Category: Home Kitchen

Joy Crizildaa and ‘Madhampatty’ Rangaraj | Photo Credit: Instagram/@joycrizildaa, @madhampatty_rangaraj Madhampatty Thangavelu Hospitality Private Limited has approached the Madras High Court to restrain costume designer Joy Crizildaa, who claims to have married one of the directors of the catering company, from disparaging the “goodwill and reputation” of the unregistered trademark ‘Madhampatty Pakashala.’ Justice N. Senthilkumar,…

Geetham, all outlets in Chennai city Geetham celebrates Onam with an elaborate vegetarian Sadhya of over 25 traditional dishes. The spread features curries such as erisseri, and uli theeyal, and a variety of pradhamans. Guests can pre-book the feast for dine-in, takeaway or home delivery, while those looking for a small festive touch can opt…

Cuddalore District Hotel Owners Association flagging off delivery services of the Chidambaram-based online food delivery platform, Zaaroz, in Cuddalore on September 1, 2025 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Ending ties with online food aggregator giants such as Swiggy and Zomato, the Cuddalore District Hotel Owners Association has now joined hands with homegrown food aggregator, Zaaroz, for…

What does 4 pm mean for you? For most school children, it is the quick joy of a veg puff or an egg puff after school, or a bajji on the way back from tuition classes. For office-goers, it is a break from routine—a short walk with colleagues to the nearest tea shop, where a…

Tree of Treats, a weekend home cafe located at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, comes to life at five on Friday evenings. The fairy lights wrapped around the name board, patio furniture arranged on the front porch, and wobbly puddings soaked in sauce or coated in toasted coconut welcome customers to this makeshift eatery. The place is an…

At Avartana, drumsticks — wrapped in a crunchy gram flour coat — look like they hopped off the Met Gala red carpet. Buttermilk — spiked with pepper, jaggery, beans, asparagus and toasted almonds — resembles an embroidered sari with pink-yellow petals and green leaves. The award-winning restaurant, launched in Chennai in 2017, is known for…

Prarthana Prasad says that her founding of Beku, a café, bakery, and bookstore, which just opened its doors to the public, came from a very “selfish place of creating the kind of space that I would have loved to go to.” The Bengaluru-based queer influencer says there are not many experiential places in the city,…

If you wish to experience a truly heartfelt meal infused with love, nostalgia and tradition, look no further than the authentic Iranian–Persian home-cooked creations of Nasrin Karimi. From the almond gum and sabja seed based lemon drink to the Persian ice cream infused with saffron and rose water, Nasrin crafts meals that bring together delicate…

Chef Harish Rao – HOSA, Goa Goa is in the thick of its monsoon. And amidst the fragrance of petrichor, Chef Harish Rao’s kitchen is awash with the whiff of pepper rasam. “During the monsoon, I like something spicy and soothing,” says the chef who is originally from Chennai. He likes to pair this rasam…

Chef Harish Rao – HOSA, Goa Goa is in the thick of its monsoon. And amidst the fragrance of petrichor, Chef Harish Rao’s kitchen is awash with the whiff of pepper rasam. “During the monsoon, I like something spicy and soothing,” says the chef who is originally from Chennai. He likes to pair this rasam…

The culinary disposition of Punjab, unlike its geographic landscape, remains undivided. It spells the fusion of hearty, robust and fiery palate coupled with cooking techniques that date back to the Harappan civilisation. Fortunately, you do not have to travel back in time to taste the heritage of Punjabi cuisine. It has a new address —…

It is easy to miss Pizzeria Toto at Ulloor, in Thiruvananthapuram, while driving if not for the sign of an illuminated cartoon pizza slice topped with pepperoni standing next to it. Fairy lights dangle down the eatery’s face, leading up to a rustic porch, with wall lamps casting shadows on a textured white wall. A…

Bunuma Patgiri | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The Leela Palace Chennai presents the seventh edition of Shefs at The Leela in collaboration with ‘Dean With Us’ — the mother-daughter duo of Rupali and Akanksha Dean. The event honours the transformative role of Indian women chefs who are shaping the future of gastronomy. After past editions…

Salty Nerd Vodka flavours | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT In a market that worships tradition and legacy, a new player has come along to stir the pot — literally. The latest formulate of Blisswater Industries, Salty Nerd Vodka, is now available in stores across the UAE, Goa, and Karnataka and will make its presence in…

Food delivery service through Zaaroz in Namakkal commenced after a puja at Anjaneyar temple on July 7, 2025 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The restaurant owners in Namakkal who stopped receiving food orders from online food delivery majors like Swiggy and Zomato, have now shifted to a new online food delivery aggregator, Zaaroz, which only…

Originating in the 1980s, the story of boba starts in the tiny traditional tea shops of Taiwan. These shops used to sell cold tea, a popular beverage back then, which later got an additional ingredient added — the boba pearls. These instantly became a hit and soon spread across the globe.  Popularly known as zhēnzhū…

Watch | What is a Michelin Star? Origin and history explained  | Video Credit: Shikha Kumari A | Sharmada Venkatasubramanian | Shivaraj S What is a Michelin Star? Ever wondered why it’s called the “Oscars of food” and what tyres have to do with it? In this video, we break down the surprising history of the…

A la carte dishes in the menu from Aakhol_Hyderabad | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement There is no greater joy than tucking into a comfort meal you did not have to cook. If that meal happens to be Assamese, and you are in Hyderabad, it hits differently. That is what happened to me when a common…

A la carte dishes in the menu from Aakhol_Hyderabad | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement There is no greater joy than tucking into a comfort meal you did not have to cook. If that meal happens to be Assamese, and you are in Hyderabad, it hits differently. That is what happened to me when a common…

An assortment of popular dishes at Madurai Kullappa Mess | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Now, find the flavours of Madurai in the heart of Chennai. At Madurai Kullappa Mess, the menu is built around meat: ghee mutton chukka, brain masala, liver fry, and head and trotters curry. However, it is the seafood here that seems…

Amsavalli Bhavan in Madurai is among the oldest restaurants in the city. | Photo Credit: MOORTHY G It is not yet 9am when a man arrives at Amsavalli carrying a steel thookuvali and a cloth bag. The hum of workers getting the parcel counter ready fills the air, and he waits patiently as uthappams and…

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade | Photo Credit: Pexels Lemons, with their bright yellow hue and tart flavour, are a staple of cuisines and households around the world. From culinary dishes and refreshing beverages to cleaning products and medicinal uses, lemons have definitely earned a special place in human history. From continents to…

Casamigo restaurant interiors | Photo Credit: Nainu Oommen The wicker basket of toasted bread and butter placed on a table covered with a green plaid tablecloth at Casamigo transports you to an Italian supper setting. Resembling a European bakery, the bistro, located at Ambalathumukku in Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram, reveals a cosy interior with warm hues illuminated…

As a Tamilian born and raised in Singapore, 69-year-old Chef Devagi Sanmugam, connects to her roots through the rich aromatic world of spices. In Chennai to curate Ayalagam, a food festival that celebrates Tamil flavours from Singapore and Malaysia, Devagi shares her culinary journey and how she blends tradition with innovation. “The title resonated with…

Illustration | Photo Credit: Saai To survive the many splendours of Sri City, where I live part of the year, one must get away every so often. Weekending in Chennai is the easiest option.  For several of my colleagues, Chennai means concerts. For others, it means stocking up on miso and pesto. For yet others, it…

