Le Cirque Signature at The Leela Palace Bengaluru Welcomes Michelin-Starred Araya from Singapore

In collaboration with Culinary Culture, the Franco-Italian fine dining destination presents a two-day culinary experience with Chef Francisco Araya on 11th and 12th September 2026.

Bengaluru, September 2026: Le Cirque Signature at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, in collaboration with Culinary Culture, is set to welcome Araya, Singapore’s Michelin-starred Chilean restaurant, for an exclusive two-day culinary pop-up on 11th and 12th September 2026. Led by Chefs Francisco Araya and Fernanda Guerrero, the experience brings together the soul of Chilean heritage and Japanese precision, with a thoughtful expression of South American and Japanese ingredients shaped by seasonality, provenance and craftsmanship.

Araya is the world’s first and only Michelin-starred Chilean restaurant, founded by Chefs Francisco Araya and Fernanda Guerrero. The restaurant draws on the chefs’ journeys through Chile, Japan and Europe, with Chef Francisco’s cuisine combining his Chilean roots with Japanese techniques and ingredients. His culinary journey includes acclaimed kitchens such as Mugaritz, Boragó and elBulli, as well as 81 Restaurant in Tokyo, where he earned a Michelin star in 2013 at the age of 29.
Speaking about the upcoming experience, Naval Kukreti, EAM Food & Beverage, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, said, “At Le Cirque Signature, we are always looking to create experiences that offer our guests something distinctive and memorable. Welcoming Araya, in collaboration with Culinary Culture, allows us to present a cuisine that is deeply rooted in Chilean heritage while shaped by the precision and philosophy of Japan. We are delighted to bring Chef Francisco Araya’s culinary journey to Bengaluru and believe Le Cirque Signature provides the perfect setting for this exceptional experience.”
Known for its refined Franco-Italian cuisine, elegant interiors and attentive service, Le Cirque Signature offers an intimate setting for this special culinary encounter. Its sophisticated interiors, centred around a grand Murano chandelier, alongside its al fresco setting overlooking the palace’s manicured gardens, create an elegant stage for experiences that celebrate culinary artistry.

The experience will feature a curated course tasting menu with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian journeys, beginning with highlights such as Ama ebi, a delicate opening bite centred on sweet ama ebi, and Tartlet, smoked eel mousse and caviar, a crisp tartlet filled with smoked eel mousse and finished with caviar. The menu continues with Hokkaido scallops ceviche, leche de tigre and avocado sorbet, pairing delicate scallops with bright leche de tigre and avocado sorbet, and Kinki rockfish moqueca, prepared in a moqueca-inspired style. The vegetarian journey features Tomato meringue, a light and crisp opening bite, followed by Cauliflower tartlet, Gruyère and merkén, Beetroot confit, quinoa and port gel, and Yuba moqueca, each offering a considered interpretation of seasonal ingredients. The experience concludes with Pavlova, custard apple, fresh orange and meringue flowers, pairing delicate meringue with custard apple and fresh orange, followed by Chocolate bonbons.
Speaking about bringing Araya to Bengaluru, Chef Francisco Araya, Co-Founder and Chef, Araya, said, “Araya is deeply connected to Chile, to our memories and to the ingredients and traditions that shaped us. Japan has equally influenced the way we approach technique, precision and respect for every ingredient. Bringing these influences together is a reflection of our journey, and we are very happy to share that journey with guests in Bengaluru.”
The two-day experience will offer guests an opportunity to discover Chile, reimagined through Japan, in the elegant surroundings of Le Cirque Signature at The Leela Palace Bengaluru.

Fact Sheet

Venue: Le Cirque Signature, The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Dates: 11th & 12th September 2026
Time: 7:30 pm onwards
Price:INR 12,000 ++ – Non-Alcoholic; INR 13,500 ++ – Alcoholic
Reservations: +91 8951974424

About Le Cirque Signature

Le Cirque Signature where elegance and artistry come together in perfect harmony. The soft interplay of beige, ebony, and ochre tones reflects off a grand Murano chandelier, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that sets the stage for the exquisite Franco-Italian delicacies the restaurant is celebrated for. Indulge in the delicate, nuanced flavours of French cuisine, while savouring the hearty,comforting tastes of Italy—all crafted with precision and flair. Every dish is a masterpiece,complemented by the impeccable service of our attentive staff, who ensure your every need ismet with grace.Beyond the elegant private dining experience, Le Cirque Signature offers an al fresco option,allowing you to enjoy your meal while taking in the picturesque views of our meticulously manicured gardens and the architectural magnificence of the palace.Whether you choose the intimate indoors or the enchanting outdoors, we promise you an unparalleled dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

About The Leela Palace Bengaluru

The Leela Palace Bengaluru is a decadent palace, nestled amidst nine acres of lush gardens, featuring six floors of elegant, spacious 357 rooms and suites. Built in an Art Deco style, drawing inspiration from the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the palaces of the Vijayanagar Empire, its copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings reflect the grandeur of palaces of a bygone era. The hotel is near business districts, the cosmopolitan 100ft road, Indiranagar and offers easy access to the city centre on MG Road.