Legacy Meets Innovation: Sampan Returns with a Bold Pan-Asian Makeover
Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has officially reopened the doors to its iconic restaurant, Sampan, now reborn as Sampan 2.0, a bold new iteration of Pan-Asian excellence that blends legacy with innovation. This bold reimagining introduces a refreshed and expansive menu, a refined service style, updated tableware, and new staff uniforms. Each element is thoughtfully curated to offer guests a dynamic and immersive journey across the flavours of Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China.
Rooted in legacy but driven by innovation, Sampan 2.0 reflects a deep understanding of the evolving preferences of Mumbai’s diners. From rich ramen broths and artisanal dim sums to wok-tossed mains, sizzling small plates, and Asian-inspired desserts, the menu is a brave step away from Sampan’s earlier, primarily Chinese offerings. The relaunch is the result of a strategic repositioning in Juhu’s competitive dining scene, where Sampan now sits alongside top-tier restaurants while distinguishing itself through a distinctly Pan-Asian lens and a sharply curated guest experience.
Kunal Shanker, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, “Sampan has always been a part of Mumbai’s culinary memory, and with Sampan 2.0, we are honouring that legacy while redefining what modern Pan-Asian dining can look and feel like. Our aim was to create something far more than a menu variation. We wanted a change that speaks to the senses, rooted in authenticity and delivered with finesse.”
The menu is a celebration of regional diversity and craftsmanship, offering dishes like Korean Fire Chicken (Bul Dak), Spicy Kimchi Curries, Pork Belly in Yellow Bean Sauce, soft-shell crab with Thai sweet spice, and crowd favourites such as Dragon Rolls, Siu Mai, and Massaman curry. Vegetarian guests can indulge in delights like Furikake Corn Ribs, Crispy Lotus Stem, Mapo Tofu, and the chef’s signature Sampan-style paneer. Complementing these dishes is an elevated beverage offering, featuring Asian beers such as Asahi, Singha, and Tsingtao, alongside Soju, Sake, and a lineup of cocktails infused with regional botanicals.
Director of Culinary, Chef Avinash Kumarsaid, “This menu is a love letter to Asia. Each dish tells a story, not just of flavour, but of culture and care. We have stayed true to the origins of each cuisine while adding our own creative flair. It’s a kitchen that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to experiment, and I can’t wait for guests to experience the result.”
The relaunch also signals a renewed commitment to service and guest experience. With polished plating, personalised hospitality, and an ambience that strikes the right balance between classic and contemporary, Sampan 2.0 caters to a wide range of audiences, from family diners and urban professionals to culinary enthusiasts and experience seekers.
