In 1994, when Indian dining was dominated by rich curries and emerging fast-food trends, Mr. K.D. Singh introduced Lebanese cuisine to the country through Arabian Delites, driven by a vision to offer food that was both healthy and flavourful. What began as a pioneering move soon became a trusted name, thanks to its protein-rich, wholesome dishes. In this conversation, Mandeep Singh - Managing Director, Arabian Delites - shares with us how Arabian Delites is blending tradition with innovation to serve a new generation of mindful, flavour-seeking customers across India.
1. Arabian Delites has been in the Indian food space since 1994. What was the inspiration behind introducing Lebanese cuisine to India at that time?
Thirty years ago, when my father, Mr. K.D. Singh, introduced Lebanese cuisine to India through Arabian Delites, he carried with him a clear vision and a heartfelt dream to bring a cuisine that was both healthy and delicious.
At a time when fast food was gaining ground, his goal was to create a segment of food offerings that didn’t just satisfy the palate of true food lovers, but also supported a mindful, health-conscious lifestyle.
Our dishes are thoughtfully prepared, high in protein, and made with wholesome ingredients. Through this, we pay an ode to lip-smacking and bold Middle Eastern flavours without ever compromising on nutrition or quality.
2. What distinguishes an Arabian Delites outlet from others in the same segment?
What sets us apart is our consistency, commitment to quality, and a menu that features self-innovated dishes that one won’t find anywhere else. These original creations, paired with our focus on health and flavor, have helped us create a distinct identity within the segment.
3. One of your core values is offering food that is both delicious and healthy. How do you balance taste with nutrition, and what are your best-selling offerings?
For us, health and taste always go together. We don’t use butter in any of our dishes, olive oil is used only in the hummus, and there’s no added fat elsewhere. The real flavor comes from our signature spices and slow-cooking techniques. Our bestsellers include our signature Doners, Arabic Rice, and Grilled Chicken.
4. Has the original menu created by Mr. Singh evolved over the years, or have the core offerings remained the same?
While the core of our menu remains true to the original vision set by Mr. K.D. Singh, it has certainly evolved over the years to suit the evolving palates of consumers and changing food trends. Our new dishes, created through collaborative innovation, like Shawarma Momos, Arabian Delites-style Chicken Rice, and our Shawarma Burger - made with sliced, marinated chicken instead of fried patties - are examples of how we continue to innovate while staying true to our promise of healthy, flavorful food.
5. How has your audience changed or evolved, especially with Gen Z discovering the brand? Can you share any memorable customer stories?
The biggest change we've seen is how informed and health-conscious our customers have become. They know what they're eating and actively choose food that's both healthy and tasty. Our grilled chicken has become a post-workout favorite, especially among fitness-focused, young customers. It's heartwarming when Gen Z customers say we're “a core memory” from their childhood. It shows how strongly we’ve connected with them over the years. We've also had loyal customers who moved away from Delhi or even India come back and say they still crave their favourite Arabian Delites dishes. That’s the most rewarding part of what we do.
6. Are you planning to expand? What does the next chapter look like for Arabian Delites?
Yes, we’ve recently begun our expansion journey, and we’re truly overwhelmed by the love and response we’ve received at our new locations in Delhi NCR.
The next chapter for us is to build a nationwide presence, while ensuring that every customer no matter where they visit us experiences the same quality, flavour, and trust that we’ve nurtured since day one. We’re aiming for 100 venues and ₹100 crore in revenue by 2028, and we’re very excited for what lies ahead.
7. Lastly, what does food mean to you personally?
Food, to me, is happiness. I live to eat, and I’m deeply passionate about food - both serving it and enjoying it. The most satisfying feeling is seeing someone smile after tasting what we’ve created. That simple moment makes it all worth it.
About Mandeep Singh -
Mandeep Singh is the Managing Director of Arabian Delites, a brand known for bringing authentic and healthy Lebanese cuisine to India. With a vision rooted in preserving Middle Eastern culinary traditions, he has built Arabian Delites into a trusted name that celebrates soulful, nutritious food. His leadership focuses on legacy, quality, and wellness, making the brand a pioneer in wholesome Lebanese dining experiences.
