On Vittal Mallya Road, a landmark has arrived. Royal China, the name that has defined Cantonese fine dining in India for over two decades and earned its place as a favourite among celebrities and discerning diners alike, now opens its doors in Bengaluru. More than just a restaurant, its presence marks the continuation of a legacy that has shaped the country’s culinary imagination since 2003 and continues to set the benchmark for authentic Cantonese cuisine.
When Neville and Michelle Vazifdar first brought Royal China to India from London in 2003, they introduced a dining experience that quickly became synonymous with authenticity, precision, and hospitality. Over the years, the brand has expanded across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Pune, with Bengaluru now joining as its newest outpost in South India. What has kept Royal China relevant across time and age is its unwavering commitment to authentic Cantonese cuisine, executed with consistency and excellence. In a country where Pan-Asian and Indo-Chinese dominate, Royal China has remained the definitive destination for true Cantonese dining.
At the heart of this reputation are the dishes that have defined the brand for over 20 years. The Crispy Aromatic Duck with Pancakes, perhaps Royal China’s most celebrated signature, remains a star of the table. Alongside it, the delicate Prawn Dumplings (Har Gau), Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger and Spring Onion, Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce, and the indulgent Chocolate Dim Sum continue to enchant generations of diners. Bengaluru’s menu further introduces creations conceived especially for the city, while also embracing inclusivity through dedicated vegan, gluten-free, and Jain-friendly options, ensuring that authenticity is never sacrificed for accessibility. Over the years, this unwavering consistency has also made Royal China a preferred address for Bollywood icons such as Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor, as well as India’s key industry leaders.
For Neville and Michelle, the Bengaluru launch is a deeply personal milestone. “Royal China has always stood for excellence and consistency,” says Neville. “Expanding to Bengaluru allows us to share our legacy of Cantonese cuisine with a discerning new audience.” Michelle adds, “When we brought Royal China from London to India in 2003, our vision was to make authentic Cantonese dining accessible here. Over two decades later, we are humbled to see it grow into a brand loved across cities. Bengaluru, with its cosmopolitan spirit, feels like the perfect new home for Royal China.”
The experience extends beyond the kitchen to the bar, with an elegant beverage programme spanning fine wines, premium spirits, teas, and cocktails. Signatures like the Lychee Martini and Oriental Passion pair beautifully with the cuisine, while lighter options such as the Green Dragon and Jasmine Tea Cooler lend freshness to the meal.
The interiors, imagined by Ganesh Madasamy of Aston Design, draw inspiration from the myth of the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth and ascension, woven seamlessly with Bengaluru’s own identity as the Garden City. Bamboo-inspired chandeliers, soaring private dining walls, flowing ceiling details, and a palette of gold, amber, and deep blue create a mood of quiet opulence. Seating 160 guests across intimate booths, elegant private rooms, a main dining hall, and a semi-al fresco section, the restaurant offers versatility for intimate evenings, celebratory gatherings, and everything in between.
As Faiz Rezwan, Executive Director of Prestige Group and head of Royal China Bengaluru, puts it: “Royal China arrives in a city that already understands and celebrates fine dining. Bengaluru’s diners are adventurous, well-travelled, and deeply appreciative of tradition. These qualities align perfectly with Royal China’s ethos”. “Our goal is to deliver an experience that feels international in standard yet rooted in heritage”, says Fajr Qureshi, Co-founder of F and F Hospitality.
In many ways, Royal China’s arrival in Bengaluru is not just an opening but a reaffirmation of its legacy. From London to Mumbai, and now to Bengaluru, it has endured as India’s definitive Cantonese fine dining destination, proving that true authenticity never goes out of style.
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About Royal China: Brought to India in 2003 by Neville and Michelle Vazifdar after its success in London, Royal China has spent the last two decades setting the benchmark for fine dining in the country. Known for its authentic Cantonese roots and refined modern sensibility, the brand has built a legacy of consistency and excellence that few can match. Over 20 years later, Royal China stands as a symbol of timeless dining, combining heritage with a contemporary edge. With its presence in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, and now Bengaluru, it continues to define what luxury dining means in the Indian context.
