A Taste of Goa in Mumbai: The Coconut Boy Experience

By Author

Published on January 13, 2024

Stepping into The Coconut Boy is like stepping into a vibrant Goan beach shack. The interiors are adorned with colorful murals, seashells, and traditional Goan artifacts, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The open-air seating adds to the laid-back charm, while the aroma of spices and fresh seafood fills the air, whetting your appetite for what's to come.

Chef Rohan D'Souza shares the story behind the origin of The Coconut Boy as, “Coconut Boy was a concept that had been overdue in Bombay. Traditional Goan food was lacking in the market, with a noticeable gap in the availability of authentic choices. While there were a few restaurants offering Goan cuisine, it was not adequately showcased commercially. Our aim with Coconut Boy is to introduce the essence of Goan culture, its unique ingredients, and traditional recipes straight to Bombay. This is the gap we aim to fill with Coconut Boy in Bombay.”

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The menu at The Coconut Boy is a testament to Goa's rich culinary heritage. It presents a fusion of traditional Goan dishes, each with its unique identity and historical significance. It features a wide selection of traditional Goan dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic spices. From seafood specialties like Prawn Balchao and Goan Fish Curry to vegetarian delights like Bebinca and Sorpotel, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. Chef D’Souza suggests trying out Amboti since it is one of his favorites among the menu. “If I were to pick a personal favorite, I lean towards something comforting – the curry. Specifically, the 'Amboti' stands out for me. It's a spicy, chili-infused, hot and sour curry crafted with tomatoes and chilies, served with kingfish and bacalhau. In Goa, they prepare it with various traditional fish. The Amboti holds a special place in my preferences and has gained popularity here at Coconut Boy,” he adds.

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One of the highlights of The Coconut Boy is its dedication to fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing its fish and seafood from the coastal villages of Goa, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. “This is how our food maintains its authenticity; a substantial portion of our ingredients, from vinegars to chilies and more, comes directly from Goa,” the chef adds.

Being collaborated with Mr. Hitesh Keswani, a highly regarded restaurateur in Mumbai, with a portfolio of esteemed restaurant ventures in the city, Chef D’Souza shares that they've had a collaborative working relationship for the past decade. “Knowing my Goan background, Mr. Keswani and I were confident that we could introduce something unique and authentic to the culinary scene. After ensuring that we had all the necessary elements in place, we were ready to launch Coconut Boy. This marked the conceptualization phase,” he says.

In terms of innovation, Coconut Boy focuses on straightforward recipes and dishes. They have maintained authenticity in terms of ingredients and flavors without taking any creative liberties with the core food concepts. The innovation lies, the chef emphasizes, more in the presentation style rather than altering the essence of the dish. D’Souza says, “Our approach to the actual food, from the base of the dish to its preparation, remains purely authentic, staying true to the roots of the state.

Coconut Boy has been in operation for a short time, yet it has already made a significant impact on the food and beverage scene in Mumbai. They have started on a positive note and have built an excellent team that executes consistently in terms of quality, food service, ambiance, and even live music. 

The Coconut Boy is more than just food. It's an experience that celebrates the Goan way of life. It is, indeed, the go-to place for both the young and old, offering a space to enjoy excellent food, refreshing drinks, and vibrant entertainment. So, in essence, that's Coconut Boy.


Manam Chocolate Spreads the Joy This Diwali with Its 2025 Festive Collection

Manam Chocolate Spreads the Joy This Diwali with Its 2025 Festive Collection

By Hariharan U

Published on October 11, 2025

The clinking of glasses, laughter echoing through homes, and tables filled with sweets, snacks, and gifts, it can only mean one thing: Diwali is here. And this year, Manam Chocolate joins the celebration with its Diwali Edition 2025, crafted to capture the spirit of togetherness that defines the season.

Manam’s festive collection celebrates the tables we gather around, where families reunite, friends reconnect, and conversations stretch late into the night. Whether it’s for a long dinner, a taash night, or simply a quiet evening at home, the brand’s new collection brings something special to every kind of gathering. Because at the heart of Diwali, there’s always room for more, more laughter, more food, and of course, more chocolate.

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The Manam Diwali Edition 2025 is designed around the theme of festive tables, filled with gifts to share, flavours to discover, and moments to savour. The collection includes an array of indulgent chocolates, pastries, and desserts, offering something for every celebration and every palate. From grand centerpiece assortments to small treats meant to be shared, Manam invites everyone to create their own kind of Diwali.

India’s award-winning craft chocolate brand brings a collection of bonbons, palettes, tablets, clusters, cookies, thins, spreads, and more, all made from cacao beans grown in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Each creation is beautifully packed in limited-edition boxes illustrated by artist Namrata Kumar, whose signature impressionistic style captures scenes from Manam’s cacao farms and fermentery, the Chocolate Karkhana in Hyderabad, and homes filled with festive warmth.