The Organic Shandy, Mylapore Native mango varieties reign this year says organic farmer and co-founder of Organic Shandy, PB Murali. He adds that the mango season in Tamil Nadu has been quite the disaster so far, with farmers managing only about 20% of the expected yield. However, as they are all discovering, the heritage varieties…

The Organic Shandy, Mylapore Native mango varieties reign this year says organic farmer and co-founder of Organic Shandy, PB Murali. He adds that the mango season in Tamil Nadu has been quite the disaster so far, with farmers managing only about 20% of the expected yield. However, as they are all discovering, the heritage varieties…

You must be wondering why I am writing this. I am not an ingredient, nor something you enjoy munching on, but guess what? I am the one who knows all the secrets! I watch all your batter rise into cake and cookie dough, becoming crispy and golden. Nobody knows the details as much as I…

Yura Artisanal Scoops | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Brightly lit and thoughtfully designed, ITC Grand Chola’s gelato bar, named Yura – Artisanal Scoops, is inspired by the Japanese word that literally means ‘beautiful dream’, and offers an imaginative selection of gelatos, frozen yoghurt, sugar-free options and sorbets. Pastry chefs at ITC Grand Chola, Chef Sridhar…

Stepping inside Jaatra, the specialty restaurant of the newly-inaugurated Taj Puri Resort and Spa, feels like being transported into a beautifully-crafted time capsule. One that narrates the story of Odisha’s culinary heritage while paying homage to its Southeast Asian connections. Located at the beachside Taj Puri Resort and Spa in Odisha’s temple town of Puri,…

Representative image | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Tamil Nadu has banned the manufacture, storage, and sale of mayonnaise prepared from raw eggs for a period of one year with effect from April 8. The ban, issued in the interest of public health, is on the basis that mayonnaise made of raw eggs is a “high…

Remember that craving for homemade pickle, mulagu podi, chammanthi podi, poha, cookies and chivdawhen you were away from home? If you live or have lived away from home — either as a student or for work — you know it. And it was something Mumbai-based engineer Reshma Suresh felt intensely when she moved away from…

Apple milk, Madurai Apple mix or apple milk, an ice cream-like dessert served at Amsavalli Bhavan in Madurai. | Photo Credit: G. Moorthy Nothing much has changed at Amsavalli Bhavan on Madurai’s East Veli Street ever since it was started 75 years ago. The hand-painted signboard, mosaic flooring, a narrow flight of stairs that leads…

House of Klothberg | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement A blue wall with murals of cheerful sunflowers and dapper-looking girls has become an Instagrammable spot on Harrington Road. Beyond this vibrant facade lies the House of Klothberg which is a boutique, cafe, and ice cream parlour all rolled into one. The ground floor houses clothes, shoes…

What is adulteration, and what is its impact on our daily lives?

Growing up, Athira J was not a big fan of idlis. “If someone at home said we have idli for breakfast, my whole mood would be spoiled,” she says. However, now, Chaikaari, the eatery she runs with her cousin Arun Kumar BS, sells around 2.5 lakhs idlis a day, through its five outlets in the…

Kampot in Haralur Road | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement After its debut at Ecoworld, Kampot has opened its second outlet on Haralur Road, just off Sarjapur Road. The restaurant brings together Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Korean cuisines with a live ramen, sushi, and dim sum bar, curated wine cocktails, and an ambiance that balances chic modernity…

Bengaluru, for all its tech-driven energy, is not exactly a city that never sleeps. Unlike Mumbai’s 3 am vada pav stalls or Delhi’s all-night paratha joints, most of Bengaluru winds down before midnight. Late at night, the roads empty, streetlights hum in solitude, and even the city’s famous cafés shut their doors. But during Ramzan,…

The CSIR-CFTRI will be organising the event in Mysuru on April 11, 2025. | Photo Credit: M A Sriram Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, will be organising a network meeting on probiotics, postbiotics and fermented foods in collaboration with BioNEST on April 11. This network meeting will…

Haleem and parathas dished out at Hotel Daspalla for Ramzan in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak As the holy month of Ramzan unfolds, the streets of Visakhapatnam come alive with the aroma of haleem simmering in large cauldrons. This hearty dish is a rich blend of meat, lentils, wheat, and aromatic spices, pounded to…

Abid’s Abid Zahid, the proprietor of Abid’s, has made elaborate arrangements for Iftar and Salah (prayer) this Ramzan. The buffet features flavours from Hyderabad, West Asia and Kerala, offering a variety of juices, snacks, kebabs, biryani, mandi, nombu kanji, and an assortment of desserts. New additions to this year’s menu include fried chicken, bun kebabs,…

It was not always a food hub. Race Course Road, one of Coimbatore’s most prominent stretches, has had many lives. Originally, it was exactly what its name suggests: a racecourse where thoroughbred horses once thundered down the track. As the races faded into history, the land gave way to quiet, tree-lined residential streets. Bungalows with…

Naga food available at Nagaland House in Delhi | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Birthday lunches tend to be heavy affairs — full of special dishes cooked in elaborate ways. And that is why I remember in particular a birthday meal with a very simple menu hosted by a friend many years ago. She had invited…

Naga food available at Nagaland House in Delhi | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Birthday lunches tend to be heavy affairs — full of special dishes cooked in elaborate ways. And that is why I remember in particular a birthday meal with a very simple menu hosted by a friend many years ago. She had invited…

ETC has a seating capacity of 30 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Elba Trading Co. (ETC). which specialises in fresh handmade pasta, has introduced a weekend brunch featuring a six-course authentic Italian dining experience. The small restaurant has been open exclusively for dinner since its launch in December 2023, leading to a reputation for queues,…

A bamboo structure rises skyward, inspired by the various headgears of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal communities. Discarded fishing nets repurposed into walls enclose a space that echoes the raw charm of Kerala’s toddy shops. Elsewhere, a visual feast of Himalayan foraged ingredients comes to life on hand-painted tableware. Walking through ‘The Gathering’ is like stepping into a…

Heavy demand: Jannathul Firdous, a home-baker, conducts Bento cake workshops. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam It is undeniable that the younger population of Chennai has wrapped the Pinterest aesthetic around them in full force. From the drip of their outfits to cafe-hopping, the aesthetic consumption has seeped into their core. And this is when…

Fish fry at Kongunadu | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements Chef Lakshmi Divya Harshini always wanted to learn pastry making, but she had to wait until she turned 23. “My grandfather wasn’t ready to allow me to travel abroad alone, even though I had a master’s degree in international business,” she recalls. Once she completed her…

The framed front page of a leading daily from the day India got independence, a grandmother’s old wooden comb, centuries-old sword — for a minute, I mistake it for someone’s home. But this is Ikk Punjab, a fine dining restaurant by Rajan and Deepika Sethi of Bright Hospitality in Connaught Place, the heart of New Delhi. As…

From the outside, Adam’s Pizza does not look like a takeaway restaurant. One might easily pass it by without knowing it is a pizzeria. But the regulars know it, students and IT professionals, too, know of it. Adam’s Pizza is a slice of passion and love for Sanoop AK and Jithu George. Opened on March…

Extremely curious about the buzz around ramen, we headed to Tony’s Kitchen at Kacheripady, in Kochi, where we were greeted with a visual treat and a surprise for the tastebuds. Miso ramen arrives in a white ramen bowl. Under the dark broth hides the noodles, placed on it were four slices of chicken and a…

