NAAR and Quintonil: Bringing a taste of Mexico to the Himalayas

For food lovers and cocktail aficionados alike, January 2026 saw a rare culinary moment unfold in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. Destination restaurant NAAR hosted an exclusive collaboration with Quintonil, one of Mexico’s most celebrated fine-dining restaurants, with Don Julio at the heart of the experience. Set against pine forests and the mountain air of Kasauli, the two-day pop-up brought together food, culture and craft across borders.

At the centre of the collaboration was Don Julio, the iconic tequila brand, whose presence tied the entire experience together, both at the bar and on the table.

NAAR and the Himalayan philosophy

Located in Kasauli, NAAR is led by chef Prateek Sadhu, known for his deeply personal approach to Himalayan cuisine. The restaurant works closely with local farmers, drawing from the region’s produce, climate and traditions. Every dish is rooted in place and shaped by the seasons. It has quickly become a destination for diners seeking thoughtful, ingredient-driven food that feels both fresh and refined.

Quintonil’s Mexican perspective

Joining Sadhu was chef Jorge Vallejo of Quintonil, Mexico City’s globally acclaimed restaurant that consistently ranks among the world’s best. Quintonil is known for its modern interpretation of Mexican cuisine, built on native ingredients, traditional flavours and contemporary technique. 

At NAAR, the two chefs came together to create a collaborative tasting menu that explored the amalgamation of and common ground between Mexican and Himalayan ingredients, techniques and philosophies. The result was more of a thoughtful exchange than a forced fusion, with each cuisine allowed to speak its own distinct language while co-living in harmony.

Don Julio at the bar and beyond

Don Julio’s role extended far beyond a simple mix. The cocktails added a sophisticated layer to the experience, balancing bold flavours with smooth, refined profile.

All in all, the Don Julio x NAAR x Quintonil collaboration was a celebration of shared values. For those who attended, it was a rare opportunity to experience two culinary worlds engage in a dialogue, brought together by a tequila that knows how to hold its own, no matter the place or mood.

All images: The brand

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