Akash Kalra

The iconic United Coffee House in Delhi, with an 80-year legacy, thrives under Mr. Akash Kalra’s leadership as the third-generation head. Growing up surrounded by culinary excellence and business expertise, Mr. 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. Mr. Kalra, the 3rd generation owner and MD, of United Group stands as a staunch guardian of UCH’s rich historical tapestry, painstakingly nurtured over years of unwavering commitment. His formative years were dedicated to the preservation and rejuvenation of UCH’s timeless recipes, skilfully straddling the line between tradition and modernity. He considers himself fortunate to have played a pivotal role in the institution’s remarkable journey within the realm of Indian gastronomy, spanning over seven decades.

His formative years were dedicated to the preservation and rejuvenation of UCH’s timeless recipes, skilfully straddling the line between tradition and modernity.

Reviving the fading iconic UCH recipes, Mr. 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, Mr. Akash Kalra 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.

UCH’s expansion plans include cities like Bombay and Kolkata, rich in colonial heritage. Meanwhile, United Coffee House Rewind caters to casual diners.

With over 33 years of steering this legacy, Mr. Kalra –Times Restaurateur of Year 2025-  envisions leaving a distinct imprint on the Indian culinary landscape in the years ahead.