An exclusive cycling competition will be conducted for kids in the age group of 8 to 12 in a safe environment | Photo Credit: The Hindu The Chennai Cycling Thiruvizha is a carnival dedicated to all things cycling. This annual event brings together cyclists, the general public, and businesses, creating a space to engage and…

From the outside, Adam’s Pizza does not look like a takeaway restaurant. One might easily pass it by without knowing it is a pizzeria. But the regulars know it, students and IT professionals, too, know of it. Adam’s Pizza is a slice of passion and love for Sanoop AK and Jithu George. Opened on March…

For 25-year-old Vrinda Vinod, who lost her grandfather to high blood pressure, an affinity towards healthy food started at a young age with her mother bringing in a healthy twist while packing her lunch boxes to school. Following her graduation from a law school in Bengaluru , Vrinda returned to the city and converted their…

The ₹5-crore double decker boat can accommodate up to 125 persons at a time.  Tamil Nadu’s first floating restaurant was opened on the backwaters of Muttukadu near Chennai. The ₹5-crore double decker boat can accommodate up to 125 persons at a time.  Tourism Minister R. Rajendran and MSME Minister T. M. Anbarasan inaugurated the boat…

There are countless push-cart vendors serving biryani throughout the day and night, contributing to the widespread availability of this popular dish. The biryani market in Tamil Nadu is a culinary powerhouse, with a staggering valuation at ₹10,000 crore. Those tracking the food business in Tamil Nadu explained that the organised market is pegged at ₹2,500…

Sahitya Akademi award winner Nanjil Nadan’s book ‘Nanjil Naatu Unavu’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Food is an integral part of society, and like the fine arts, it flourishes in regions where basic human needs are met. The food habits — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian — of Nanjil Nadu in Kanniyakumari district are, in a…

When it comes to conservation messaging, two distinct approaches often emerge. The first is a celebration — showcasing the planet’s wonders, like the comforting bird songs at dawn or the life-giving shade of an ancient forest. It gently reminds us of what stands to be lost. The second approach, stark and urgent, holds up a…

Ciclo cafe | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Pumpkin Tales The team at Pumpkin Tales has curated a wide range of Christmas goodies for the season. They offer assorted cookie boxes (₹550, four pieces) that feature an assortment of Christmas-themed cookies; an assorted cupcake box (₹500) with flavors such as coffee, mixed berry, salted caramel, and…

Fruit mixing | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As the air turns chill and holiday lights twinkle in every corner, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked plum cakes wafts through the city, signalling the arrival of Christmas. The rich, dark cakes, brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of festive spirits, are more than just…

Mallippo idli in nalli kuzhambu | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M Ayira meen kulambu, a quintessentially Madurai dish often served alongside steaming idlis, rice and idiyappams, is a blend of tamarind, spices, and perfected culinary techniques over many generations. But the star of the delicious, tangy curry is the tiny worm-like ayira fish, known for its tender texture and taste, and sourced from the Vaigai Dam. “Ayirai is always bought alive and is a robust fish…

I have reached an age when everything is too loud. Bars, concerts, and the inevitably rambunctious family sitting beside me at a restaurant. So, I am intrigued when I hear whispers about a speakeasy launching in Chennai. Especially since — for once — it is being curated for a crowd that has outgrown tequila shots,…

In the last couple of years, te.gism, the “fruit with a dot in its name”, has caught the imagination of wine lovers in the Northeast who fancy non-grape elixirs. Also known as the Himalayan cherry (Prunus jenkinsii), this fruit that grows in the jungles of Meghalaya’s Garo Hills remained virtually unknown until botanists documented it less…

A sustainable Deepavali gift hamper by Dhanak Naturals. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT As Deepavali approaches, the art of gifting takes centre stage. It’s time to spread festive joy with thoughtful gifts that not only celebrate the spirit of the festival but also offer a deeper connection to conscious living, supporting local craftsmanship and natural…

A sustainable Deepavali gift hamper by Dhanak Naturals. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT As Deepavali approaches, the art of gifting takes centre stage. It’s time to spread festive joy with thoughtful gifts that not only celebrate the spirit of the festival but also offer a deeper connection to conscious living, supporting local craftsmanship and natural…

Active at night: The area is home to IT companies and start-ups. Many of their employees step out for a snack at night. | Photo Credit: Sangeetha Kandavel V.M. Food Street on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) has emerged as a vibrant night destination for college students, information technology professionals, and food enthusiasts. With an array…

Anna Samuel | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Anna Samuel gifted her a father-in-law a potted succulent on his birthday. He kept it on a shelf with his collection of cacti. “When it was time to cut the birthday cake, I brought it to the table. That is when he realised it was a cake!” says…

Homemade with fresh produce, these jams, concentrates and preserves are not the run-of-the-mill sweet spreads that pass off as fruit treats in the market. These fruity treats capture the warmth and sweetness of the sun and the rain in glass jars. Made without preservatives, artificial colours or flavours, these homemade delicacies celebrate the fruit in…

People enjoying a meal at Circars Bistro, a new American and continental dining space in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak Stepping into Circars Bistro, you’re greeted by a blend of casual yet retro design with just enough cozy elements to make it feel inviting. Ajay Mallareddy, already a well-known name in Visakhapatnam’s food scene…

Navaratri is here and the dolls that are safely bubble wrapped and stored in the attic have been brought out and arranged thematically on the golu padi (steps) and decorated with lights and flowers. It is that time of the year when friends and family visit golus, taking time out to socialise. The trend today…

One of South India’s most popular wedding caterers, Mountbatten Mani Iyer, passed away at the age of 92 on September 22. Mount Iyer as he was fondly called, took South Indian weddings by storm by creating tasty versions of familiar dishes. He specialised in cooking for massive gatherings and had a celebrated career spanning six…

Ishtaa in Jaynagar, Bangalore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Bang smack in the middle of Jayanagar’s bustling best is Ishtaa — a vegetarian restaurant where you can start your day trying something new or relax by indulging in the familiar comfort food of punugulu, pappu avakaya annam, rago sangati and more. Brought to you by…

The Brewers Association of India has expressed fears that forcing brewers to put ingredients on the label was “discriminatory and amounts to forcing the beer manufacturers to share confidential and privileged information in public domain.” | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto Karnataka government’s proposal asking beer manufacturers to declare the sugar content in the beer on…

Watch: Hyderabad’s Chika Cafe serves coffee-infused gulab jamun 

The newly launched Woodlands Drive-In funtions at a one-acre land in Arumbakkam | Photo Credit: Thamodharan B For those of us who grew up in Madras, the memory of Woodlands Drive-in will never fade away. The restaurant, where you could eat dosas from metal trays clamped to your car, was a peaceful retreat from the…

This Independence Day, the worlds of food and Nature will collaborate to bring down Mumbai’s increasingly warm temperatures in a bid to invite more butterflies and birds to Mahalaxmi that lies at the heart of the city.  To make this happen, The Bombay Canteen as part of its 10th annual Independence Day Daawat has collaborated…

Berry Cheesecake | Photo Credit: Thamodharan B For a month and a half now, a jali work facade on Montieth Road has been the object of much intrigue. Morning walkers, passers-by, residents of the locality, have popped their heads in to find out what this massive space encloses within. This is The Madras Taproom, a…

