Delhi has always been at the forefront of culinary experimentation, with a bourgeois taste for border-bending cuisine. A quiet revolution reshaping the capital’s dining landscape is a migration where borders blur and distant culinary cultures harmonise. A recent addition to the opulent charm of Aerocity is Selva, bringing the heat of Latin America with the delicate precision of Nikkei cuisine. Bringing the cross-pollination born of Japanese migration to Peru, Selva explores the unknown beyond culinary clichés, nestled within the charm of a late-night destination. Here, we enter the sumptuous scene of unpredictable tastes, raw acidity, fire, and endless umami.
Selva and Selva Maya: Mexican-Nikkei dining
Entering the glassy chrome exterior of Worldmark 4 at Aerocity, one steps into the intimate, cave-like sanctuary of Selva. Rooted in the Spanish word for “jungle”, Selva doesn’t lean into the lushness of the Amazon basin. But rather into the primaeval spirit of the ancient basin that is deep, earthy and brimming with mystery. The restaurant is born out of personal travels and a deep love for unfiltered Mexican-Nikkei cuisine. Founders Sarthak and Samarth Sidana use Selva to introduce people to far-fetched cuisine with no intention of Indianising it.
The space is carved out with sharp edges, deep black, gold, and earthy timber textures, almost like a speakeasy cavern. Low-lit table lamps and wall-mounted lights keep you from squinting at the menus, but just enough to wash the bespoke dinnerware in a warm amber glow. However, the real discovery is the hidden portal that takes you to Selva Maya, which hides its umbral cocktail bar. Designed with sweeping circular geometry, under which the bartenders lend a firm hand to the almost entrancing mixology craft. While Selva’s main dining room wraps up its service around 1 AM, Selva Maya keeps glowing until 6 AM.
The Mexican-Nikkei Menu
The kitchen truly matches the moody architecture with its bold flavours and punchy techniques. Kick-start your dinner date with their Fiery Lotus Stem slicked in sriracha and chilli soy glaze. Then, head straight for the Tigre Tempura Roll that tucks rock shrimp tempura with avocado beneath a spicy tuna tartare and yuzu teriyaki sauce. Also, skewers fresh off the robata grill offer instant comfort, especially the Chipotle Grilled Chicken with traditional adobo sauce or the Peruvian Grilled Chicken, paired with herbal ají verde and charred vegetables. Moreover, seafood lovers can indulge in the pan-grilled Mexican Prawns gently tossed in tobanjan and sweet mango-honey salsa. Meanwhile, the Truffle Garlic Fried Rice comes studded with gem-like edamame. The showstoppers, however, are the Mexican soft shell tacos that hit with an unmistakable wallop. The Fungae Soft Shell Taco layers crispy mushroom confit with tangy salsa verde. While, the Al Pastor Taco combines tender pulled pork with sharp pico de gallo, smoky taqueria salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and pickled onion.
Additionally, navigating dietary needs couldn’t be easier with the menu thoughtfully tagging every allergen profile from dairy and gluten to shellfish and nuts. Finally, close your evening with a Japanese -accented Matcha Tiramisu, warm and crunchy cinnamon-dusted churros, or a classic, milk-soaked Mexican Tres Leches.
Nectars and cocktails at Selva Maya
Making a seat at the bartender’s counter is mandatory, and leaving is almost bad manners. At Selva Maya, the bar approaches mixology with a genuine nerdiness, pouring unapologetically boozy drinks. In fact, the cocktail menu even presents a sensory map to pick the right poison, coded into floral, fruity, earthy, sour, or smoky tones to match your palate. Gin lovers gravitate towards the Butterfly Effect, a fragrant, sweet-tart pour with raspberry, cherry and elderflower. Meanwhile, the earthy tones of the Agave no Hojicha pair Don Julio Blanco tequila with grapefruit, honey, and roasted hojicha tea soda for a nutty finish. Additionally, for a theatrical creation, don’t miss the Gorija, and for purists who savour depth, Luna De Ume presents the herbal charm of sage with Johnnie Walker Black Label.
✨In a city quick to churn copy-paste glamour, Selva carves out an authentic niche where the Latin fire and Japanese craft share the spotlight. Just remember to set your morning alarms with caution. This is one jungle where losing track of time is the entire point.
Key Information
📅 Monday to Sunday
⏰ Selva (Dining): 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM | Selva Maya (Cocktail Bar): Open until 6:00 AM
💸 ₹4,500/- for two (approx.)
📍Asset Area LP, 1B, 04, Worldmark 4, Aerocity, New Delhi
