Ditch the Diwali Clichés: 7 Rare Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Crowd!

Ditch the Diwali Clichés: 7 Rare Dessert Recipes to Wow Your Crowd!

By Author

Published on November 7, 2023

Hey there, sugar enthusiasts and confectionary connoisseurs! Are you ready to upgrade your sweet tooth to a sweet tusk? Because I'm about to take you on a delectable journey through some of the most luscious, mouth-watering, and "I-need-a-gym-membership-after-this" desserts from around the globe. Buckle up, because it's going to be a tasty ride!

1. Shrikhand: A Creamy Dream from India

First off, let's get tangy with a classic Indian dessert that's as fun to eat as it is to say: Shrikhand. This yogurt-based dessert is smoother than a Bollywood dance move and comes packed with the perfumed punch of saffron and cardamom.

What You'll Need:

  • 4 cups of Greek yogurt 

  • 1 cup powdered sugar 

  • A pinch of saffron strands

  • ½ teaspoon cardamom powder 

  • Chopped nuts and dried fruits for garnish

Let's Whip It Up!

  • First, let's turn that yogurt into something magical. Line a colander with cheesecloth, pour in the yogurt, and let it sit over a bowl in the fridge overnight. You want it thicker than a winter coat.

  • Next day, scoop that thick yogurt into a bowl, and start an arm workout by whisking in the powdered sugar.

  • Take those saffron strands and let them have a pool party in a tablespoon of warm milk until the color pops.

  • Now, mix the saffron milk, cardamom powder, and a dollop of enthusiasm into the yogurt.

  • Garnish with nuts, maybe some fruit, and voilà, Shrikhand that'll make you do a happy dance!

2. Salted Coconut Ladoos: A Tropical Twist on an Indian Classic

Moving on to a beachy spin on another Indian treat: Salted Coconut Ladoos. These little guys are the life of the dessert party and are as easy to make as they are to pop into your mouth one after another...not that I'd do that...okay, I would.

What You'll Need:

  • 2 cups shredded coconut 

  • 1 cup condensed milk 

  • A pinch of salt 

Roll With It:

  • In a non-stick pan, mix the coconut and condensed milk until they're best buds.

  • Add that pinch of salt — it's tiny but mighty.

  • Once the mixture cools down (patience, my friend), grease your palms with a little butter and roll them into bite-sized balls of joy.

  • Give each ladoo a coconut jacket by rolling it in extra shredded coconut.

  • Pop them in the fridge, and then pop them in your mouth. Delish!

3. Nan-e Berenji: Persian Rice Cookies with a Heart of Gold

Let's jet-set to Iran with some Nan-e Berenji. These delicate rice flour cookies are so light and crumbly, they're like the whispers of angels in your mouth.

What You'll Need:

  • 2 cups rice flour 

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar 

  • ½ cup melted butter

  • 1 egg yolk 

  • Rosewater for that Persian aroma 

The Bake-Off:

  • Preheat your oven — it's getting hot in here!

  • Mix all the ingredients into a dough that's smoother than a jazz solo.

  • Roll into small balls, press with your favorite stamp (I use a smiley face because, why not?).

  • Bake until they're just blushing golden.

  • Let them cool, and try not to eat them all at once. Self-control, people!

4. Cardamom Pistachio Kulfi: The Ice Cream That Doesn't Melt

Next up: Cardamom Pistachio Kulfi. This ain't your average ice cream; it's India's cooler cousin that doesn't drip down your arm.

What You'll Need:

  • 4 cups whole milk 

  • 1 cup cream 

  • ¾ cup sugar 

  • 1 teaspoon cardamom 

  • A handful of pistachios 

Freeze & Please:

  • Simmer the milk and cream in a pot until it's as thick as a plot twist.

  • Stir in the sugar and cardamom until they dissolve like a good alibi.

  • Let the mix cool, then add the pistachios.

  • Pour into molds and freeze. Patience is a virtue, my frosty friend.

Once solid, serve and watch the compliments roll in!

