There is a kind of cooking that doesn't announce itself. There is no need for drama or novelty. It’s simple; warm, precise, inviting. And somewhere between the first bite of the bread and the last spoonful of the dessert, you experience what wonders one’s love for food can do. For a lot of us, that experience has been associated with cucina napoletana. And for six days in April, it's coming to Mumbai.
Celini at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai is hosting Chef Valerio Mandile for an exclusive pop-up as part of Masters of the Table. As Chef de Cuisine at Grissini in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, he has been bringing the simple and rich flavours of Napoli to the town. With this series, where Grand Hyatt brings internationally acclaimed chefs to its signature restaurants, patrons in Mumbai get a chance to experience the cuisine in a new light. This is its second edition, and in many ways, with Chef Valerio’s roots in Italy, it's most personal.
A Napoli native, Chef Valerio's culinary instincts were shaped early. Whether it was in home kitchens, or in the trattorias of Southern Italy, or eventually in the best restaurants in the world, his experiences have shaped his flair with the cuisine. And understandably so. These are the places where food becomes philosophy. Your technique, the approach, as well as the emotions the plate conjures, it all come together.
As he puts it, “For me, Neapolitan cuisine is deeply personal—it’s a reflection of my childhood, my family, and where I come from. I grew up in Naples, where some of my earliest memories are from my mother and grandmother’s kitchen. I remember how a simple tomato sauce simmering on the stove could fill the house with warmth and bring everyone together. Those moments shaped the way I see food today. Neapolitan cooking is not about complexity, but about respecting ingredients and letting them speak for themselves. It’s about emotion, memory, and a sense of belonging. No matter where I am in the world, when I cook dishes from my hometown, I feel connected to my roots—and that’s something I always try to share with my guests.”
Among the most formative are the Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 in Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, a two Michelin-starred institution perched above the Amalfi Coast. Unlike many others, the Neapolitan cuisine isn't adapted or interpreted here so much as it is guarded. Amid one of Italy's most revered kitchens it is that Chef Valerio learned what it means for simplicity to be a discipline. And that education runs through every dish on this menu. He shares his excitement to bring his flavours to India, “My cuisine is deeply rooted in the traditions of Naples, where the purity of ingredients defines every dish. I look forward to sharing these flavours with Mumbai, presenting a menu that honours heritage while embracing creativity.”
The 6-day feast boasts a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes. Think Orecchiette Pugliesi with broccolini and parmesan, Pappardelle allo Zafferano con Ragu di Anatra featuring saffron-infused handmade pasta with duck ragout, and Riso al Pomodoro, Stracciatella e Melanzane with Acquerello rice and smoked eggplant.
The regional flavours also come to play with dishes like Merluzzo in Guazzetto, a delicate cod preparation in prawn and clam broth; Pollo alla Romana with roasted vegetables; and Agnello alla Molisana, a slow-cooked lamb loin paired with truffled mash and seasonal greens.
The celebrated chef shares, "One dish that is especially close to my heart is the Riso al Pomodoro, Stracciatella e Melanzane. It may seem simple, but for me, it truly captures the essence of Southern Italian cooking - where a few exceptional ingredients come together to create something deeply comforting and full of character." The sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the creaminess of stracciatella, and the smokiness of eggplant reflect flavours I grew up with. It reminds me of home; of meals that were honest, seasonal, and made with care. Bringing this dish to Mumbai was important to me because it represents that simplicity and soul. Together with Chef Neeraj Tyagi, we’ve presented it in a way that stays true to its roots while allowing guests here to experience a taste of my childhood and my culture."
Wherever you are on the spectrum of exploring Italian fare, whether you think Italian is all about pizza and pasta, or you’re knee deep in the regional cuisines, it is a place for all. To learn, experience, and for a meal, experience the soul of Napoli. "Masters of the Table is designed to create immersive culinary journeys that go beyond dining," says Chef Neeraj Tyagi, Cluster Director of Culinary, West India, Grand Hyatt Mumbai. "Chef Valerio's showcase brings the soul of Southern Italy to Mumbai, offering guests an authentic and refined expression of Italian cuisine."
The soul of Southern Italy, for six days. We definitely think that's worth showing up for.
Dates: 7th – 12th April 2026
Timings: Lunch (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM) | Dinner (7:00 PM – 11:30 PM)
Venue: Celini, Grand Hyatt Mumbai
À la carte menu, reservations: +91 70459 50135 | +91 70459 50137