From Indian Accent to Masque: See Who Made CNT’s Top Restaurant Awards

From Indian Accent to Masque: See Who Made CNT’s Top Restaurant Awards

By Author

Published on October 12, 2023

Indian Accent is not a newcomer to acclaims and applause. Nestled in the heart of New Delhi, this gem of a restaurant has, for the third time, clinched the top spot at the Condé Nast Traveller Top Restaurant Awards. It's not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of innovative culinary arts where traditional Indian flavors are reimagined, giving birth to a contemporary dining experience that lingers in the memory long after the meal is over.

But this story of culinary artistry doesn't end in the enchanting corridors of Indian Accent. A hop, skip, and jump away in the scenic landscapes of Goa, Bomras carves out its niche, claiming the number two spot on the coveted list. The eatery’s revival in Anjuna has seen it flourish, bringing a seamless blend of Burmese, Vietnamese, and Thai flavors to the table. Each dish is a melodious symphony of tastes that dances gracefully on the palate.

Masque in Mumbai is another name that has etched its signature in the annals of India’s gastronomic scene. Positioned at a proud third in the ranking, Masque is an odyssey of flavors, a journey that takes you through the verdant forests of Kashmir to the golden shores of Goa. Every season sees a new menu, a fresh narrative of India's diverse culinary traditions, morphing homegrown ingredients into exquisite, fine-dining manifestations.

This year marked the grand return of the CNT Top Restaurant Awards after a pause induced by the global lockdowns. It unveiled an eclectic mix of classic and new entrants, each echoing the dynamic shifts and evolution in India’s dining patterns. Mumbai emerged as a star, boasting twelve restaurants that weave a narrative of the city’s diverse and rich culinary offerings. Veronica’s entrance into the top 10 is emblematic of a dining culture that is as rooted in tradition as it is in forward-thinking innovation.

Indian Accent stands as a testament to the inventive spirit of Indian cuisine. Its Chef’s Tasting menu is a handpicked curation of dishes that are iconic, each telling a story of India’s gastronomic heritage interlaced with global influences. Bomras, with its signature dishes like the tea leaf salad and smoked pork fried rice, captures the essence of diverse Asian cuisines, presenting a dining experience that transcends borders. Masque, under the adept hands of Chef Varun Totlani and the visionary entrepreneur Aditi Dugar, transforms hyperlocal ingredients into masterpieces, marrying tradition and innovation.

In these top restaurants, every dish, every flavor, is an ode to India’s vast culinary landscape. They are more than dining spaces; they are experiential journeys that cater to the soul, offering not just food but a holistic experience. From the artful presentation of dishes at Indian Accent to the innovative flavors of Bomras and the seasonal narratives of Masque, each restaurant embodies a unique chapter of India’s rich culinary tale.

As we applaud their achievements, let’s not just celebrate the art of fine dining but also acknowledge the passionate individuals, the chefs, the restaurateurs, and the entire teams who breathe life into these establishments, making them iconic landmarks in India’s culinary journey.


CYK Hospitalities Powers Launch of Emotive Ale: Meerut’s New Culinary & Craft Beer Destination

CYK Hospitalities Powers Launch of Emotive Ale: Meerut’s New Culinary & Craft Beer Destination

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 14, 2025

CYK Hospitalities, one of India's top F&B consulting firms, has teamed up with Emotive Ale to unveil Meerut’s newest hotspot in Civil Lines—blending global flavours with a hometown vibe. This launch is yet another successful addition to CYK’s growing portfolio of innovative dining spaces across India.

Founded by Karan Singh and Kishor Kumar, Emotive Ale isn’t just another restro-bar—it’s a bold movement that breaks away from the usual club culture and brings back soul, identity, and a community vibe to the city’s hospitality scene. Designed as a multifunctional space celebrating food, craft, and culture, Emotive Ale marks a fresh start for Meerut’s evolving taste buds.

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Currently operating as a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, Emotive Ale’s menu spans Indian, Continental, Chinese, Thai, sushi, and dim sum. Hand-rolled wood-fired pizzas made using eco-conscious methods are a highlight. The warm interiors and vibrant energy make it a perfect venue for both intimate catch-ups and grand celebrations.