The Highlights of Manam’s Diwali 2025 Collection, The Diwali Indulgence Collection – Bite-sized bonbons and palettes in flavours like Coconut & Curry Leaf, Hazelnut Praline, Lemon Cheesecake, and Birthday Cake. Treats & Tablets Box – A mix of textures and origins featuring Malabar 69%, Toffee Almond, and Raspberry & Rose, Celebration & Gifting Assortments – Ranging from the lavish Diwali Celebration Box to the compact Diwali Snack Selection, each box is crafted for gifting and gatherings. Diwali Preference Boxes – Curated to suit every taste, including dark, milk, vegan, and sweet-spice profiles, The Diwali Tablet Library – A selection of Manam’s most loved tablets like Pistachio Fudge, Coconut & Almond, Chai Biscuit, and Raspberry & Rose. The Diwali Dessert Spread, A rich mix of cakes and entremets, perfect for post-dinner indulgence, Diwali Celebration Cakes – Made to order, featuring flavours such as Hazelnut Coffee, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Carrot & Apricot, and Coconut Lemon Custard. 

Each product has been designed to travel beautifully, look elegant, and fit perfectly into every festive moment — from gifting to hosting.

Visit & Order:
Manam Chocolate is available at:

  • New Delhi: Eldeco Centre, Saket

  • Hyderabad: Manam Chocolate Karkhana, Banjara Hills; Manam Chocolate Beverage Bar, Knowledge City
    Pan-India deliveries are available via www.manamchocolate.com. Orders can also be placed through Swiggy and Zomato in Hyderabad.

About Manam Chocolate:

Manam Chocolate, listed among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2024 and Conde Nast Traveller India’s Top Restaurants 2024, is a proudly Indian Craft Chocolate® brand. Derived from the Telugu word “Manam,” meaning “We” or “Us,” the brand represents a collective of farmers, fermenters, chocolate makers, and chocolatiers from Andhra Pradesh, redefining the craft chocolate movement in India with over 300 unique products across 50 categories.

This Diwali, Manam invites everyone to celebrate the tables that bring people together — where memories are made, laughter shared, and one more piece of chocolate is always welcome. Because when Manam Chocolate is at the table, there’s always room for more.


Chinese Wok Marks 10th Anniversary by Serving 10,000 Meals to Children Across India

Chinese Wok Marks 10th Anniversary by Serving 10,000 Meals to Children Across India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 17, 2025

Chinese Wok, India’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese QSR brand, marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration rooted in joy and community spirit. Instead of limiting the milestone to its restaurants, the brand chose to give back by serving more than 10,000 freshly prepared meals to school children across 10 cities in 10 days.

The initiative spanned major cities including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Lucknow, reaching underserved communities with hearty Desi Chinese meals. Each event became a celebration of togetherness, with children enjoying not just the food but also moments of laughter, games, and branded merchandise that made the experience memorable.

What made the initiative truly special was the hands-on participation of hundreds of Chinese Wok employees from restaurants, regional offices, and the corporate team. They came together to cook, serve, and spend time with the children, ensuring the celebration went beyond food to create genuine connections.

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Reflecting on the milestone, Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Director, Lenexis Foodworks, shared,

“Completing 10 years is a proud milestone for all of us at Chinese Wok. We wanted to celebrate not just within our restaurants, but by bringing joy to children and communities that inspire us every day. This initiative reflects our long-term belief that food can be a force for good, and we will continue to build on this commitment as we grow.”

This initiative also underscores the larger vision of Lenexis Foodworks, the parent company of Chinese Wok, Big Bowl, and The Momo Co. By focusing on food as a force for good, the group continues to expand its footprint across India while making a lasting impact in the communities it serves.


Sip in Style: Yuki’s Tequila Cocktails Hit All the Right Notes

Sip in Style: Yuki’s Tequila Cocktails Hit All the Right Notes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

At Yuki, sipping tequila is no longer just about salt and lime, it’s about exploring bold flavours, subtle aromas, and creative twists inspired by Pan-Asian flair. This stylish spot isn’t just a feast for the palate with its cuisine, but now also delights with a cocktail menu that’s bursting with personality.

Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast or just cocktail-curious, Yuki’s mixologists have designed a lineup that balances classic notes with playful innovation. Here’s what’s pouring:

Pandan Teq-Tea

This one’s a game-changer. A gentle blend of tequila, pandan syrup, and a hint of lime creates a smooth, slightly sweet drink with a vanilla-like aroma. It’s soft, fragrant, and a total crowd-pleaser for those who like their cocktails a little off the beaten path.

Summer in Osaka

If summer had a signature drink, this would be it. Imagine tequila meeting creamy toasted coconut, refreshing coconut water, earthy matcha crème, and a dusting of beetroot. The result? A layered, tropical cocktail that feels like a warm breeze with every sip.

Tuk Tuk Tom

This one’s for the bold-hearted. Inspired by Southeast Asian street flavors, it brings the iconic zing of Tom Yum into your glass. Tequila mingles with chilli heat, parsley freshness, and a citrusy lift from lime, giving you a spicy, herby hit that lingers in the best way.

The Classic Margarita

Some things never go out of style. Yuki’s take on the Margarita keeps it clean and crisp, premium agave, a splash of orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. It’s a simple reminder of why this cocktail became a global favourite in the first place.

Yuki Picante

Think tropical meets spicy. Pineapple juice, lime, and agave nectar form the base, while coriander and jalapeño bring a zesty punch. It's lively, bold, and designed to wake up your taste buds.

Yuki doesn’t just serve cocktails, it curates experiences in a glass. Whether you're out with friends or just winding down after a long day, their tequila range adds the perfect spark to your evening. So the next time you’re at Yuki, raise a glass to flavour, flair, and a sip-worthy adventure.

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