Mumbai, Friday, 19th September 2025: Loya, the capital’s iconic Indian culinary destination, ushers in a new chapter of its signature bar takeovers under Qissa, an evocative convergence of craftsmanship, cultural identity, and cocktail artistry. This edition presents a spirited collaboration with Aruba, Tijuana, Mexico’s pioneering Day Drink Bar, spotlighted at No.22 among North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
At the heart of this takeover is Frida González, co-owner of Aruba and one of North America’s most dynamic bar talents, whose leadership and creativity have been instrumental in defining Aruba’s place in Baja California’s thriving cocktail culture. Known for championing honest, ingredient-forward drinks and a vibrant yet approachable ethos, Frida brings a unique voice from Mexico’s northwest coast to the Qissa stage.
Guests at this edition of Loya Qissa can anticipate a specially curated cocktail menu that channels Aruba’s spirit of daytime conviviality - fresh, vibrant, and layered with Baja narratives. Expect expressive pours that highlight bold Mexican flavours, inventive techniques, and Aruba’s philosophy of playful refinement, all set against Loya’s evocative backdrop of North Indian artistry and flavour. This Qissa promises to be a celebration of cross-cultural mixology, where the inventive energy of Baja California meets the timeless storytelling of Loya — weaving together shared narratives, bold craft, and unforgettable experiences.
After the first showcase at Loya at Taj Palace, New Delhi, this special edition of Qissa will journey on to The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, and the Taj West End, Bengaluru, carrying its spirited dialogue of culture and craft across three iconic cities.
Date: Wednesday, 01st October 2025
Time: 8:00 pm onwards
Venue: Loya, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
Price: ₹5500 per person (includes cocktails from the special takeover menu)
Reservations: +91- 77770 59856 / +91- 73877 62228
About Loya: LOYA is a grand feast, which leads you on an immersive journey across the vivid north. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the flat terrain of Punjab, to snow-laden Kashmir, Loya is a confluence of flavour, passion and influence, all culminating exquisitely on your plate. Our search for the authentic and the long-preserved dishes resulted in a gathering of the North’s most cherished recipes. They spotlight the inherent uniqueness and theatrics of time-honoured cooking techniques of the North - the drama of “dhungar” or smoking, the aromatics of “baghar”, in which spices are tempered in hot oil, “dum”, the richness of slow-cooking and the energetic pounding of spices by hand. Loya offers the warmth and comfort of the past intersecting with the energy of today. A place where timeless techniques, undiscovered culinary traditions and heirloom ingredients are proudly showcased. Loya is currently at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, Taj West End, Bengaluru and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.
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