Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach's Sampan Restaurant - Returns with a Pan-Asian Makeover

Sampan 2.0: Novotel's Pan-Asian Revamp

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has reopened its iconic restaurant, Sampan, now rebranded as Sampan 2.0. This new version of Pan-Asian excellence combines tradition with innovation. The restaurant features a revamped menu, enhanced service style, modern tableware, and new staff uniforms. Every aspect is carefully designed to provide guests with an engaging and immersive experience showcasing the flavours of Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China.

Sampan 2.0, rooted in tradition yet fueled by innovation, showcases a profound understanding of Mumbai’s dining preferences. Offering rich ramen broths, artisanal dim sums, wok-tossed mains, sizzling small plates, and Asian-inspired desserts, the menu departs from Sampan’s previous focus on Chinese cuisine. This relaunch stems from a strategic repositioning within Juhu’s competitive dining landscape, allowing Sampan to stand out among top-tier restaurants with its unique Pan-Asian perspective and a meticulously crafted 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 showcases the rich diversity and craftsmanship of the region, featuring dishes such as Korean Fire Chicken (Bul Dak), Spicy Kimchi Curries, Pork Belly in Yellow Bean Sauce, and soft-shell crab with Thai sweet spice. Popular selections include Dragon Rolls, Siu Mai, and Massaman curry. Vegetarian options delight with items like Furikake Corn Ribs, Crispy Lotus Stem, Mapo Tofu, and the chef’s signature Sampan-style paneer. Enhancing the dining experience is a sophisticated beverage selection that includes Asian beers like Asahi, Singha, and Tsingtao, as well as Soju, Sake, and a collection of cocktails infused with local botanicals.

Director of Culinary, Chef Avinash Kumar said, “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 represents a renewed focus on service and guest experience. Featuring refined plating, tailored hospitality, and an atmosphere that perfectly blends classic and modern elements, Sampan 2.0 appeals to a diverse audience, including family diners, urban professionals, culinary enthusiasts, and experience seekers.