The iconic United Coffee House in Delhi, with an 80-year legacy, thrives under Akash Kalra's
leadership as the third-generation head. Growing up surrounded by culinary excellence and
business expertise, Kalra's natural passion for food was destined.
Equipped with a Delhi University degree and various hospitality and entrepreneurial courses,
he assumed control of the United Group in his twenties, successfully turning it into a
renowned pan-Indian brand.
The United Coffee House story harks back to the early 1930s, a time when undivided India
encompassed Delhi, Lahore, and Sialkot. Amid the vibrant tapestry of the capital city, a
burgeoning awareness of its significant business potential led to the inception of Delhi's
inaugural café, the United Coffee House.
Reviving the fading iconic UCH recipes, Kalra deeply understands his patrons. Amidst the
fast-casual dining era, he expertly balances tradition and innovation, securing his legacy.
The UCH menu now features over 400 dishes from various world cuisines, a testament to his
unwavering commitment.
Having mastered fine dining, he conceptualized United Coffee House Rewind – a contemporary
casual dining spot catering to diverse generations. Rewind is operational in Delhi, Gurgaon,
Noida, Faridabad and Chandigarh. Furthermore, the United Group boasts a distinctive Quick
Service Restaurant (QSR) brand known as Maska, specializing in a delightful fusion of Indian
and Chinjabi cuisine. With a present presence of six flourishing outposts and an additional
two in the pipeline for the Delhi NCR, Maska caters to a diverse range of dining
preferences. It offers patrons the choice of a cozy dine-in experience, the convenience of
doorstep delivery, and the modern efficiency of cloud kitchen formats, ensuring a versatile
culinary experience that caters to various tastes and dining styles.
With over 30 years of steering this legacy, Kalra envisions leaving a distinct imprint on
the Indian culinary landscape in the years ahead.
