In celebration of Vishu, the Malayali New Year that marks renewal, abundance, and hope, Arun George, Associate Director at CBRE, is bringing a taste of Kerala to London through an intimate supper club with The Mallu Barstud.
In conversation with Asian Voice, he shares his Vishu memories, food stories and the supper club.
What does Vishu mean to you personally, and how did you celebrate it growing up? Are there particular memories of Vishu from your childhood that you find yourself revisiting this time of the year?
Vishu, for me, is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. Growing up in Kuwait as a Malayalee expat, Vishu was one of the few occasions that truly brought the essence of Kerala into our home. It always marked the start of the new year and was a time to reset and gather with family. We didn’t have many of the rich traditions, or my parents skipped over a few of the traditions as we were away from Kerala but still had a day to remember and to feast. Like a lot of South Asian festivals, food took centre stage, it was the medium with which they said they love you, Kerala - you are being missed and we are proud of being Malayalee.
The Vishu feast in its true form is quite a sight, full of the vibrant flavours of Kerala, and heck of an indulgent undertaking. Most years we a light touch version of this meal.
Still living away and having never lived in Kerala, Vishu has become even more meaningful, reminding me of my roots, the traditions, and the warmth of family. It’s a day that keeps me connected to my heritage, and I continue to celebrate it, even if in a different way, through the food I share in my popup restaurant and with friends.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind hosting the Vishu supper club this year? What can guests expect from the experience—both in terms of food and atmosphere?
The inspiration behind hosting the Vishu supper club stems from a deep love for Kerala's vibrant traditions and a desire to share the spirit of Vishu with a wider audience. Vishu is all about new beginnings, abundance, and togetherness. and food plays such a central role in that celebration. We wanted to create a space where people could come together to experience the essence of a South Indian festival meal in a warm, communal setting.
Guests can expect an immersive culinary experience which is both nostalgic and elevated. The menu draws inspiration from the traditional Vishu Sadya - a lavish vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, while also weaving in a few creative twists and my families touches. Expect bold flavours, fresh seasonal ingredients, and thoughtful storytelling behind each dish.
As for the vibe, we’re aiming for something intimate, personal, joyful, classy yet full of heart. Think cozy lighting, minimalistic, the aroma of spices in the air, snippets of Indian jazz music in the background, and a sense of being welcomed into a classy wine bar for a special celebration. It's a celebration of culture, food, connection paired with amazing skin contact Amber wine.
How did you go about curating the menu for the evening? Are there any traditional dishes you're especially excited to serve?
Curating the menu has been through reflecting on my own memories of Vishu and the dishes that have always made the day feel special - from the comforting classics to the lesser-known gems that deserve a moment in the spotlight. The 7 courses I intent to serve take huge inspiration from the traditional Vishu Sadya and while also incorporating my rebel take on food with addition of meat and bring in my creative interpretations of the cuisine and reflective of my style of cooking.
One dish I’m especially excited to serve is mambazha pulissery which is a sweet and tangy mango curry that’s a true seasonal favourite. It’s rich, nostalgic, and captures the tropical soul of Kerala. I’m also looking forward to sharing beetroot pachadi—a hearty, coconut & beetroot-based mixed vegetable dish that’s all about balance and simplicity—as well as homemade rice payasam with rum soaked raisins. The goal was to create a menu that feels generous, celebratory, and rooted in tradition, while still allowing space for a few surprises along the way.
What does it mean to you to be able to share Vishu with a wider community through the medium of food?
Food is a medium of expression for me, I tell stories through the dishes I cook and serve which are steeped in tradition, history, of joys, heartache and of my family. Sharing Vishu through food is incredibly special to me—its peek into my culture, memories, and sense of home. Being able to recreate and share that feeling with a wider community feels both grounding and liberating.
I’m not just serving a meal; I’m inviting people into a celebration that has shaped me. It’s a chance to honour my roots, while also creating new traditions in a shared space with others who may be experiencing Vishu for the first time.
There’s something beautiful about people connecting over a good meal, discover new flavours, or feel a sense of belonging in a room filled with strangers, even if it’s just for an afternoon. A cultural exchange, held with care and intention, is what makes this experience so meaningful to me.
Book the upcoming event on 13th April here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vishu-with-the-mallu-barstud-tickets-1285826986129?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlArun's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themallubarstud?igsh=MXF1bGhxZjg2c2o4ag==