6 Story and Qahani

The very talented Karishma Mansata opened the doors to her popular 6 Story at the newly-opened Arbour in Kalyani Nagar. A fabulous addition to 6 Story is Qahani, a nuanced, Awadhi food-led restaurant. Both concepts exist in parallel, and open onto each other through sliding doors that look like hand-painted walls. The décor is moodier, more intentional, and gives each space a unique identity, while the whole place can still flow as one, with shades of maroon tying it together.
The entrance has two doorways; the right leads to 6 Story and the left to Qahani.

6 Story

As you walk in, the space feels light and airy, with a skylight pouring in natural light, beautiful beaded light fixtures, whitewashed walls, checkered black-and-white flooring, and cushioned cabana seating. Further in is a lovely dessert and coffee counter, and through the doors is a beautiful bar area. A curved bar ends with a beaded and sequinned tree that serves as both an art and light installation. The bar is common to both 6 Story and Qahani. The stunning wall featuring a retail section of crockery, artificial flowers, candles, and bric-a-brac is like an art installation in itself. Behind screens is a darker section of 6 Story, with dark walls and low seating, classic European garden wallpaper, and plush sofas. Floor and wall lamps create more of a mood, as do the custom beaded lighting fixtures seen in the front, tying it all together.

The cuisine is European and Latin Mediterranean-forward, with some Asian dishes as well. Old favourites nudge new flavours on this rather extensive menu. The Salmon Ceviche was bright and citrusy; the Watermelon Ceviche, unexpectedly refreshing; and the Thai Mango Salad had the sharp, addictive balance of heat, sweetness and acidity that has made it our favourite since Day One. Camarones y Guava, Pineapple Skewers, Jamón Croquetas, and Hummus y Birria all make great starters, along with the Soft Shell and Birria Tacos. New additions include the Crispy Rice Salad, Coconut Chicken Salad, and Green Goddess Salad. Alongside her Neapolitan-style pizzas, Karishma serves up a Veg Cubano with mojo jackfruit, a Classic Cubano with mojo pork, and a Halloumi Sando. Curries such as the Prawn in Lemongrass and Curry Sauce, rice dishes such as Arroz Imperial – a Cuban rice dish with cheese sauce and cilantro – and noodle dishes such as Lomo Saltado with lamb and mixed vegetables are all new additions.

Karishma’s desserts and coffees are a whole experience in themselves. 6 Story uses Indian-origin, 100% Arabica beans and whips them into a host of standard coffee variations, as well as signature concoctions like the Cookie Cream Cloud, Banana Bread Latte, and Tiramisu Latte. The desserts and ice-creams are all made in-house and are TDF (to die for). The Golden Pistachio Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Godiva Cheesecake, Rum & Prune Tea Cake, and scones served with clotted cream and jam are just some of the delights.

Look out for the pretty bird motifs flying throughout this stunning version of 6 Story.

Qahani

Designed like a Mughal garden, with a gurgling stone fountain, floral motifs painted in a royal style, and mulmul ceiling drapery, this side is more restaurant-like in design, with marble-topped dining tables and cane-backed chairs. Qahani is an Awadhi kitchen with the flavours and aromas of the royal kitchens of India. Enjoy the Jimikand Ki Shikampuri, Chapli Kebab, Angari Pankhi Kebab – charred chicken wings with a chakka dahi dip – Mutton Kheema Kaleji, Beetroot Dahi Bhalla, and Nimbu Mirch Ka Fish Tikka to start with.

Feast on Paneer Ghee Roast with Appam, Nadroo Ke Kofte, Dum Ki Bharwan Bhindi, Dungar Dal Makhani (slow-cooked for 14 hours), Smoked Butter Chicken, Junglee Maas, Prawn Ghee Roast with Appam, Murgh Rezala, and Gosht Yakhni Pulao. Don’t miss the Sourdough Naan, Cheese Chilli Naan, Millet Rotis, or the Khameeri Roti. End with a Shahi Khajoor Akhrot Ka Halwa or the Qahani Coconut Silk.

Sr. N-13, Mullick Nagar, Near Kalyani Nagar Metro Station/Wadgaon Sheri Main Road, Pune 411014
Mob: 0 92846 85990
Meal for two: 6 Story: Approximately Rs1000 + taxes
Qahani: Approximately Rs1500 + taxes