Culinary Traditions Unveiled: IHCL and Tata Steel's 'Tribal Cuisines' Partnership

Culinary Traditions Unveiled: IHCL and Tata Steel's 'Tribal Cuisines' Partnership

By Author

Published on August 21, 2023

In a promising collaboration, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) are joining hands to uplift tribal home-cooks through the innovative 'Tribal Cuisines' capacity-building program. This significant endeavor is a crucial part of Tata Steel Foundation’s renowned program 'Samvaad', which has been fostering positive dialogues within tribal communities since 2014.

Gaurav Pokhariyal, IHCL's Executive Vice President of Human Resources, stated that this strategic partnership resonates well with IHCL’s ESG + framework, Paathya. The 'Tribal Cuisines' initiative strives to create a captivating mosaic of flavors, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of tribal communities. With a strong community focus, the aim is to establish an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurial endeavors among tribal home-cooks, allowing them to showcase their talents on a global scale.

The comprehensive six-day capacity-building program, hosted by the Institute of Hotel Management in Aurangabad, united 23 home cooks from 9 states and 11 distinct tribal communities. The curriculum encompassed a wide spectrum, including culinary techniques, industry-standard processes, nutritional insights, entrepreneurial insights, marketing strategies, food hygiene, preservation methods, and exposure to bulk cooking.

Sourav Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Tata Steel Foundation, described 'Samvaad' as a unique platform for tribal identity that emphasizes both dialogue and action. It stands with the conviction that the tribal way of life holds answers to some of our most complex questions. Roy highlighted how tribal cuisine weaves together micro-narratives of nature, empowerment, tradition, and nutrition, which this program aims to express through young individuals. The collaboration with IHCL has played a pivotal role in elevating tribal cuisine to prestigious heights across India.

IHCL, recognized as a guardian of Indian hospitality, continues its commitment through the Paathya framework, investing in building industry-relevant talent pools. This investment aims not only to develop and support deserving youths and their families but also to contribute to the overall growth of the industry.

Tata Steel Foundation, established on August 16, 2016, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel Limited, is dedicated to co-creating solutions with tribal and excluded communities to address their developmental challenges. IHCL, along with its subsidiaries, represents a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. From the iconic Taj brand to the innovative Ginger concept, IHCL’s offerings span diverse segments within the hospitality industry.

The partnership between IHCL and Tata Steel Foundation signifies more than just a program; it’s a bridge between cultures, empowering tribal cuisines while fostering sustainable growth and inclusive progress.

Image Source: Press Release, Stock Images


A Treat for Moms – Must-Visit Restaurants This Mother's Day

A Treat for Moms – Must-Visit Restaurants This Mother's Day

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 10, 2025

Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to shower your mom with love and indulge her in a memorable dining experience. Across Delhi and NCR, restaurants are pulling out all the stops—from complimentary desserts to special gifts—to ensure your celebration is filled with warmth, flavor, and togetherness. Here’s a roundup of must-visit spots where you can dine, delight, and celebrate the most important woman in your life:

Boston Chicken, Connaught Place

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Celebrate this Mother's Day with a soul-satisfying American-style feast at Boston Chicken, now open in Connaught Place. Known for its iconic rotisserie chicken and homestyle sides, the restaurant offers the comforting flavors moms love. Guests can enjoy signature dishes like Chicken Caesar Salad, Baja Bowl, and Boston Chicken Breast Steak in a warm and relaxed setting.

  • Ground Floor, Malhotra Building, F-30, Connaught Place, New Delhi
  • 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
  • 9266868750

Miss Nora, Noida

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Give your mom a flavorful escape to the East with Miss Nora’s Pan-Asian delights. From sushi and crystal-clear dim sums to fluffy baos and stone bowls, every dish is crafted with care. This Mother’s Day, guests will be treated to a complimentary brownie topped with a special message—because nothing says love like dessert.

  • Level 3, RCube Monad Mall, Sector 43, Noida
  • 12 PM – 11:30 PM

Café Delhi Heights + Neighbourly, Gurgaon

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This Mother's Day, Café Delhi Heights is all about heartfelt gestures. All mother-child duos dining on May 11th will receive a complimentary dish—a small token of appreciation for years of unconditional love. Available at all Café Delhi Heights outlets and Neighbourly, Gurgaon, this celebration promises feel-good food and warm vibes.

  • All CDH outlets and Neighbourly, Gurgaon

IKIGAI by Café Delhi Heights, Defence Colony

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Celebrate love, nourishment, and shared moments at IKIGAI by Café Delhi Heights with a hands-on Mother’s Day Salad-Making experience. Choose from a spread of fresh ingredients and craft a wholesome bowl together. Pick a bloom from the floral wall as a souvenir of your celebration—because every mother deserves to feel cherished.

  • D-4, Defence Colony, New Delhi
  • 8:15 AM – 1:00 AM

SAULE – Kitchen & Bar, Noida

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Set against the scenic greens of Jaypee Wishtown, SAULE invites you to celebrate with soulful music, curated pop-ups, and a warm atmosphere. All moms dining on May 11th will receive a complimentary Motichoor Parfait and a Mango Lavender Slush mocktail. Don’t miss the floral photo booth and Instagram offer—tag @saulekitchenbar and enjoy 15% off on select bills.

  • Golf Street Hub, Jaypee Wishtown, Sector 128, Noida
  • 12 PM – 2 AM

Harajuku Tokyo Café

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Add a Japanese twist to your Mother’s Day celebration at Harajuku Tokyo Café. Every mom will be gifted a complimentary fortune cookie filled with warm wishes. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive Mother’s Day Bento Cakes, available in three delightful flavors.