When the British settled in the Nilgiris, Coonoor, Kateri, Kotagiri, the slopes round Kalhatti, and the higher parts of Ootacamund were found suitable for apple cultivation since frost did not settle there.  | Photo Credit: M. Sathyamoorthy The Nilgiris is synonymous with the Ooty apple. The fruit, known for its numerous health benefits, was introduced…

SSS Keshav Krishna, founder of Cheers Chocolates, at a workshop Cheers Chocolates’ newly launched outlet is like a Lego store, but for chocolates. It is a riot of colour with red, yellow, blue, green chocolates and dragees lined up against the glass counter. As the kitchen door opens, the rich aroma of tempered chocolate wafts…

SSS Keshav Krishna, founder of Cheers Chocolates, at a workshop Cheers Chocolates’ newly launched outlet is like a Lego store, but for chocolates. It is a riot of colour with red, yellow, blue, green chocolates and dragees lined up against the glass counter. As the kitchen door opens, the rich aroma of tempered chocolate wafts…

Maplai virundhu at Madras Maplai | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement High school buddies, Jerome Fenelon and D Badrinarayan, were always interested in the world of cooking and food. Five years ago, they decided to pursue this passion more seriously. After attempting to understand this industry, they have now launched their fine dining restaurant, Madras Maplai….

Idaaya sipping rum | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement It was while sipping on what she calls “a really nice rum” sometime during the lockdown, that Delhi-based Karishma Manga Bedi and her husband Samrath Bedi arrived at the unfortunate conclusion that there is no rum from India in the prestige segment which has managed to create a…

Idaaya sipping rum | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement It was while sipping on what she calls “a really nice rum” sometime during the lockdown, that Delhi-based Karishma Manga Bedi and her husband Samrath Bedi arrived at the unfortunate conclusion that there is no rum from India in the prestige segment which has managed to create a…

Sudanese entrepreneur Julie Samir’s dream of opening a restaurant has finally come true, but it’s a bittersweet achievement after she fled to Egypt from her war-torn homeland of Sudan. Now, Ms. Samir has one aim for her menu: winning over the palate of Egyptians with a taste of Sudan’s complex culinary traditions, born from a…

Sherlock’s Lounge and Kitchen | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “When does the ladies night start?” enquired a bevy of ladies, who were dressed to the nines and were ready to dance and party while Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ blasted from the speakers in Sherlock’s Lounge and Kitchen.  The resto-bar was filled to the brim on a Wednesday…

There is no paneer on this vegetarian menu. Mumbai’s recently opened Avatara won a Michelin award in Dubai last year for a good reason. Now the world’s first and only vegetarian, Indian and one-Michelin-star restaurant, it finds imaginative ways to use local vegetables that people dislike, overlook or take for granted. Bitter gourd, for instance,…

Rampyari Chaiwala Netaji Bhajiawala on Sarjapur Road | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As the sun makes its descent into the horizon, a buzz builds up around a nook on Sarjapur Road. Nestled between a bakery and a Hot Chips store, Rampyari Chaiwala Netaji Bhajiawala is where corporate employees, two-wheeled service providers and daily wage earners…

There is no paneer on this vegetarian menu. Mumbai’s recently opened Avatara won a Michelin award in Dubai last year for a good reason. Now the world’s first and only vegetarian, Indian and one-Michelin-star restaurant, it finds imaginative ways to use local vegetables that people dislike, overlook or take for granted. Bitter gourd, for instance,…

Rampyari Chaiwala Netaji Bhajiawala on Sarjapur Road | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement As the sun makes its descent into the horizon, a buzz builds up around a nook on Sarjapur Road. Nestled between a bakery and a Hot Chips store, Rampyari Chaiwala Netaji Bhajiawala is where corporate employees, two-wheeled service providers and daily wage earners…

Entrance to Nowana | Photo Credit: Sangita Rajan A restaurant with outdoor seating and no air conditioning is rarely the first choice on a sweltering summer afternoon. Yet, there I was, at Nowana’s verdant outdoor space in Auroville. Brushing up on my chopstick skills, and sipping on an ice-cold kombucha keeps me distracted from Puducherry’s…

Creamy Palooda | Photo Credit: Shakira Banu Shakira Banu cannot imagine an Iftar without homemade palooda. No cousin of falooda, palooda is a popular dish that is part of Iftar in Northern Kerala, especially Kannur. A home-cook, Shakira says her mother, who has her roots in Marthandam in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, learned to make…

Creamy Palooda | Photo Credit: Shakira Banu Shakira Banu cannot imagine an Iftar without homemade palooda. No cousin of falooda, palooda is a popular dish that is part of Iftar in Northern Kerala, especially Kannur. A home-cook, Shakira says her mother, who has her roots in Marthandam in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, learned to make…

Mangaloren Goli Bajji | Photo Credit: Johan Satyadas Ingredients 1 cup – Maida ½ cup – Curd 2 tsp – Minced curry leaves 2 tsp – Chopped coriander leaves  2 tsp – Jeera 2 tsp – Minced ginger 2 tsp – Chopped green chilli Salt – to taste Oil – to fry Preparation 1.Mix all…

Rasam | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Orange rasam Ingredients 1 cup – orange juice 1 tbsp – moong dal (soaked and boiled) Chopped coriander leaves (for garnish) 1 tsp – lemon juice 1 – orange rind (grated) 3 slit green chillies A few curry leaves 1 tsp – mustard seeds 1/2 tsp – asafoetida Himalayan…

Arisi Paruppu sadam Ingredients Ponni rice 200 grams Toor dal 200grams Small onions peeled 100 grams Red chillies 6 nos Tomato 50 grams Sesame oil 100 grams Mustard 1/2 tsp Jeera 1/4 tsp Sambar powder 10 grams Turneric powder 1/2 tsp Curry leaves a sprig Salt to taste Water 750 ml Preparation 1.Soak rice and…

Akki roti with eggs and greens by chef Kavan Kuttappa | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Chefs don’t usually get a lot of time at home. I live in a family home in Bengaluru so I am spending a lot of time with my parents. It has given us the time to bond better. At home,…

Maayaa restaurant, Bengaluru | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Maayaa has a warmly lit ambience with tropical-inspired décor, adorned with banana and palm tree wallpapers, golden cane lamps, and plush velvet-clad orange sofas that are in harmony with the chic black-and-white flooring. Conveniently situated on the ground floor of a building that houses office spaces, the…

Fresh salad. Mixed falling vegetables in bowl on white background Ingredients ceberg Lettuce 100 grms Broccoli50 gm Chickpea boiled25 gm Kidney beans (cooked)25 grms Red pepper30 grms Green pepper30 grms Feta cheese (or Tofu)20grms Flax seed15 grms Vinaigrette dressing30 ml Preparation 1.Break the lettuce in small pieces, keep aside. 2.Cut the broccoli into small florets…

Abid’s Executive chef Mohammed Nizamudeen has introduced a few new items for Ramzan such as the Turkish lamb adona kebab, Russian cutlets, chicken cheese cigars and peri peri grilled chicken. The Arabian-style kebabs and snacks are the popular items. Abid Zahid, who runs the restaurant, says “This year we are providing vada along with nombu…

