MAKATI CITY — A new culinary chapter is unfolding in San Antonio Village as Agni by Mantra opens its doors on the ground floor of Comuna along P. Ocampo Senior Extension. The restaurant represents a bold evolution for restaurateur Ranjit Chimni, the force behind the well-loved Mantra Indian Kitchen & Bar in Legazpi Village. Named after the Sanskrit word for fire, Agni offers a more refined, reservation-only experience that explores India's vast regional cuisines through contemporary plates and thoughtful service. It stands as a testament to how a familiar cuisine can be reimagined with depth, nuance, and a deep respect for tradition.
From Comfort Food to Regional Exploration
For nearly a decade, Mantra has been a go-to destination for familiar Indian comfort food, from butter chicken to palak paneer. Agni marks a deliberate departure from that model, shifting toward a more curated, single-serve dining format that highlights the diversity of the subcontinent's culinary traditions. Chimni himself draws a clear line between the two ventures: "Mantra is about comfort and continuity. Agni is where ideas will evolve." The new restaurant stays true to authentic flavors while presenting them in a more thoughtful and modern way. The transition reflects a personal progression for Chimni, who moved to the Philippines in 2008 for a BPO career before opening Mantra. With Agni, he has assembled a specialized team, bringing expert chefs from India to ensure technical precision and authenticity. The menu is built on a foundation of organic produce, house-ground masalas, and time-honored techniques, executed with a distinctly contemporary sensibility.
Signature Dishes Rooted in Regional Tradition
Agni's menu reads like a journey through India's diverse culinary regions, offering diners a chance to explore flavors beyond the familiar. The Beef Galouti Kebab, a legendary specialty from Lucknow, is famously melt-in-your-mouth tender, a dish originally created, as lore suggests, for a toothless king. The Meen Pollichathu features juicy Kerala sea bass generously spiced with coastal masala and roasted in a banana leaf to lock in bright, herbaceous flavors. For a touch of decadence, the Maine Lobster is poached in butter and paired with a charu-style mango reduction, saffron rice, and a rich prawn bisque-infused sauce. The team has also reimagined beloved classics, including the Smoked Butter Chicken, which uses meticulously roasted cashews in its velvety makhani sauce and is served with chili-cheese naan. The Lamb Shank Nihari is a slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone success in a rich, layered gravy. Vegetarian options abound, from the Lassoni Saag Burrata to the Daab Chingri, a comforting curry built around young coconut, mustard seeds, green chili, and plump Black Tiger prawns.
A Space Designed for Intimate Dining
The restaurant spans two floors, with a design that pairs a moody, textured aesthetic with comfortable seating. Terracotta-toned walls and deep purple velvet upholstery give the room a warm, layered feel, while dark stone tiles anchor the space. The visual anchor is a large two-story painting of an orange-violet flame rising from the ground, a direct nod to the restaurant's name. The overall effect is an atmosphere that feels both considered and calming, a welcome retreat from the pace of the surrounding city. The bar program continues Chimni's advocacy for Indian spirits, featuring a premier collection of Indian single malt whiskies such as Rampur, Indri, and Godawan, alongside artisanal cocktails that incorporate the cuisine's defining flavors. Signature pours include the Masala Shaam, a boozy milk tea, and the Darjeeling Tea highball.
Plan Your Visit
Agni by Mantra is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and is closed on Mondays. Reservations are recommended, and the restaurant can be reached at 0927 678 4041. It is located at G/F Comuna Building, 238 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Extension, San Antonio Village, Makati City. For diners seeking Indian cuisine beyond the expected, Agni presents a dining experience defined by regional authenticity, meticulous technique, and an atmosphere built for unhurried evenings.
