Chef Garima Arora Expands Global Footprint; To launch Yaari at Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur

Garima Arora, Chef & Founder of the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Gaa, is set to introduce her modern Indian concept Yaari at the highly anticipated luxury hotel Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur.

Yaari is scheduled to open in late 2026, where the restaurant will debut as one of the signature dining destinations.

“I’m delighted to share the extraordinary diversity of Indian cuisine in ways that feel both authentic and contemporary,” said Chef Garima Arora. “Yaari is born from my passion for storytelling through food, celebrating heritage, creativity and the joyful experience of sharing a meal. I am eager to welcome guests to experience a slice of India with me in Kuala Lumpur.”

The name Yaari, meaning “friendship” in Hindi, reflects the inherently fun, vibrant and joyful spirit that defines Indian dining culture. Yaari, will be rooted in Arora’s philosophy of honouring the ethos of Indian Cuisine while reimagining it for a global audience.

Yaari will deliver a modern Indian menu that celebrates the diversity of India’s culinary landscape. Regional Indian dishes are reimagined, from the tangy curries of the Southern coast to the smoky kebabs of the North. The menu will feature refined chaats, elevating one of India’s most beloved street foods into an artfully crafted experience. The menu will also showcase a modern dessert selection inspired by traditional mithais while refining their precision and presentation.

“Culinary innovation and excellence have always been central to the Waldorf Astoria experience,” said Etienne Dalançon, general manager of Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur. “These partnerships underscore Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur’s ambition to create a world-class culinary destination with one-of-a-kind dining concepts that connect guests and locals with the spirit of Kuala Lumpur.”

“Delivering unforgettable moments that delight our guests is at the heart of the Waldorf Astoria ethos,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president of Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Today, gastronomy is one of the most compelling drivers of luxury travel. Through collaborations with visionary chefs like Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, we continue to build on the brand’s storied legacy of culinary excellence while curating immersive dining experiences that connect global expertise with the rich cultural narrative of Kuala Lumpur.”

For Chef Garima Arora, the launch of Yaari in Kuala Lumpur represents another step in her ongoing mission of bringing the depth, diversity and storytelling of Indian cuisine to the global stage.