Ingredients Vegetable oil – 3 tbsp Cloves – 4 nos Green cardamom – 2 nos Cinnamon 1-inch stick Peppercorns – 10 nos Chicken breasts, 4 cut into 3 pieces each (I use chicken without skin but with bones) Onions, grated, 2 large Garlic paste – 1 tbsp Ginger paste – 1 tsp Salt as per…

Fresh homemade apple sauce Ingredients Apples – 4 large Zest and juice – 1-2 lemons, rind grated and juiced Water – 2 tablespoons Sugar – 2 tablespoons Cinnamon powder – 1/8 teaspoons Preparation 1.Peel, core and chop apples. 2.Combine apple, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to…

Beach Sundal | Photo Credit: K.V. Srinivasan Ingredients Pattani or dried white peas – 2 cups 1 big or 2 small tomatoes, pureed Finely chopped raw mango – 3 tbsp 1 big or 2 small onions, finely chopped Coconut, grated – 3 tbsp Garam masala – 1/4 tsp Chilli powder – 1/4 tsp Ginger-garlic paste…

Madras Chicken curry | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement This is an easy chicken curry recipe that has the deep flavours of a classic Indian curry, but is ready in less than an hour! It is made with spicy Madras curry powder and creamy coconut milk  Ingredients Gingelly oil – ¼ cup Chopped red onion about…

Thoran is a simple mixed vegetable stir fry that can be made with an array of vegetables. It is aromatic with shallots, garlic cumin and coconut oil. It is a compulsory component of an onam sadhya. Thoran Ingredients Mix vegetabless – 3 cups (I have used only carrots, cabbage and string beans. You can also…

Aviyal | Photo Credit: Special arrangement The recipe for Avial changes from kitchen-to-kitchen and is influenced by the vegetables used to flavour it. It comes with a curd-based sauce. By replacing curd with a plant-based yogurt, this wholesome dish can be enjoyed by vegans as well. While it is a quintessential part of Kerala cuisine,…

This bright pink pachadi is a side dish that can be made quickly and has the potential to elevate your sadya with sweetness from beetroot and sizzle from green chilli. Beetroot pachadi Ingredients Beetroot, medium size, peeled and grated – 2 Sate to taste Coconut, grated – 1/2 cup Green chilli- 2 Cumin/jeera 1 tsp…

Lamb Burger | Photo Credit: Special arrangement There is a class action lawsuit in the US against fast food giant Burger King that their signature Whopper burgers shown in images are allegedly 35% larger, with more than double the amount of meat compared to what was actually served to customers. Why worry over mass-produced, deceptive…

The most popular corner at Halo Cocktail bar and kitchen in Hyderabad for photos | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Here is a place where the outdoor seating will not want you to move from there. HaloCocktail bar and kitchen takes inspiration from Nature. Once inside, the interiors will take you by surprise as it is…

In the bustling streets of Mumbai’s Colaba with numerous restaurants to choose from, the recently-launched Araku stands out for its dedication to regenerative agriculture produce. Located on the ground floor of Sunny House, built by the Nawab of Surat in 1897, Araku is spread across 2,800 square feet, across two levels, and seats 55 diners. Designed…

Puran Da Dhaba is located on the 9th floor of The Pride Hotel | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Dinner begins with chicken shorba, recommended by executive chef Sheik Abdul Rab. It is soothing, served at the perfect temperature for a on a windy February evening. We also try an assortment of tikkas, of which the…

Post the pandemic, a trend seems to have emerged in the city, where every neighbourhood has a kulambu kadai, selling competitively priced homemade gravies and side dishes. They cater to young couples who work from home, bachelors, and elders who prefer to cook minimally. The customers prefer these gravies, prepared in home-style kitchens, to ordering…

The ambience at Vantara. Photo: Special Arrangement Celebrity couple Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding festivities featured an extensive menu between March 1 and 3. Feeding guests at what is now being referred to as Jamnagar’s Met Gala, was Chennai’s own Arusuvai Arasu Catering Services. Their counter, among 35 helmed by world-renowned chefs, was busiest…

No matter which side of the gobi manchurian debate you took after Mapusa in Goa recently banned the dish, which features batter-fried cauliflower coated with a hot and sour sauce, you have to accept that Indo-Chinese cuisine has permeated the nation’s culinary profile as unobtrusively as its legendary flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG). Using Indian…

Once upon a time, in the 17th century, the governor of Malabar wrote a botanical treatise. Hortus Malabaricus (Garden of Malabar) is a series of 12 tomes that highlighted the flora in the Malabar Coast and its medicinal properties; it is considered an important book on India’s plant wealth. Today, this treatise finds space in…

Once upon a time, in the 17th century, the governor of Malabar wrote a botanical treatise. Hortus Malabaricus (Garden of Malabar) is a series of 12 tomes that highlighted the flora in the Malabar Coast and its medicinal properties; it is considered an important book on India’s plant wealth. Today, this treatise finds space in…

The machine was installed at the Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh in January 2021 | Photo Credit: Amarjot Kaur Like any foreigner in Paris, Rohit Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO at iMatrix Group of Companies, was fascinated with the art and architecture. While attending an exhibition, he chanced upon the pizza-dispensing machine and wondered if…

The Pizza ATM at Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake | Photo Credit: Amarjot Kaur Like any foreigner in Paris, Rohit Shekhar Sharma, the founder and CEO at iMatrix Group of Companies, was fascinated with the art and architecture. While attending an exhibition, he chanced upon the pizza-dispensing machine and wondered if he could replicate the idea back…

To the untrained palate, carrot leaf pesto registers the merest of blip. Making it almost indistinguishable from the basil-saturated de rigueur iteration is that same vegetal taste. But to the guys behind RE- in Australia, it signifies a paradigm shift in the way they seek to put out food and drink on offer. And to…

Tomato inflation: The wholesale price of the tomatoes for the first-grade variety stood above Rs. 100 per kg in many parts of India by the last week of June The sudden and rapid fall in the quantity of tomatoes brought to various mandis across India in the last week of June created a demand-supply mismatch….

Atreyapuram women making pootharekulu | Photo Credit: Vijaya Bhaskar CH When the pootharekhulu from Atreyapuram village received the coveted GI tag, under the Food category, it got the rest of the world curious about the dish. The name itself translates to ‘coated sheets’ whcih is a rather vague description of the traditional sweet prepared in…

Chocolate bars | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Every year July 7th is celebrated as world chocolate day. The fermented treat has cemented its position as the world’s most popular form of indulgence for centuries now. While India celebrated its sweet tooth with traditional mithai, chocolate which was brought in by the British soon became a…

Inside the iconic Kannan and Co. Goli Soda factory | Video Credit: C. Venkatachalapathy Holding on to the legacy drink, Kannan and Co. Goli Soda in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, is successfully marching towards its 100th year. The company was established in 1924 when S.V. Kannusami Mudaliyar decided to set up a goli soda…

On July 12, 2015, a restaurant called Indori Zayka and Dainik Bhaskar achieved the World Record for serving the most flavours of pani puri by offering 51 options. Google on July 12 celebrated one of India’s most loved street food pani puri with a fun interactive game. On this day in 2015, in Indore, Madhya…

Chef Brendan Pang with Chef Simran Singh Thapar, executive chef, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru | Photo Credit: Special arrangement MasterChef Australia’s popular Brendan Pang’s passion for food was sparked by his Chinese-Mauritian grandmother, whom he fondly refers to as ‘grand-mere.’ Building upon her foundation, he ventured into dim-sum, a dish he is now famous for….

