopra tweeted alongside a bunch of photos spotlighting the food and the glamorous interiors.

She thanked everyone who made this restaurant possible, also revealing that it was her husband Nick Jonas who came up with the name for the restaurant.

“This has been a team effort all the way… from the many many menu deliberations, food tastings, and decor decisions with @maneeshkgoyal, @davidrabin8, Chef @harinayak, and @mabowersinc, to landing on the perfect name, all thanks to @nickjonas – yes! Hubby came up with the name at an early tasting with the team, as Sona means ‘gold,’ and he had heard that word in India, well…A LOT, throughout our wedding!” she wrote.

“I’m devastated I’m not there to celebrate, but I’m definitely there in heart and spirit…and on FaceTime,” Chopra, who is filming in London, added.

Restaurateur Maneesh Goyal, who has collaborated with Chopra on the project, shared a video on Instagram in which he is giving a tour of the new eatery.

Chopra has also introduced an exquisite private dining room called ‘Mimi’s,’ which is her nickname. The name might sound familiar to many fans since Priyanka’s cousin and actress Parineeti Chopra often refers to her as ‘Mimi didi’ in her online interactions.

Earlier this month, while announcing her new restaurant, Chopra wrote on Instagram: “Sona is the very embodiment of timeless India and the flavors I grew up with.”

Some of the other dishes that feature on the menu include gruyere cheese dosa with edamame arbi mash, coconut and roasted tomato chutney; India House’s butter chicken with charcoal-smoked chicken tikka and tomato gravy; and feta malai kebab with tandoor roasted chicken, tomato kachumber, mint.

The chef’s signature dishes include kofta korma, which consists of Dancing Ewe Farms ricotta dumpling, cashew sauce, chili cheese naan; Floyd’s Goan fish curry – which honors award-winning chef Floyd Cardoz, who died of COVID-19 in 2020; and black pepper short rib.

Dessert comes in a range of varieties, from coconut kheer to Sona chocolate gateaux to chenna cheesecakes.

The prices for the small plates range from $14-$22 while the main dishes are priced in the $20-$50 range.