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.


Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

  • Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane

  • Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida

  • Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

  • Best Chinese:

    • Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore

    • Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur

    • Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

  • Best Momos – Chennai

  • Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.


Via Bianca Brings Soulful Regional Italian Dining to Delhi with CYK Hospitalities

Via Bianca Brings Soulful Regional Italian Dining to Delhi with CYK Hospitalities

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 3, 2025

Via Bianca, a charming new destination for regional Italian cuisine, has officially opened its doors at N Block Market, GK I, New Delhi. Conceptualised and launched with the support of CYK Hospitalities, India’s premier F&B consultancy, Via Bianca promises a refined, heartfelt culinary experience rooted in tradition and authenticity.

At the heart of this venture is Chef Kamalika Anand, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, London, and ALMA, Italy. With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and deep immersion in the European culinary world, Chef Kamalika envisioned a space that pays homage to Italy’s diverse regional fare. "Via Bianca has lived in my head and heart for a long time. It's more than a restaurant—it's a tribute to the Italy I studied, lived, and loved," she shared.

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The restaurant’s ambience blends rustic Italian charm with contemporary elegance. Features like an open kitchen, wood-fired oven, and a pasta shaping station enhance the dining experience, offering guests an immersive look into the culinary craft.

The menu takes diners on a journey across Italy’s regions, with dishes such as Strata Bianca di Zucchini, Spaghetti all'Assassina, and Tigelle 'Nduja, reflecting both skill and soul. From seasoned gourmets to curious foodies, Via Bianca aims to make authentic Italian cuisine both accessible and memorable.

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CYK Hospitalities played an instrumental role in bringing this vision to life—from designing ergonomic kitchen workflows to curating the entire guest journey. "Via Bianca is a reflection of meaningful collaboration. We saw Kamalika's passion and aligned it with a solid framework, from planning to execution," said Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities.

With its soulful food, striking interiors, and operational finesse, Via Bianca is more than a restaurant—it's a culinary landmark in the making. Backed by CYK Hospitalities' end-to-end brand-building expertise, it stands poised to redefine experiential dining in Delhi.

About CYK Hospitalities

Founded by Pulkit Arora and Simranjeet Singh, CYK Hospitalities is a full-service F&B consultancy providing turnkey solutions across the hospitality spectrum—from concept creation and chef hiring to menu engineering, SOP design, branding, and market strategy.


Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Craving a sandwich that truly hits the spot? Bluebop Subs, the latest venture from the team behind Mumbai’s beloved Bluebop Café, is here to transform your sandwich experience. Now available for delivery on Swiggy, Bluebop Subs brings handcrafted, chef-driven sandwiches right to your doorstep — all made with in-house baked breads, premium ingredients, and a generous dollop of soul.

Where Craft Meets Craving

Bluebop Subs is not just another sandwich brand; it carries forward the Bluebop Café’s legacy of quality, creativity, and flavour. Each sandwich is crafted with care, featuring breads baked fresh in-house, including hearty rye and gluten-free options for mindful eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat lover, classic fan, or flavour adventurer, there’s a sandwich here made just for you.

Eesha Sukhi, Director of The Bluebop Café, shares, “We’ve poured the same care and craftsmanship into Bluebop Subs that made The Bluebop Café what it is today. This launch is a celebration of flavour, convenience, and creativity. We wanted to bring restaurant-quality sandwiches to your homes without compromise.”

A Menu That Sparks Joy

Expect a lineup of sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary:

  • The OG Fried Chicken sub with slaw and house sauce

  • Bright, creamy Egg & Avocado delight

  • Indulgent Pepperoni Melt

  • Spicy, satisfying Peri Peri Cottage Cheese

  • Crisp and creamy Caesar Chicken Salad

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  • Classic favourites like Caprese, Ham & Cheese, and BLT

  • Wholesome vegan options like Tofu Green Delight

And for the sweet tooth, don’t miss their decadent dessert sandwiches:

  • Lotus Cheesecake Sub

  • Oreo Cheesecake Sub

From gourmet to comfort, health-conscious to hearty, Bluebop Subs is designed to deliver happiness, whether you’re working late, binge-watching your favourite series, or just really hungry.

Available now for delivery across Mumbai on Swiggy.
Follow them on Instagram: @bluebopsubs
Contact: 093722 02586

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