Renowned Indian restaurant group from New York expands to Philadelphia with a new location.
Unapologetic Foods, a prominent New York City restaurant group known for its innovative approach to Indian cuisine, has announced plans to expand into Philadelphia with the launch of its restaurant Adda later this year. The owners, Roni Mazumdar and James Beard Award-winning chef Chintan Pandya, have expressed enthusiasm about introducing their culinary vision to a new audience as they prepare to open their first Pennsylvania location.
The lease for the Philadelphia site was signed last summer, and the restaurant will be situated at 1700 Frankford Avenue, a new three-story building positioned directly across from the Fishtown post office. This strategically chosen location is expected to provide significant foot traffic and a vibrant community atmosphere, aligning with Unapologetic Foods’ mission of bringing authentic Indian dining experiences to diverse urban settings.
The name “Adda,” which translates to “hangout” in Bengali, reflects the restaurant’s concept as a social dining space. This establishment follows the original Adda that opened in Long Island City, New York, in 2018. Recently relocated to a larger venue in the East Village, the New York Adda has undergone a menu revamp while maintaining its eclectic decor characterized by newsprint-covered walls.
Over the years, the culinary landscape of New York’s Indian dining scene has evolved, prompting Mazumdar and Pandya to adapt their offerings. The menu at both locations now emphasizes reimagined classics, particularly from northern India. Guests can expect contemporary takes on traditional dishes such as bheja fry (fried goat brains), baby goat biryani, lukmi, and kharda scallop.
One of the signature features of Adda is its Butter Chicken Experience, which will also be a prominent offering in the Philadelphia location. This unique dining option is designed as a full-table, preordered feast priced at approximately per person in New York. Patrons partake in an interactive culinary experience, in which they can select wood chips for cold-smoking the chicken at their table and customize the flavor of the accompanying creamy tomato sauce with various house-churned butters. Additional sides, including signature dal makhani, basmati rice, or lacha paratha, complement the meal. The chicken served at Adda is sourced from Lancaster County’s Green Circle, ensuring a high standard of quality.
Scheduled to open in late 2025, Adda’s Philadelphia location aims to foster a neighborhood hangout ambiance, inviting locals to experience its unique culinary offerings. The introduction of this restaurant is anticipated to enhance Philadelphia’s diverse dining scene, while remaining true to the essence of the original Adda’s concept. With its bold flavors and innovative dishes, Unapologetic Foods is poised to make a significant impact in the Philadelphia food landscape.
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