Singaporean chef Hawker Chan | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Michelin star restaurants immediately conjure up the image of opulent restaurants with fine dining and highly trained chefs. But in 2016, when Hawker Chan Hon Meng received a star for his stall at Chinatown Complex Food Centre in Singapore, it changed his fate and encouraged hawkers…

K-Noms Foods founder Abirami S Shakthivel with her team at the cloud kitchen’s premises in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: M MOORTHY Abirami S Shakthivel has an intimate relationship with food. As a former weightlifter and now a mother, she has experienced first-hand the effect of diet on one’s overall well-being. And she is determined to…

K-Noms Foods founder Abirami S Shakthivel with her team at the cloud kitchen’s premises in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: M MOORTHY Abirami S Shakthivel has an intimate relationship with food. As a former weightlifter and now a mother, she has experienced first-hand the effect of diet on one’s overall well-being. And she is determined to…

Outsourcing dosa batter? Check out these brands that grind hygienically and pack ethically. They also offer gluten-free options with sprouted millets, heritage rice, and come coloured with beetroot and carrot to appeal to children

Chef Doma Wang and her daughter Chef Sachiko Seth | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Doma Wang is considered Kolkata’s momo evangelist. Now find out why. She is in Chennai’s Hyatt Regency for a five-day food pop up featuring Nepali and Tibetan food. The pop up is curated by mother-daughter duo Doma Wang and Sachiko Seth,…

“Remove the head and feet. Open the body and clean the birds.. …which you will expose to the heat of the fire for a moment.” This is part of the oldest known recipe-poem in western literature, from the Yale Culinary Tablets, dating back to 1750 BC. The poem describes a delicacy fit for the Babylonian…

“Onam is just 60 days away and people can start growing vegetables and flowers to be ready in time for the festival,” says Lisymol J. Vadukkoot, Assistant Director of Agriculture at the State Seed Farm (SSF) in Aluva. The farm has launched a Thiruvonam assorted seedling tray (priced at ₹300), which has 98 cubicles containing the…

Blind Bake Cafe in Hauz Khas receives good patronage.  | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Rajini always liked to experiment in the kitchen, but when at age 18 she lost her eyesight due to the genetic condition, retinitis pigmentosa, her dream collapsed Fate then brought her to NAB India Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies….

The next time you are talking about street food in Delhi and someone suggests trying momos, noodles and kathi rolls, zone out from the discussion right away. There is much more and the Dehlnavi trail pop-up at the Golconda Pavilion in ITC Kohenur will be an eye-opener to the actual street food of Delhi. Led…

Tea being served in a kulhad (earthen cup) at the newly opened branch of Chai Sutta Bar at Beach Road in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak In India, chai is more than just a beverage. It brims with nostalgia – of rainy evenings spent with family enjoying a sip, of bonds blossoming over a…

How is the long-grained Travancore biryani prepared? What was the aromatic biryani that whetted your appetite for more biryani? For years, this long-grained fragrant rice biryani was a staple in the upmarket and small restaurants and eateries in the former Travancore region. But over time, the culinary landscape witnessed a shift. Thalassery and Malabar biryanis, cooked with…

Sushi has been gaining popularity in India for over a decade now, and with sushi, saké has quickly gained a loyal following as well.  A Japanese rice spirit, sake is made from four key ingredients: rice, water, koji (rice mould) and yeast. To marry the love for sake, in India, with an appreciation of Japanese…

Chef Madhura Deshmukh baking a puffiza | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Roxie in Bengaluru is currently hosting a puffizza festival that combines the flavours of puff pastry and pizza. The festival showcases a variety of puffizza creations, each with its own cultural influences and distinct stuffing. Chef ViveQ Pawar sheds light on the evolutionary trajectory…

A worker in a coffee estate. Image for representational purposes only. | Photo Credit: The Hindu photo library Karnataka’s key coffee-growing districts – Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan – have received significantly lower rainfall so far this monsoon compared to last season. While this is worrying, coffee planters are also tense about the possibility of heavy…

AM PM, the newly launched café bar in Kolkata is straight out of Baz Luhrmann’s sets of The Great Gatsby — an aesthetic that blends the colonial era club culture of Kolkata with a millennial approved zing.  Interiors of AM PM A café during the day, the aroma of artisanal coffee runs amok as patrons…

Bengaluru, renowned as the pub capital of India, is facing a new obstacle as the state government announces its annual increase in the additional excise duty on alcohol. Effective from August 1, the excise duty on Indian-made liquor (IML) will surge by 20% on all slabs, while beer will experience a hike from 175% to…

Hyderabad-born Chef Asif Rasheed Syed, now settled in Naples, Florida, recently cooked a typical Hyderabadi meal for the US vice president Kamala Harris’ Bakrid party. Chef Asif who owns the popular 21 Spices by Chef Asif, a modern Indian restaurant, says he was not only honoured but also surprised to be requisitioned by Kamala’s office…

It is hard to miss Hebbal’s latest watering hole. With neon red lights announcing its name, Hebbal SOCIAL catches your eye instantly. And if you have been a resident of Bengaluru for the past few years, chances are, you are already familiar with one or more of the six other outposts in the city. Since…

The eighth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, held at the Rosewood Hong Kong on Tuesday, July, 18, celebrated the finest cocktail establishments in the continent. This year’s list featured entries from 17 cities and 12 countries, with Singapore leading with 10 entries, followed by Hong Kong with 10, and Japan with 7….

Cucur udang, tauhu dengan kuah kacang or Prawn fritters | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Have you ever tasted a ginger flower? It looks like a mini banana blossom and is sweet, slightly sour and has refreshing floral notes. Chef Muhammad Asaari Bin Johari uses it in Kerabu Mangga, a popular Malaysian salad made with raw…

It is official. A wave of young students, IT professionals, families, and lounging friends are reclaiming the streets at night. And the twinkling lights of the thriving food hubs that cater to them now beckon travellers and passers by as well. Eleven pm is when business starts for the several food streets in Chennai. Besides…

An elderly woman from Ambalamedu tops a parcel with a pappadum. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat From the small pond within the premises of his home in Ambalamedu, Kerala, Basil nets around 20 fish, retains a few for his family, and distributes the rest to his neighbours. The next morning, his mother Leela Varghese starts…

For many, food is the highlight of any holiday. Butter-crusted naans in the bylanes of Amritsar, mildly spiced stews with appams in Kerala, and fragrant biryani in Chennai. The list of culinary memories linked to our travels are endless. Not surprisingly, more travellers are now creating itineraries that revolve around food. So, if you want…

Bhumi Pednekar’s connection with Goa runs deeper than her scenic Instagram posts. The Afwaah actor’s paternal side of the family belongs to Pedne (or Pernem) in North Goa, so she makes annual trips to the Mauli temple set in the compound of her ancestral home there. “My grandfather shifted to Bombay when he was just…

This is a big year for the Asian bar industry. For the first time ever, the World’s 50 Best Bars finale will be hosted in Asia, scheduled for Singapore this October. Another first was just marked, however, with the first-ever hosting in Hong Kong of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, that I attended a few…

Have you heard of an ‘ATM’ for pani puri? In the early 90s, Indians looked on in fascination as ATMs dispensed cash within seconds Now, you can even order your favourite biryani from a vending machine after punching a few buttons. But have you heard of an “ATM” for pani puri? Think of street food…

