Sushi enthusiasts and food lovers, mark your calendars! Eight at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Pune is thrilled to announce the launch of the World Sushi Festival, a unique celebration bringing together sushi creations inspired by eight countries. This festival promises a blend of traditional Japanese sushi with flavors influenced by global cuisines, each crafted with locally sourced ingredients for an authentic twist.

The World Sushi Festival will feature flavors from:

• Argentina – Bold chimichurri flavors in sushi for a vibrant fusion.
• India – Spicy, aromatic sushi inspired by rich Indian spices.
• Vietnam – Fresh, zesty rolls with a nod to Vietnamese street food.
• Peru – Citrusy, refreshing flavors unique to Peruvian cuisine.
• Korea – A mushroom medley and Korean staples for an umami-packed bite.
• Turkey – Mediterranean-inspired sushi with Turkish influences.
• Sri Lanka – Tropical crab stick flavors with a spicy kick.
• Japan – Traditional sushi celebrating its Japanese origins with a modern touch.

The festival menu includes five non-vegetarian and three vegetarian options, available in 4 and 8-piece servings, catering to all palates. Each sushi creation reflects the culinary heritage of its country, ensuring a diverse and memorable dining experience.

Chef Sagar Sarkar, Chef de Cuisine at Eight, shared, “The World Sushi Festival is more than just a celebration of sushi—it’s a journey across cultures, where each bite tells the story of a country through its ingredients and flavors. At Eight, we’re always pushing culinary boundaries, and this festival is our way of offering something truly special to Pune’s vibrant food scene.”

Embark on a global gastronomic journey at the World Sushi Festival, where tradition meets innovation. Join us at Eight, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, and taste sushi like never before.

Event Details:

• Dates: From October 15 onward
• Location: Eight, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune
• Reservation: +91 8657940135

Be part of this international culinary celebration and savor a taste of the world in every bite!

In a significant move for the advancement of India's tourism and hospitality sector, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) inaugurated its Centre of Excellence (CoE) at its headquarters. The event was graced by Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with prominent industry leaders.

The FHRAI Centre of Excellence has been envisioned as a dedicated research hub, established to enhance the federation’s advocacy initiatives and contribute to data-driven decision-making in the tourism and hospitality space. Positioned as an industry think tank, the Centre will focus on generating valuable insights through research, aiming to influence policy development and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.

Shri Suman Billa emphasized the crucial role of data in the sector: “Research and data are indispensable for understanding the true scope and potential of tourism. While government data provides foundational insights, we need a multidimensional view to fully grasp the sector's dynamics. By integrating insights from industry bodies and international organizations like the World Tourism Organization, we can create a robust data ecosystem that guides both government and industry stakeholders.”

He added that the Centre of Excellence represents a collaborative approach to better understand the industry's impact on employment and GDP. “With accurate data, we can build a resilient framework that supports sustainable growth, enabling the sector to thrive in a competitive global market,” he remarked.

An Industry Milestone for Advocacy and Innovation

Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, described the CoE as a landmark achievement for the tourism and hospitality industry in India. "This has been a long-standing aspiration for our federation. In our engagements with the government, we’ve often encountered challenges stemming from regulatory issues and the need for reliable data. The Centre of Excellence fills this gap by providing a structured framework for research and advocacy,” Shetty noted.

With the Centre’s resources, FHRAI aims to present well-supported, data-driven insights to policy-makers, addressing industry challenges and proposing informed recommendations for reform. "Our objective is to uplift the industry by equipping it to meet evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations,” he added.

Supporting Policy and Growth Across India

Garish Oberoi of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India highlighted the role of the CoE in addressing the data shortage within the sector, especially in tackling policy bottlenecks. “Each region in India has unique challenges, which is why the Centre will focus on creating state-specific reports and assessments. Our team will work to produce white papers and analytical insights, fostering a foundation for data-driven decision-making,” Oberoi stated.

The CoE aims to provide accurate information to government and industry stakeholders, empowering FHRAI to advocate effectively for its members and advance the industry’s standards.

A Transformational Step for India’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

The launch of FHRAI's Centre of Excellence marks a forward step for India's tourism and hospitality industry. Focused on research, training, and advocacy, this initiative is set to elevate industry standards and tackle critical challenges. FHRAI remains committed to collaborative efforts with both industry members and government bodies, ensuring that the hospitality sector continues to meet the dynamic needs of consumers and professionals alike.

Chinese Wok, one of India’s leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains specializing in Chinese cuisine, has announced an exciting collaboration with the highly anticipated film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. This marks the brand’s first foray into movie integration, a strategic move aimed at reaching a wider audience through the film’s vast popularity and enhancing brand visibility nationwide. By merging the worlds of cinema and cuisine, Chinese Wok seeks to create an entertaining and flavorful experience for fans and customers alike.

The campaign spotlights Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 star Kartik Aaryan, bringing his signature charm together with Chinese Wok’s popular Desi Chinese dishes. This unique combination not only amplifies the buzz around the film but also celebrates the brand’s distinctive flavors that have made it a favorite among Indian food lovers.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” said Aayush Agrawal, Founder of Chinese Wok. “At Chinese Wok, we always look for innovative ways to connect with our audience in meaningful and engaging ways. By partnering with such a highly anticipated film, we can bring the energy of cinema together with the vibrant flavors of Desi Chinese. This campaign showcases our efforts to expand our reach and create memorable experiences that blend food and entertainment.”

Beyond the movie integration, Chinese Wok has launched an interactive Instagram filter called “Balance the Wok.” The filter engages users by challenging them to balance a virtual wok while collecting Desi Chinese ingredients, blending fun with a touch of culinary education. This interactive experience reinforces the bold flavors and authenticity that Chinese Wok is known for, while inviting fans to participate in the campaign on social media.

Link to Balance the Wok Game: Play Now  Open this link on a mobile device to see the effect

Chinese Wok, part of the Lenexis Foodworks group, is renowned for its variety of Chinese dishes, which are accessible through nearly 200 outlets in over 29 cities across India. The brand’s collaboration with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 not only enhances its presence but also aligns with its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality Desi Chinese cuisine while exploring new avenues to engage with customers.

This innovative campaign combines the thrill of the upcoming film with a unique food experience, bringing Chinese Wok’s offerings to a larger audience and reinforcing its connection with fans through creative digital engagement. Available for a limited time, the “Balance the Wok” filter and campaign are expected to attract attention from food lovers and film enthusiasts alike, underscoring the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement.

About Lenexis Foodworks

Lenexis Foodworks, a prominent quick-service food company in India, offers a range of culinary experiences through its popular brands, including Chinese Wok, The Momo Co., and Big Bowl. Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok has become Lenexis’s flagship brand, delivering a unique blend of high-quality, hygienic Desi Chinese cuisine at accessible prices across a growing footprint in India’s urban centers. Lenexis continues to pioneer the QSR landscape by focusing on innovative offerings and memorable experiences for customers.

For more information, visit https://www.thechinesewok.com/.