Karravaan, a new restaurant blending Persian, Portuguese, and Indian cuisines, is set to open in Union Market this spring
Washington D.C.: Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya, known for his work at Pappe, is launching a new restaurant called Karravaan in Union Market. He got the idea when he spotted a vacant spot across from the NoMa Metro station.
Mandhaiya reminisces about his childhood near a railway station, where he enjoyed a vibrant food scene. He wants to recreate that experience for diners in D.C. with Karravaan, which will open in early spring.
The menu will feature a mix of dishes inspired by Middle Eastern, Indian, and Portuguese flavors. Expect to see items like pork chop vindaloo and whole branzini with spiced rice. Mandhaiya prefers to call it a culinary journey rather than fusion.
While the menu is still being finalized, it will include ingredients and recipes from Persian, Turkish, and Goan cuisines, along with nostalgic Indian dishes from his past. He aims to educate diners about South Asian cuisine and its historical connections to the Middle East and Europe.
Karravaan will also focus on communal dining, offering shareable platters designed for two to three people. These dishes will be rich in flavors, featuring saffron and pomegranate seeds, and will be a key part of the menu.
Mandhaiya plans to open Karravaan in late February or early March, excited to share unique dishes and the stories behind them. He believes these are the flavors that have been overlooked and wants to bring them back to life.
Karravaan will be located at 325 Morse St., NE.
