An Indian palette of materials, from terrazzo flooring to Kadappa stone and pebbles, have been incorporated to transport you to an island state of mind,” says Rai, adding that with the same context, they designed the cafe to have a tropical-inspired vibe and a menu inspired by lands that touch the Indian Ocean. “We’ve infused little delights like incorporating small plates for sharing. The menu is largely seasonal and locally-sourced where possible. We worked with the DLF to open up the facade for natural light, being big fans of retail and food being integrated to allow lingering and conversations,” he says. Rai says that Nicobar is designed to be a collaborative brand since it believes in the power of the ecosystem. “We have set out to build a brand rooted in a culture of transparency and collaboration with a focus on an ecosystem of creative entrepreneurs and not just a standalone brand. We have collaborated with Caara for NicoCaara for a farm-to-plate restaurant, housed at our flagship store at The Chanakya