The 4,500 square feet space has three levels of seating Kale and bok choy chaat At Irida Skky Lounge, the wind whispers secrets in your ears. Secrets that are better deciphered after a few sips of the innovative cocktails that this shiny new resto bar stirs up. “We want to level up,” says Shreyas Asthana, who…

One such restaurant is operational in Sri Siddharoodha Swami Railway Station at Hubballi. | Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE South Western Railway(SWR) is planning to set up theme-based rail coach restaurants in two places in Bengaluru. A senior SWR official said that a rail coach restaurant will be set up in Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station…

Bhumi Pednekar’s latest venture – a boutique hotel in Goa | Video Credit: Special Arrangement Bhumi’s connection with Goa runs deeper than her Instagram posts. Her paternal side of the family belongs to Pedne or Pernem where she makes an annual trip to her ancestral house. Now, Bhumi has invested in this boutique stay, called…

The 4,500 square feet space has three levels of seating At Irida Skky Lounge, the wind whispers secrets in your ears. Secrets that are better deciphered after a few sips of the innovative cocktails that this shiny new resto bar stirs up. “We want to level up,” says Shreyas Asthana, who co-owns the place along with…

Record Room | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement There was a time not too long ago when vinyls and gramophone records belonged in museums or at the very least, in the home of a stuck-in-the-’60s sort of person. Then, a couple of years ago, musicians all over the world began releasing special edition vinyls that a…

Born and raised in Singapore, Chef Akmal Anuar’s culinary journey began at the tender age of 10, amidst the vibrant hustle of his parents’ hawker food stall. “I grew up seeing my parents work really hard in the food business, and I set out with similar determination,” recalls the second-generation Singaporean Malay. A connoisseur of…

“There is so much you can do with the jackfruit,” Bushra Faisal says. She is a member of Chalissery Chakkakkoottam, a collective of 15 homemakers who are into making value-added products from jackfruit. A resident of Chavakkad in Thrissur district, Bushra travels 18 kilometres to Chalissery in nearby Palakkad district whenever there is a training…

Madhu Kargund @ Tengin Born and raised in a small village called Kargunda in Karnataka’s Hassan district, Madhu Kargund spent most of his childhood on farms. “My father is a farmer, and I vividly remember my weekends and summer vacations spent on farms picking coconuts or working other menial tasks,” says Madhu, who went on…

As we entered the recently opened branch of Zoca Cafe in Sahakara Nagar, Bengaluru, we noticed that they were still putting the final touches on the interiors. A Wednesday noon visit meant the place was quiet, with only a few diners around. The peppy sounds of Punjabi music killed the silence, later transitioning to nostalgic…

Seafood Tagine | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Like every metro across the globe, Chennai too has been seeing a rapid increase in the number of restaurants serving international cuisine. But very rarely does it feel like we have been transported to that country for a meal.  Ignna ambience | Photo Credit: Special arrangement We make…

Hyderbadi Thali with mutton dum biryani and gravies | Photo Credit: Special arrangement What does it mean to dine like a king? A. Large portions / B. Rich flavours/ C. Silver plates/ D. Heirloom recipes. The Park Chennai, in collaboration with Aish from The Park, Hyderabad chooses option E. All the above. Gosht ka Marag…

Rocky Singh in the backwaters of Kerala | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Rocky Singh is on another culinary road trip through Kerala. Food connoisseurs, and friends Rocky and Mayur Sharma (Rocky and Mayur) have been unravelling little-known food joints, popular cafes and dishes across the country, through their TV show Highway on the Plate, and…

The traditional puran poli  as a tart, filled with the flavours of seasonal vegetables found in the ambati curry. String hoppers with meat curry reinterpreted and served with fried shallots flavoured kahwa broth? These and many more re-imagined versions may just be some of the offerings at Masque, Mumbai when it reopens in Augustafter a month long break…

Spicy and hot mutton soup is the signature dish of RL Cafe, a Kudumbashree outlet, on the DPI-Poojapura Road in Thiruvananthapuram. | Photo Credit: Sreejith R Kumar Although it is drizzling, a little curbside Kudumbasree outlet, almost opposite Akashwani on the DPI-Poojapura Road in Thiruvananthapuram, is surrounded by customers. The aroma of ginger, green chilli…

In Dubai luxury is casual. A grocery run in a Lamborghini, Wagyu in mall burgers, sharks in a lobby. And a Refik Anadol multimedia artwork providing a languid backdrop to the reception of the hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown.  Titled Winds of Dubai, the intriguingly moody art showcases vivid three-dimensional sculptures from an expansive dataset of…

“When mustard crackles in hot oil it releases its healing properties. That’s why tempering with spices like mustard, cumin, fenugreek seeds and adding turmeric is commonly used in Indian food. It is common to almost all recipes in Ayurveda,” says Gita Ramesh, author and entrepreneur. Her book, The Ayurvedic Wellness Cookbook: Recipes for Balance and Rejuvenation,…

Watch | What is unique about Hyderabadi Biryani? | Video Credit: Nagara Gopal When you think about Biryani, the first kind that comes to mind is the Hyderabadi biryani. Every day, a minimum of three lakh dinner plates of biryani are cooked and consumed in Hyderabad. The GI tag application for Deccani Biryani was abandoned…

Paul And Mike’s 57% Milk Indian Masala Chai Chocolate  | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Now you can drink your masala chai and eat it too. Wondering how? Just take a bite of Indian chocolate brand Paul And Mike’s 57% Milk Indian Masala Chai Chocolate. It even won the first ever gold for any Indian chocolate…

The She Made 2024 hamper. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRAGEMENT Nine women have come together with curated handmade, homemade products that can go into hampers for gifting in the New Year. Anna Varghese, who runs Rose Shop and has been curating hampers every year, says, “Usually, while putting together the hamper, I purchase the products…

Weather and food go hand in hand. As Hyderabadis enjoy the monsoon season, Chef Ye Chung Yuan aka Robert who hails from Tangra in Kolkata was dishing out food that complement the weather. Think juicy baos, Talumeinsoup, chilli chicken, mushroom hot pot, street-style hakka noodles, lamb chops and more. All this over the last weekend…

How is Thiruvananthapuram’s signature halwa made? Did you know that Thiruvananthapuram has a signature halwa? Meet a family from Kadakkavoor, Thiruvananthapuram, who have been carrying forward a cherished legacy of making signature homemade halwa for over four decades At Chekkalavilakom junction, nestled behind the now-defunct Kadakkavoor market is “Sheeja Nivas,” known as “Halwa Veedu,” where…

Kainaz Messman Harchandra To celebrate ‘Taste Obsession’, Singapore’s curated pop-up for the Indian audience, Theobroma has put out an exclusive curated menu inspired by Singaporean flavours. Kainaz Messman Harchandrai, co-founder and creative director of Theobroma, created Singapore- inspired desserts and other favourites including a Tong Heng-inspired egg tart with Chef Ana Fong with pineapple tarts,…

Van Dough Cafe and Pizzeria | Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M It is a match made in heaven — beetroot pesto and garlicky mushrooms. Nothing fancy, a straight forward pizza. The creamy pesto with a hint of sweetness forms the base while the toppings are button mushrooms sautéed in butter, some split black olives, and charred…

