On Federal Street in the heart of Auckland's city centre, a quiet culinary revolution is taking place. At Cassia, Chef Sid Sahrawat and his wife Chand have built one of New Zealand's most celebrated restaurants by doing something deceptively simple: marrying the bold spice traditions of India with the extraordinary fresh produce of Aotearoa New Zealand.
A Multi-Award-Winning Vision
Cassia has earned acclaim from every corner of New Zealand's food world, collecting awards and accolades that place it among the country's very best restaurants. Located within the SkyCity dining precinct at 90 Federal Street, the restaurant combines the warmth of Indian hospitality with a contemporary Auckland sensibility — think rustic brickwork, bespoke wooden furniture, and an atmosphere that manages to feel both refined and completely relaxed.
The secret to Cassia's success lies in Sid's deeply personal approach to cooking. Growing up in India, he was immersed in the classic spice combinations and layered flavours that define Indian cuisine. But rather than simply recreating those dishes in Auckland, he has reimagined them through the lens of New Zealand's remarkable local ingredients — fresh seafood from the country's pristine waters, seasonal vegetables from local growers, and meats raised on some of the world's most lush pastoral land.
The Menu: Fresh, Vibrant, Layered
Cassia's menu is a masterclass in balance. Each dish showcases classic Indian spice and flavour combinations, reworked with a modern sensibility that lets the quality of the ingredients shine. Gentle spice gives way to fresh, vibrant flavours — nothing is heavy, nothing is overwhelming, but everything is deeply satisfying.
The tasting menu is the best way to experience Cassia's full range, taking diners on a journey through Sid's creative vision. But even the à la carte menu rewards exploration, with dishes that surprise and delight whether you're a devoted fan of Indian food or discovering these flavours for the first time.
The Sahrawat Partnership
Behind every great restaurant is a great team, and at Cassia, the partnership between Sid and Chand Sahrawat is the foundation of everything. While Sid leads the kitchen with his innovative approach to flavour, Chand ensures that every aspect of the dining experience — from the warm welcome at the door to the thoughtful wine pairings — reflects their shared vision of generosity and care.
Together, they've created something rare: a restaurant that feels deeply personal while operating at the highest professional level. It's the kind of place where you sense that the people behind it genuinely love what they do — and that love is evident in every plate, every conversation, and every moment of your visit.
Auckland's Indian Fine Dining Destination
In a city whose dining scene has been described by leading food critics as rivalling New York and surpassing London, Cassia holds a special place. It represents the best of what happens when culinary traditions travel, evolve, and find new expression in a new home.
For anyone exploring Auckland's extraordinary food landscape, Cassia is an essential destination — a restaurant that celebrates the beauty of cultural fusion and the power of great ingredients, handled with skill, respect, and a generous spirit.