Inside Delhi’s First Members-Only Rooftop Bar That’s Redefining Nightlife

A collective pull toward the roots seems to echo through contemporary times. With a growing yearning to align with the stars and moon, borrowing from nature’s tranquil wisdom seems to be a gentle act of reminiscing. Drawing from the same elemental longing, in the heart of Delhi, an Aztec bar by Indian restaurateur Zorawar Kalra—the founder of Farzi Café and Pa Pa Ya in Mumbai—comes to life overlooking the storied Qutub Minar. Beckoning a chosen few with hushed invitations, this members-only bar christened ‘Mamma Killa’ perches above Kalra’s other outpost, Swan, as its well-kept secret, cloaked in moonlight.

Conceived by designer Arushi Tyagi and borrowing its name from the Incan Moon Goddess, this exclusive bar is an ode to Delhi’s histories, whispered legends and forgotten nooks, blurring the boundaries between the ethereal and the earthly. Concealed behind the velvet drapery of Swan, this alfresco bar reveals itself only to the members. Climbing the slender staircase past the restaurant’s familiar glow, one will arrive at this 35-seater rooftop sanctum that is equal parts celestial refuge and urban vibe.

Like A Rite Of Passage

Rooted in ancient energy and borrowing references from the age-old Aztec rituals, this space channels the power and mystery of the Incan Moon Goddess. Like the lunar cycles she commands, the experience unfolds with intimate intention and is meant only for those who are attuned to its frequency.  From the chiaroscuro of its rustic moonlit palette to the murals of the goddess, every element is composed to connect with a divine energy.

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A Modern Day Fort

Spanning 1,300 sq. ft., the space unfolds like a modern-day citadel, paying homage to India’s revered legacy of craftsmanship while adding a dash of contemporary vibe. The space features Aztec-inspired iconography, woven seamlessly into its design, which narrates lore of the bygone era. Reinforcing this celestial narrative, a mosaic mural of the Moon Goddess rendered in vibrant hues welcomes the members to the bar. Within this rustic haven, a pair of mosaic-clad columns stand like totems anchoring the bar’s name, ‘Mamma Killa.’ “Delhi deserves a space that feels both ancient and futuristic, grounded yet elevated,” remarks Zorawar Kalra, the Founder of Massive Restaurants.

Here, wooden tables pair with ingeniously crafted cane chairs and are meticulously placed to frame sweeping views of Delhi’s skyline, while oversized planters punctuate the space, lending a sense of lushness. At the heart of it all sits a sculptural island bar, offsetting a terracotta jaali wall that seamlessly stretches into the seating area, serving as a backdrop and infusing a sense of warmth to the entire bar. Overhead, a straw-covered canopy cradles a voluptuous lamp, casting a soft, diffused glow to the space while elevating its ambience.

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Owing to its open-to-sky design, the neighbouring trees extend their branches into the space, which are ingeniously adorned with cane lanterns that scatter a tapestry of shadows, flickering gently across tabletops. Complementing the sensory experience of the area, small fountains provide a cooling touch to Delhi’s dry air, subtly balancing the atmosphere while evoking the water features found in Aztec rituals.

The Culinary Programme

The bar reveals its true alchemy through a menu meticulously curated by Bar Manager Suvrat Mahindroo, where each cocktail plays into the bar game du jour, treating drinks as plated dishes borrowed from Swan’s repertoire. From the ‘Milky Way’ crafted with whiskey, hazelnut, and umami to the ‘Peruvian Pizza Highball’ that pairs tequila with pesto, each cocktail defies convention. The ‘Mango Ceviche’ plunges boldly into citrus flavours, while ‘Pachamanca,’ ‘Nikkei Fizz,’ and the playful ‘Smoked Pumpkin Salad’ push the boundaries of what a drink can be. While the highlight Guéridon Cocktail Trolley—a wandering altar of ritual that brings mixology to your table.

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Turning to the actual plated food, the menu curated by Head Chef Krishna Sharma is intentional and designed to complement the cocktails, featuring 15 globally inspired dishes. Think ‘Sushi,’ ‘Tacos,’ and ‘Pides,’ each crafted with a dash of playfulness. Whether it’s the tropical ‘Prawn Robata,’ served sizzling and topped with a ‘Quinoa’ crunch, or the smoked ‘Tuna Taco’ layered with chipotle mayo, every plate feels intentionally crafted. For those who choose to linger, desserts from Swan arrive like a well-timed encore; the ‘Bottomless Tiramisu,’ in particular, with its creamy texture.

In a city that often prizes visibility, this rooftop sanctum chooses discretion. Kalra reiterates, “Mamma Killa is a love letter to the city’s cultural richness and cosmopolitan spirit, wrapped in mystery, lit by moonlight, and meant for the unapologetically alive.” Enveloped in elemental quietude and infused with celestial symbolism, this rooftop bar looks to the past with reverence. It draws its identity from indigenous materials, Aztec symbolism, and Delhi’s rich history. Mamma Killa stands as an esoteric confluence of memory and modernity, where sensorial design and cultural depth conjure a sense of belonging.