The second phase of the concept will bring in an in-house microbrewery focused on seasonal craft beers, beer pairing nights, and interactive events—bringing a slice of urban craft beer culture to Meerut in CYK’s signature style.

From concept creation to operations, CYK Hospitalities led the project’s full development journey—handling menu curation, team hiring, SOP documentation, and detailed training. Their involvement was instrumental in shaping Emotive Ale into a destination that reflects both vision and precision.

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"Emotive Ale is not just a restro-bar; it is a vibe," said Karan Singh, Director. Co-founder Kishor Kumar added, "CYK understood our vision from day one—they weren’t just consultants, they became co-dreamers."

Pulkit Arora, Director & Strategic Head at CYK Hospitalities, shared, "Our goal was to co-create a space that merges global palate with local roots. Emotive Ale sets the tone for what’s possible when passion meets process."

As Meerut embraces this stylish new venue, Emotive Ale sets a precedent for future homegrown hospitality ventures in tier-2 cities—proving that big-city quality and creativity can thrive anywhere with the right partnership and vision.


BLR Brewing Unveils Cocktail Day Specials

BLR Brewing Unveils Cocktail Day Specials

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

This World Cocktail Day, May 13, BLR Brewing Co. invites you on a spirited journey through India's rich landscapes—one exceptional cocktail at a time. Crafted by our expert mixologists, these signature summer drinks are not just refreshing—they tell a story of their origin, weaving together regional flavours with world-class spirits.

Whether you're drawn to the bold aroma of freshly brewed espresso from Chikmagalur, the coastal charm of Kollam's coconut-laced air, or the floral tranquility of Chopta’s meadows, there’s a cocktail waiting to take you there.

 Chikmagalur

Bold, Nutty & Uplifting

Inspired by the robust charm of Karnataka’s coffee capital, the Chikmagalur cocktail blends the warmth of Jim Beam Bourbon with the tang of raw orange juice and the deep allure of fresh espresso. A smooth hazelnut finish gives it an indulgent edge, making it perfect for slow summer evenings. The final flourish? A delicate edible rice paper floating on top.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Jim Beam Bourbon

  • 45 ml Raw Orange Juice

  • 30 ml Fresh Espresso

  • 30 ml Hazelnut Syrup or Liqueur

  • Garnish: Edible Rice Paper

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Method: Shaken

Recipe:
 Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and gently place the edible rice paper on top for a unique finish.

Kollam

Coastal, Light & Refreshing

Capturing the serene spirit of Kerala’s backwaters, the Kollam cocktail brings together the smooth notes of Dewar’s White Label Scotch with the gentle fizz of nariyal paani soda—a coconut-infused sparkle that whispers of palm trees and salt-kissed air.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Dewar’s White Label Whisky

  • 100 ml Nariyal Paani Soda (or Coconut Water Soda)

  • Garnish: Edible Rice Paper

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Method: Built up

Recipe:
 Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the whisky and top with chilled naariyal paani soda. Stir gently and garnish with a piece of edible rice paper for a coastal twist.

 Chopta

Floral, Crisp & Vibrant

Inspired by the blooming Rhododendron valleys of Uttarakhand, this cocktail is a floral-forward celebration of Chopta's alpine magic. Smirnoff Vodka meets a fragrant rhododendron cordial, crisp clear watermelon juice, and a zesty burst of citric acid, creating a bright and refreshing sip.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Smirnoff Vodka

  • 30 ml Rhododendron Cordial or Syrup

  • 60 ml Clear Watermelon Juice (strained)

  • 20 ml Citric Acid Solution (or Lime Juice)

  • Garnish: Edible Rice Paper

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Method: Clarified or Shaken & Fine-Strained

Recipe:
 For advanced prep: mix and clarify all ingredients for a crystal-clear finish. For a quick pour: shake vodka, rhododendron cordial, watermelon juice, and citric acid with ice. Fine strain into a coupe or rocks glass and finish with a rice paper garnish.

This May 13, raise a glass with these expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you love bold, floral, or tropical profiles, there's a unique mixed drinks, waiting for you—with a story to tell and a season to celebrate.


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.

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