The man who made us believe in the magic of six sixes, the thrill of real-life comebacks, and the power of a well-timed “Yuvraj-ism” has found a new way to steal the spotlight. We’re talking about Yuvraj Singh, the genius who once smashed Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over, now serving up something even more satisfying than a last-ball boundary: his very own restaurant – KOCA – Kitchen of Celebratory Arts. But this isn’t just any restaurant. This is also not just his tribute to home-cooked comforts and heartfelt flavours. This is a restaurant with Pan-Asian and global influences, powered by a Punjabi’s deep-rooted passion for food and hospitality.
Think of it as the perfect blend of a cricketing masterclass and a gastronomic delight. The vibes? As electric as a World Cup final. And the food? Flavours that hit harder than a Yuvraj Singh pull shot.
When I asked Yuvraj what’s more nerve-racking – food critics or facing fast bowlers, he was prompt to answer “facing my wife, when she bounces me.” “You missed a key point, a hungry wife,” Hazel Keech quipped in. And, let’s be honest, probably a few ‘hangry wife’ moments also led to the creation of a menu as bold as his cricket shots.
What makes KOCA the real MVP of Gurugram’s food scene is that it doesn’t scream Yuvraj right from the moment you walk in. As Hazel believes, most restaurants opened by cricketers or stars shut down because the guest list is very very exclusive, it’s their fans. So at KOCA, he doesn’t want just his fans. He wants people to have an experience, the experience of a good meal and great stories over food. In Hazel’s words, “He is not a celebrity endorsing a product, he is a partner in the restaurant.”
While the ambience at the restaurant is “not about Yuvi”, there is, however, a special “Yuvi’s Favourites” menu, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories. Handcrafted by Chef Megha Kohli and Chef Noah, the menu pays homage to comforting childhood flavours, featuring standout dishes like Kadhi Chawal Risotto, Rajma Avocado Galouti, Smokey Cottage Cheese Tikka, Yakitori, Dal Dhungaree, and Seafood Linguine. KOCA also offers a thoughtfully curated vegan menu, reflecting Yuvraj’s commitment to mindful and sustainable eating.
The latest venture under Glamosphere Hospitality, founded by Shobhit Aggarwal and Kapil Goel, with ambitious plans for expansion across India and internationally. Bringing to life the vision of Yuvraj Singh and his partner Deepak Sahni, KOCA spans 14,000 sq. ft. across two floors with a seating capacity of 500 guests. Open from 11 am to 2 am, KOCA officially opens its doors on April 12, 2025.
Speaking about the launch, Yuvraj Singh shared, “KOCA is more than just a restaurant—it’s a dream brought to life. My love for food has always been personal, and I wanted to create a space that reflects my journey and the flavours I cherish. From comforting childhood dishes to contemporary global creations, KOCA is all about celebrating food, flavours, and togetherness. I can’t wait for people to experience it.”
So, whether you’ve followed his career from the stands or you’re just here for the food, this place promises to be more than just a pit stop – it’s a full-on experience.