How Indo-Arabic Cuisine Finds a Tasteful Balance at Suma in Thane

At a time when food is increasingly becoming a language of cultural exchange, Suma at the Thane Club stands out as a restaurant that quietly but confidently tells a larger story. Known for its Indo-Arabic cuisine, Suma is not just about fusion for novelty’s sake—it is about honouring centuries-old connections between India and West Asia. These relationships, built through trade routes, migration, and shared spices, find a thoughtful expression on. Located within the premises of the Thane Club, the restaurant immediately feels welcoming and unhurried, making it an ideal choice for family dining and long, relaxed meals.

Ambience That Echoes West Asia

Suma’s interiors play a significant role in shaping the dining experience. Warm lighting, earthy hues, patterned walls, and subtle Middle Eastern design accents create a distinctly West Asian atmosphere. The space feels elegant yet approachable—refined enough for special occasions, but comfortable enough for multi-generational family dinners. The presentation of the food mirrors this aesthetic, with careful plating that enhances the cultural narrative without appearing overly stylised.

What sets Suma apart is its restraint. Instead of aggressively blending cuisines, the restaurant focuses on overlap—shared spices, slow cooking techniques, and an emphasis on balance. Indian dishes sit comfortably beside Arabic ones, creating a menu that feels cohesive rather than experimental. Each dish seems designed to converse with the next, reinforcing the idea that Indo-Arabic cuisine is less about invention and more about remembrance.

Culinary Delights That Set the Tone

The meal began with Palak Patta Chaat, a refined take on a familiar Indian favourite. Crisp spinach leaves, layered with yoghurt and chutneys, delivered a pleasing mix of textures and flavours. While deeply rooted in Indian street food culture, the dish’s presentation felt elevated, making it a strong opening act.

Murgh Thecha followed, bringing bold Indian heat to the table. The green chilli and garlic-forward flavours were assertive without overpowering the chicken, resulting in a dish that felt comforting yet confident. It anchored the Indian side of the menu while setting up a seamless transition to the Arabic-inspired dishes that followed.

One of the most memorable dishes of the meal was the Khumb Galawati with Warqi Parantha. Traditionally associated with Lucknow’s royal kitchens, the galawati was reimagined using mushrooms, offering a rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Paired with the warqi parantha, the dish showcased how classic Indian techniques can adapt beautifully within a broader Indo-Arabic framework.

The Chicken Shawarma leaned more clearly into West Asian flavours. Juicy, well-spiced, and comforting, it struck the right balance between authenticity and familiarity. Served with soft bread and creamy accompaniments, it was a crowd-pleaser that suited the restaurant’s family-friendly ethos.

The Arabic Mezze Platter further reinforced Suma’s commitment to tradition. Designed for sharing, the platter encouraged slower, communal dining—an essential part of Middle Eastern food culture. Each element complemented the others, creating a harmonious spread that invited conversation as much as consumption.

Not every dish resonated equally. The Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Kulcha, while conceptually interesting, didn’t quite deliver on flavour. The richness of the cream cheese overshadowed the other elements, making it feel slightly out of place among an otherwise well-balanced menu. Thankfully, it remained the lone misstep in an otherwise impressive spread.

The drinks added a layer of fun to the meal. Thoda Zyada was refreshing and aptly named, while the rasmalai-based bourbon cocktail stood out for its creativity. By blending a nostalgic Indian dessert flavour with a classic spirit, the cocktail mirrored Suma’s larger culinary approach—familiar, experimental, and rooted in cultural memory.

A Dessert Worth Returning For

Dessert was where Suma truly shone. The Pistachio Baklava with Rose Ice Cream was indulgent, fragrant, and beautifully balanced. The crisp, nutty layers of baklava paired effortlessly with the floral creaminess of the ice cream, creating a dessert that felt both celebratory and comforting. It was easily the highlight of the meal and a fitting conclusion to the dining experience.

Suma succeeds in doing what many fusion restaurants aspire to achieve—it bridges cuisines without diluting their identities. By respecting both Indian and Arabic culinary traditions, the restaurant honours the age-old relationship India shares with West Asia, one shaped by shared histories and shared tastes. With its inviting ambience, mostly stellar menu, and family-friendly setting, Suma at the Thane Club offers more than just a meal—it offers a reminder that food has always been one of our most enduring cultural connectors.

Where: 1st floor, The Thane Club, Mohan Kopekar Road, 3 number gate, Teen Hath Naka, opp. Raheja Garden, Thane West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400604.