If the metric for judging restaurants is by how well timeless dishes are made, CakeWalk Cafe seems to have figured out how to give its audience an easy bite of the classic margarita pizza. The trick is in getting the dough right, says Pooja Srinivasan who forms the second generation of this family business. They…

Deep within Chennai’s biryani heartland of Triplicane, a cauldron of biryani is starting to burn. “Remove it from the fire and place it on the floor,” M Lookman Ali instructs his team on the phone. He is far from perturbed. “Nothing will happen to it, we have caught it right on time,” he adds. The…

Lazy Leopard Pizzeria | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Lazy Leopard in Gopalapuram is Chennai’s latest pizzeria that aims to serve “almost authentic” Neapolitan pies. The pizzas here have spots. While this clarifies the leopard part, “Why lazy?” we ask. To which Kanishk Dhupad, consulting chef and owner says, “Our pizza dough is allowed to ferment…

Maayaa restaurant, Bengaluru | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Maayaa has a warmly lit ambience with tropical-inspired décor, adorned with banana and palm tree wallpapers, golden cane lamps, and plush velvet-clad orange sofas that are in harmony with the chic black-and-white flooring. Conveniently situated on the ground floor of a building that houses office spaces, the…

As 2023 draws to a close, more families are choosing chef-plated dinners at home over the inevitably chaotic restaurant and party scene to celebrate. If you are one of those, here is how to host a Masterchef-worthy meal in your dining room, with all the bells and whistles and none of the hassle.  Chef Michel…

The newly opened FeastHouse at 7 Midway Plaza For people travelling from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh, especially to Vijayawada, a pit stop at 7 Midway Plaza at Suryapet is a must. It was first established in 2009 with the aim of providing hygienic restrooms on NH-65. Why Suryapet? Raj Yarlagadda, chairman of People’s Combine, which…

As 2023 draws to a close, more families are choosing chef-plated dinners at home over the inevitably chaotic restaurant and party scene to celebrate. If you are one of those, here is how to host a Masterchef-worthy meal in your dining room, with all the bells and whistles and none of the hassle.  Chef Michel…

As bars across the country tweak menus to include zero-waste cocktails, the bigger breweries and distilleries are also looking to rewrite their scripts. World over, the spirits industry has set in motion, multi-pronged plans to address its soil, water, and energy footprints. As countries set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, spirits manufacturers across…

A crowded park in Kolkata on Christmas eve. | Photo Credit: Getty Images At one time, I was always embarrassed about a Kolkata Christmas. It felt like a big fat slice of colonial nostalgia. The British had left but we had held onto their traditions. Everything about it was fake — the cotton wool snow,…

Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha Every family member of the legendary caterer, late ‘Arusuvai’ Arasu Natarajan is present at Parthasarathy Swami Sabha in Bheema Sena Garden Street through the month of Margazhi says Soumya Ramesh, daughter of Arusuvai Natarajan. After a decade ­long break, Soumya and her family launched into the December canteen scene last year….

Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha Every family member of the legendary caterer, late ‘Arusuvai’ Arasu Natarajan is present at Parthasarathy Swami Sabha in Bheema Sena Garden Street through the month of Margazhi says Soumya Ramesh, daughter of Arusuvai Natarajan. After a decade ­long break, Soumya and her family launched into the December canteen scene last year….

More than two decades ago, when she was a hotel management trainee at the Taj Culinary School, Amninder Sandhu called her father to complain about the long working hours. “My father only had one thing to say — Ya toh naukri karo, ya nakhre karo. Dono cheezein ek saath nahi chalti (Either work, or complain;…

Bubble tea from Dr. Bubbles With the rise of East Asian pop culture in Chennai — aided by the diaspora living here and the Hallyu wave – ramen and sushi have crept into into every major menu. Now, places that are dedicated solely to serving bubble tea are also claiming the map. Tracing its origin…

In the lush forests of Kali river valley in North Karnataka, the Kunbi community has been cultivating tubers in Joida taluk for generations, with approximately 300 households growing about 40 varieties. The climate-resilient crop has been a staple food for several forest-dependent communities and is largely grown and sold by women. For the women, tuber…

For Chef Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn of Michelin-starred Le Du, in Bangkok, taking the mantle of representing Thai cuisine when he travels internationally is a big responsibility; one that he is also very proud of. “Thai cuisine offers a range of angles to explore, from upscale white-tablecloth restaurants to humble noodle shops. My intention is to…

onam sadya Le Meridian Chennai Ente Keralam Enté Keralam A team of cooks has arrived from Kerala to prepare the sadya at Enté Keralam. The feast consists of 32 dishes, which includes pickles, chips, thoran, avial, inji puli, inji thayir, erissery, kaalan, olan, pachadi, kichadi, nei paruppu, and many more vegetarian delicacies along with four payasams. A special takeaway counter has been set up for six types of payasams.  @Ente Keralam, Anna Nagar and Alwarpet, August 23 to September 3, dine­in lunch, take away payasam and sadya take away boxes available. Sadya is priced at ₹899 per person. Take away sadya for two people is priced at ₹1,699. For reservations, call 6374999506. For take­away, call 6374999519. Dosai With A Twist The team at this restaurant is offering an affordable, unlimited Onam sadya making use of locally-available country vegetables and fruits….

There seems to be a new restaurant mushrooming in Bengaluru every fortnight. According to the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) India Food Services Report – 2019, the city has over 42,000 restaurants approximately. That is more restaurants than the total population of a few island nations. And this report is four years old. The…

Mohammed Kasim shows his students the perfect way to make a parotta at Selfie Parotta Coaching Centre in Madurai. | Photo Credit: Moorthy G “The art of making the perfect parotta begins with hand exercises. Fold your thumb in and rotate your wrist clockwise. Watch what I am doing. Repeat this ten times,” explains Mohammed…

Vallachira Panchayath Onagosham  The Onam celebrations of Vallachira—‘Vallachira Panchayath Onagosham’— is set to go global. A Responsible Tourism Company, The Blue Yonder, along with Kerala Tourism is pivoting the festivities of the village, 15 kms from Thrissur, as a showcase for travellers. A pre Onam festival held in July 2023, had 25 vloggers and industry stakeholders…

K.G.N. Aarifa Biryani Centre At K.G.N. Aarifa Biryani Centre, biryani masters begin their work during the wee hours, so that by 8 am huge cauldrons of piping hot biryani are ready for sale. The biriyani shops here started on a small scale, mostly to cater to the many daily wage earners who finish their night…

The Baghdadi Jewish community in India may only be around 50 strong today, as documented by the Jewish Women’s Archive, but the larger diaspora is holding on to their history. “My community [also called Mizrahi Jews, as they are from the Middle East and North Africa] embodies many diverse identities and has made significant contributions…

Organic cotton dhoties | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement From a 21-dish onasadya with avial(vegetables made with coconut and milk), olan (ash gourd with beans in a thick coconut milk gravy), kichadi (gourd in yoghurt curry), pachadi (pineapple or bitter gourd in yoghurt) and five varieties of lip smacking payasams to Onam combo pack of delicious…

Sundal sellers of Marina A young lad with a steel container balanced on his shoulder, weaving his way through a crowded Marina beach: this image has long been synonymous with Chennai. Marina is lined with food trucks and stalls selling everything from ‘Chinese’ to spring potato. But years ago, it was beach sundal that people…