Fat Choy: A Contemporary Homage to Chinese Heritage, Elegantly Rooted in Pune

Poised at the intersection of refined design and culinary craft, Fat Choy emerges as Pune’s latest gastronomic and architectural destination - a sensorial ode to Chinese heritage masterfully reinterpreted for the modern eye.  Conceived and led by Ali Haji, a second-generation real estate developer and founder of Amado Collective, Fat Choy is a reflection of his distinctive vision - one rooted in culture, design and a deep appreciation for Chinese cuisine.

Translating this vision into spatial form is Raya Shankhwalker, the renowned architect behind celebrated destinations like Soro, Sinq, Soho and Tesouro. With a long-standing creative synergy built over years of collaboration on Haji’s real estate projects in Goa, Raya brings an intuitive understanding of his aesthetic language. The result is a refined cultural homage - a restaurant that captures the essence of Chinese design, articulated through a distinctly modern and personal lens.

At its heart, Fat Choy is a labour of love - an intimate, inaugural collaboration between Ali Haji and his sisters, Asiyeh and Amineh. United by a lifelong affinity for Chinese cuisine and a shared sensibility for hospitality, the siblings have meticulously curated a space that transcends the conventional dining experience.

A Dialogue Between Heritage and Modernity Located in Pune’s dynamic Kharadi district, the restaurant’s design language is both evocative and intentional. Every detail - from the intricately crafted façade to the sculptural railings and bespoke furniture - reflects a deep reverence for Chinese artistry while embracing a contemporary design philosophy that is understated yet sophisticated.

Lantern-inspired luminaires cast a warm, atmospheric glow, while hand-painted art, ornamental vases and considered materiality add texture and narrative throughout the space. The tonal palette, rich in earthy hues and muted opulence, subtly references classic oriental motifs without veering into pastiche.

Culinary Precision, Elevated Setting With a seating capacity of over 70, Fat Choy offers an elegant yet approachable setting for indulging in bold, flavour-forward Chinese cuisine. Crafted to balance familiarity with finesse, the menu is a celebration of time-honoured classics, executed with modern precision - and served with an ease that reflects the restaurant’s hospitality-first ethos.

Fat Choy is not merely a restaurant - it is an immersive experience. It invites patrons to pause, savour and engage with a space where every architectural gesture and culinary note is carefully considered. The synergy between Raya Shankhwalker Architects and Ali Haji results in a concept that feels both intimate and expansive - a space where cultural memory, contemporary elegance and soulful cuisine converge seamlessly.