  • Ambience Mall, Gurugram | M3M IFC Tower, Gurugram | Select Citywalk, Saket
  • 10 AM – 11 PM / Midnight

This Mother's Day, take a pause, raise a toast, and share a meal that says it all — love, gratitude, and the joy of being together.


Top Spots to Catch the IPL Action in Bangalore This Season

Top Spots to Catch the IPL Action in Bangalore This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2025

Cricket season is here—and so is the hunt for the perfect spot to catch all the IPL action in Bangalore. Whether you’re a die-hard fan chasing every boundary or just soaking in the vibes with brews and friends, the city has lined up some fantastic venues to turn match nights into full-blown experiences. From rooftop views to stadium-like energy and irresistible bar offers, here’s where you can catch every thrilling moment this April-May.

Ouzo by Fire — Drinks Specials & Big Screen Action

Located on 100 Ft Road, Ouzo by Fire brings cricket spirit alive with a tempting Buy 2, Get 1 Free on alcoholic beverages during all IPL matches. Pair it with bold Goan-Mangalorean flavours, a lively bar setting, and big screens, and you’ve got a perfect match-night hangout.

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Highlights:

  • Buy 2, Get 1 Free on alcoholic drinks
  • Live match screenings
  • Goan Bar & Grill vibes
  • Ouzo by Fire, 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

2Moons — Cricket with a View

Perched atop 1MG Mall, 2Moons offers an elegant escape from the typical cricket crowd. Expect skyline views, a globally-inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm, luxe atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for couples or small groups looking to turn match night into a mood.

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Highlights:

  • Rooftop city views
  • Curated global cuisine
  • Signature cocktails & premium pours
  • Warm, luxe ambiance
  • 2Moons, 1MG Mall, Bangalore | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

Maize and Malt — Big Screens, Bold Brews

For those who love high-energy cricket nights, Maize and Malt in Whitefield delivers with house-crafted beers, hearty pub food, and multiple big screens. Known for its stadium-like energy, it’s a great spot whether you're arriving solo or with your full squad.

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Highlights:

  • Large-format IPL screenings
  • House-brewed beers on tap
  • Hearty pub fare & game-day offers
  • Stadium-like energy 
  • Maize and Malt, Whitefield | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

Whether you’re chasing rooftop sunsets, craft brews, or electrifying cricket vibes, these Bangalore hotspots promise to deliver the perfect IPL fix. Bookmark your favourites, rally your crew, and let the good times and sixes roll!


Proost Rises as a Challenger Brand Redefining India’s Beer Scene

Proost Rises as a Challenger Brand Redefining India’s Beer Scene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 16, 2025

Proost is the premium beer brand of Grano69 Beverages, a company dedicated to transforming the Indian Alcobev industry. Founded in October 2017 and headquartered in Gurugram, the company went live with its commercial operations in September 2018. The company's vision is to disrupt the Indian beer market as it combines premium quality with affordability and offers beers known for low bitterness, high drinkability, and excellent taste.

The story of Proost is one of great ambition and determination. It entered the highly-regulated Indian Alcobev sector and encountered significant challenges, as the absence of a unified liquor policy meant adhering to state-specific excise regulations. However, Grano69 overcame the challenges with a step-by-step approach, and established itself as a resilient, innovative player in the industry. From selling just 4,000 cases in its first year of operations, Proost has grown to sell over 3,000 cases daily. Its acceptance and demand are shown in its high sales figures.

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The idea behind this brand was born out of a need in the market-to provide a premium quality beer that would taste fresh but not at the cost of affordability. "We Brew Passion" is the tagline Proost believes in to materialize that vision. Proost has translated this promise into beers that align with the changing consumption patterns in India, and therefore, it has evolved a different beer experience for the masses.

The major difference between Proost and its contemporaries is its dedication to freshness and quality consistency. The brand offers a unique taste with each draught and unmatched drinkability. Striving for quality and innovation has enabled it to carve out a place in a market where the big fish have played for a long time.

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Proost’s success story is also a testament to its founders’ grit. CEO and Co-Founder Tarun Bhargava, alongside Vijay P. Sharma, entered the highly regulated alcobev sector and navigated complex state-wise excise norms with strategic persistence. A finance graduate from the University of Delhi, Tarun previously worked with companies like Aon and IBM before venturing into entrepreneurship. His earlier stint with a hyperlocal startup gave him valuable exposure, which he now channels into running Proost with a pragmatic, practice-first approach. 

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Proost started from scratch but has risen exponentially. Its annual revenue has been increased from ₹77 lakhs in FY 2017-18 to a current monthly recurring revenue of ₹10+ crore. It’s also on track to close the year with a top-line revenue exceeding ₹100 crore. It is an indication of the strength of the brand penetration and consumer loyalty. This growth has been supported by cumulative funding of ₹50 crore so far - raised across three rounds, including ₹30 crore as part of the ongoing Series A round.

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Proost currently operates in six key markets, which include Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Kerala. The company looks at expansion into three more markets over the coming year. Its operations are managed by 90+ professionals who propel the brand's success. With per capita beer consumption in India being lower than the global average, Proost has enormous opportunities for growth in the country. Growing disposable incomes, a younger population, and changing consumer preferences – all factors, together, create a rich ground for the brand's expansion plans.

As beer consumption continues to rise in India due to shifting social norms and increasing disposable incomes, Proost is positioning itself to take advantage of this growth wave. The brand’s ambition is clear — to be among the top five beer brands in India by the end of this decade.

The journey of Proost epitomizes the resilience and innovation necessary to make a mark in a challenging industry. As the brand continually intensifies its presence and explores new markets, it has remained true to its promise of fresh, high-quality beer that celebrates life. Proost is not just bringing quality and freshness to beer; it is transforming the way India experiences beer.

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