5. Saffron Milk Cake: A Dessert That Dresses to Impress

Now, let's bake a Saffron Milk Cake that's so fancy, it should come with a monocle.

What You'll Need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder 

  • ½ cup sugar 

  • ½ cup butter 

  • A pinch of saffron 

The Fancy Schmancy Process:

  • Preheat your oven to "Let's Get This Party Started" degrees.

  • Cream together the butter and sugar until it's fluffier than a cloud wearing a tutu.

  • Add in the eggs, one by one, like a parade of yolks.

  • Sift in the flour and baking powder, and sprinkle the saffron like you're a fairy godmother.

  • Bake until it's golden and glorious. Drizzle with saffron milk because, why not?

  • Serve and watch it disappear faster than your New Year's resolutions.

And there you have it, folks! Five sweet recipes that'll take your taste buds on an international tour de force. Get ready to impress your friends, woo your family, and have your neighbors knocking for seconds. Just remember to save some for me! Happy cooking, and even happier eating!


How Fire-Resistant Are Our Hotels? A Closer Look at Safety Standards

How Fire-Resistant Are Our Hotels? A Closer Look at Safety Standards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

The increasing number of hotel fires across regions has triggered growing concern over how well our hospitality spaces are prepared to handle such emergencies. Fires in hotels can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, serious damage to property, and lasting reputational harm. Strengthening fire safety measures is no longer optional—it's a vital necessity.

Effective fire safety begins at the foundation - literally. It starts with proper building design, continues with the careful selection and application of materials, and is enforced through adherence to required permits like building licenses, occupancy certificates, and operational approvals.

Recent cases have pointed to multiple causes behind hotel fires—user negligence, kitchen-related mishaps, outdated or faulty electrical systems, and delays in maintenance work. Many of these risks are made worse by the absence of comprehensive fire safety designs, allowing small incidents to turn into large-scale disasters.

Key Elements for Strengthening Fire Safety in Hotels:

Design Integration:

Incorporating both passive and active fire safety elements into architectural, electrical, and mechanical designs is essential. One of the most important aspects is ensuring well-thought-out evacuation routes to allow for the safe and timely exit of guests and staff.

Material Matters:

One major hazard is the use of combustible or non-certified materials on hotel facades. These can catch fire quickly, enabling flames and smoke to spread vertically through the building and putting occupants at serious risk. Every material used must have test certifications from accredited laboratories to ensure fire compliance. Without such validation, they must not be used, especially on high-rise structures.

Correct Application:

Even certified materials, if poorly installed or used incorrectly, can compromise an entire building’s fire resistance. Following proper application procedures is crucial to preserving the effectiveness of all safety measures.

Routine Inspections:

Improper usage of building spaces, unauthorized storage of flammable items, or renovations that bypass safety norms can reduce a structure’s fire resistance. Regular expert inspections help identify these vulnerabilities and ensure continued compliance with fire safety regulations.

One organization leading the way in this area is Efectis, a global expert in fire science and safety. With more than 70 years of experience and a highly qualified team, Efectis offers customized fire safety strategies for various types of buildings in Türkiye and beyond, ensuring structures meet the highest fire resistance standards.

As the hospitality industry continues to grow, fire safety must evolve as a priority. Through better planning, strict material compliance, and continuous inspections, the industry can ensure safer environments for everyone.


Rambagh Palace and IRIS Jaipur to host a Grand Dinner for JD Vance and 20 US trade delegates

Rambagh Palace and  IRIS Jaipur to host a Grand Dinner for JD Vance and 20 US trade delegates

By Author

Published on April 23, 2025

In a landmark moment of cultural diplomacy, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur’s crown jewel, Rambagh Palace will host US Vice President James David Vance, his family, and a 20-member White House delegation on April 23. The high-profile visit is being celebrated with a grand dinner in collaboration with IRIS Jaipur, renowned for its handcrafted, gold-plated metalware. Following its acclaimed showcase at the G20 Summit, IRIS Jaipur once again has the honour of serving foreign dignitaries.

