ARAGMA SERVES STORIES, NOT JUST COURSES

In an era of mindful eating and conscious cooking, Aragma-a quiet, ingredient-led restaurant in Pune-is shaping India's slow dining movement with elegance and emotion.

- RACHNA VIRDI

The slow dining movement has been reshaping the Indian restaurant landscape for a while now. It has found a new address in Pune that invites diners to slow down and reminds them to sit, savour, and reconnect. Rooted in seasonality and cultural resonance, the food at Aragma is more than nourishment; it's a story, a pause, a return to the roots.

Founded by Poornima Somayaji, a former computer engineer turned restaurateur, Aragma embraces slow dining: a deliberate, soulful approach to food that invites reflection and connection. Derived from the Greek word for 'enjoying life's simple pleasures,' Aragma is a space where Indian ingredients shine-reimagined, refined, and rooted in tradition.

Last weekend, we decided to drive down from Mumbai to Pune to experience an experiential meal at Aragma. Hidden in a quiet lane off one of the busy streets of Sangamvadi, Aragma is a place you're meant to stumble upon. The ambience mirrors the philosophyserene, earthy, and evocative. Rice stalks are placed as centrepieces; banana sap chandeliers glow above; and muted tones set the stage for quiet indulgence. Designed for intimacy, the restaurant has just seven tables, ensuring an immersive experience. "No walk-ins, no rush," says Somayaji. "Every meal is planned, cooked thoughtfully, and served with intention. It's about coming together, slowing down, and rediscovering food as an emotional connector."