The dinner will be held in the palace’s opulent 18th-century ballroom, Suvarna Mahal. A custom-designed collection of gold-plated dinner sets, tableware, cutlery, serve ware and trolley crafted by IRIS Jaipur, will headline the banquet, reflecting a seamless blend of traditional Rajasthani artistry and modern luxury.

Each guest will receive a golden napkin ring as a keepsake, engraved with their names on one side and Rambagh Palace Jaipur on the other side. The culinary showcase, presented on bespoke dinner sets, snack stands, hollowware, and barware, will highlight India’s gastronomic heritage with dishes prepared by Rambagh’s top chefs.

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A red-carpet walkway flanked by mirror-polished golden pipes crafted by IRIS’s metal artisans, creates a shimmering prelude, setting the tone for the regal evening. Antique brass welcome trolleys, lotus design trays with bowls, and garland stands will enhance the arrival experience with rich visual storytelling rooted in Jaipur’s artisanal traditions.

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Jaipur's IRIS artisans bring diplomatic hospitality to life at Rambagh Palace, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage while adding a personal touch to the grandeur of the U.S. Vice President’s visit.

IRIS’s relationship with Rambagh spans decades, with its creations gracing the palace’s grandest suites and dining halls. This latest showcase, co-led by Ashok Rathore, General Manager of Rambagh Palace, and Rajeev Pabuwal, continues a legacy of reviving traditional craftsmanship for discerning global audiences.

As diplomacy unfolds over dinner, Jaipur stands tall not just as a cultural capital but as a beacon of craft-led global engagement.


Solo vs Group Travel: Finding What Fits You Best

Solo vs Group Travel: Finding What Fits You Best

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 10, 2025

Travelling is one of the most powerful and enriching experiences in life. It opens the door to meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories. But one major decision that can shape your entire trip is whether to travel alone or with a group. As Mr. Sandeep Singh, Founder of Rubystone Hospitality, points out, both these choices have their own strengths and limitations, and what you choose depends on your personality, travel goals, and convenience.

Solo travel offers complete freedom. It gives you the chance to plan your day your way, visit places you love at your own pace, and enjoy the kind of flexibility that’s hard to find in group plans. It also gives you a chance to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people on your own terms, and enjoy moments of genuine self-discovery. Many hotels and resorts now understand the needs of individual travellers and are offering tailored experiences, single-occupancy rates, and co-living options that help solo travellers connect with others. Homestays, hostels, and boutique hotels often have shared spaces where like-minded travellers cross paths, making the journey less lonely and more interactive.

However, solo travel isn’t without its challenges. Since there’s no one to split expenses with, costs can add up quickly. Safety can also be a concern, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas. Planning everything by yourself might sometimes feel overwhelming, and longer trips can lead to occasional bouts of loneliness.

On the other hand, travelling in a group whether with friends, family, or on a guided tour comes with a different set of benefits. It’s usually more cost-effective, as expenses for accommodation and travel can be shared. Safety is another plus, being in a group means there’s always someone to lean on if something doesn’t go as planned. Hotels and resorts often have group packages, special rates, and family-friendly rooms to accommodate larger groups. Travel becomes more engaging when you can share the experience with others, and many hospitality brands now add value through group activities like guided tours, private dinners, or exclusive outings. But group travel also needs compromise. Everyone has different interests, so it might be tough to create a plan that satisfies all. Coordination between multiple people can delay decisions, and you may lose the chance for spontaneous plans. In some cases, large groups may struggle with getting last-minute bookings at popular spots, requiring early planning, which could take away some of the adventure.

So how do you decide what suits you better? It entirely depends on your goals. If you’re someone who loves independence, wants to explore at your own pace, and is open to discovering more about yourself, solo travel might be the way to go - especially now that hospitality spaces are adapting to support solo adventurers. But if you enjoy shared experiences, value the comfort of familiar company, and are looking for a more cost-effective and safe option, then group travel could be your best choice. In the end, both solo and group travel have something meaningful to offer. You might even choose one over the other depending on where you’re going or what the trip is about. What matters most is embracing the journey fully and making the most of every moment, whichever way you choose to go.

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