Journey of Flavor: KOA's Two-Year Tale of Culinary Brilliance

By Author

Published on January 12, 2024

Nestled amidst the vibrant chaos of Juhu, Mumbai, lies KOA, a coastal-inspired restaurant redefining the culinary landscape. The contemporary space offers a unique culinary experience, blending innovative cuisine with vibrant cocktails and an inviting atmosphere.

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Upon entering Koa Cafe & Bar, guests are welcomed by a modern and vibrant ambiance. Exposed brick walls and sleek furniture set the tone for a sophisticated yet relaxed experience. The open kitchen adds a touch of theater, allowing diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand.

In a recent interview with Rakesh, a seasoned professional with 15 to 16 years of experience, we gained insights into the captivating story behind the success of Koa Cafe & Bar. Rakesh, who has been an integral part of KOA restaurant for the past five years, shared the exciting journey that led to the establishment of KOA and its expansion plans.

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Around two years ago, Mr. Pasukh Jain, the visionary behind KOA, approached Rakesh with a groundbreaking idea. Together, they conceptualized the KOA theme and a diverse menu offering multi-cuisine options. “Creating the menu was an exciting journey. We decided to incorporate a fusion of flavors, offering a variety of cuisines like Asian, continental, Japanese, including sushi, dim sum, and a touch of Indian,” Rakesh adds. 

Koa Cafe & Bar's menu is a creative and playful exploration of global flavors. From the signature Khao Suey to the decadent Grilled Octopus with Chorizo and Smoked Paprika, each dish is a testament to the chefs' passion for creating memorable culinary experiences.

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The cocktail menu at Koa Cafe & Bar is equally impressive. Skilled mixologists craft signature cocktails that are visually stunning and tastefully balanced. From the refreshing Coconut & Lemongrass Cooler to the smoky and seductive Old Fashioned, each cocktail is a carefully crafted masterpiece that complements the food perfectly.

The journey began with the Thane outlet, which received a positive response and set the stage for the thriving venture. Emboldened by this success, the team recently opened a new outlet in Juhu, garnering an outstanding response from patrons who are enamored with the diverse and delectable offerings. Encouraged by this, the team has ambitious plans for expansion, with Hyderabad and Delhi being the next locations in the pipeline. The vision is to bring the unique KOA experience to food enthusiasts across the country.

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Beyond the food and drinks, Koa Cafe & Bar boasts a lively atmosphere that draws in a diverse crowd. The music is a perfect blend of upbeat tunes and chilled vibes, creating an environment conducive to both intimate conversations and lively gatherings.

Koa Cafe & Bar is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary gem that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of Mumbai's food enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings to ambitious expansion plans, the journey of KOA is a testament to the passion and dedication of its team. As they set their sights on new locations across India, the unique KOA experience is poised to delight even more discerning diners. So, the next time you find yourself in Khar West, make sure to embark on a culinary journey at Koa Cafe & Bar – where innovation meets flavor in every dish and cocktail.


Sunfeast YiPPee! Reimagines 13 Iconic Odia Festive Recipes with a Noodle Twist

Sunfeast YiPPee! Reimagines 13 Iconic Odia Festive Recipes with a Noodle Twist

By Author

Published on July 30, 2026

Sunfeast YiPPee! has brought a contemporary twist to Odisha’s rich culinary traditions through ‘Baro Masa, YiPPee! Parba’, an initiative inspired by the state’s celebrated philosophy of ‘Baro Masa, Tero Parba’ (12 months, 13 festivals).

The campaign reimagined 13 iconic Odia festive recipes by blending traditional flavours with the versatility of YiPPee! noodles. Each creation was inspired by a signature festival dish or ingredient associated with Odisha’s monthly celebrations and recreated through innovative cooking techniques, including replacing key ingredients, using noodles as a stuffing, or incorporating them into traditional preparations.

The initiative aimed to offer consumers a new way to experience familiar festive favourites while celebrating Odisha’s diverse food culture.

The 13 festival-inspired creations include:

YiPPee! Posto (Pana Sankranti)
Inspired by Potala Posta, this preparation replaced pointed gourd with YiPPee! noodles cooked in a rich poppy seed (posto) gravy, allowing the noodles to absorb the traditional flavours.

YiPPee! Luna Poda Pitha (Raja Parba)
Inspired by Luni Poda Pitha, this creation combined YiPPee! noodles with vegetables and spices, shaped into a pitha-style preparation while retaining the essence of the festive delicacy.

YiPPee! Dalma (Rath Yatra)
A noodle-based interpretation of Odisha’s iconic Dalma, where YiPPee! noodles were added to the traditional vegetable and Dalma masala preparation to create a unique festive fusion.

YiPPee! Dahi Bara Aloo Dum (Gamha Purnima)
The classic dish received a modern makeover with crispy noodle and rice-based bara served with curd and traditional Aloo Dum.

YiPPee! Saga Bhaja (Nuakhai)
Inspired by the harvest festival preparation, YiPPee! noodles were combined with seasoned leafy greens to create a contemporary take on the traditional dish.

YiPPee! Khichdi (Durga Puja)
The festive staple was recreated by reducing rice and dal quantities and incorporating YiPPee! noodles during the final stage of cooking.

YiPPee! Chaula Bara (Kumar Purnima)
A noodle-inspired version of the traditional bara, prepared by combining YiPPee! noodles with vegetables and spices before shaping and frying them.

YiPPee! Thunka Puri (Bali Jatra)
Traditional Thunka Puri was reinvented with a flavourful YiPPee! noodle stuffing before being fried and served with Chhena Tarkari.

YiPPee! Enduri Pitha (Prathamastami)
The traditional turmeric leaf-steamed delicacy was recreated with YiPPee! noodles replacing the classic stuffing while maintaining the authentic preparation method.

YiPPee! Chuda with Aashirvaad Soya (Data Osha)
This creation blended familiar regional flavours with YiPPee! noodles and Aashirvaad Soya for a contemporary festive interpretation.

YiPPee! Pakhala Bhata (Ispade Mela)
Rather than altering the traditional Pakhala Bhata, YiPPee! created a flavourful noodle-based Choka as an innovative accompaniment.

YiPPee! Ghanta Tarkari (Dola Purnima)
The mixed vegetable preparation was recreated with a thicker consistency and combined with YiPPee! noodles to absorb the festive flavours.

YiPPee! Muga Dali Khichdi (Ram Navami)
The regional favourite was reimagined by blending YiPPee! noodles with moong dal preparation, creating a modern yet familiar festive dish.

Through these 13 creations, Sunfeast YiPPee! showcased the adaptability of noodles while celebrating Odisha’s food traditions, festivals, and cultural stories. The ‘Baro Masa, YiPPee! Parba’ initiative brought together innovation, regional cuisine, and festive experiences, highlighting how traditional recipes can evolve while remaining connected to their roots.


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Matcha has found a strong fanbase in Delhi NCR, and the city’s café scene has fully embraced the trend. The Japanese green tea that has been enjoyed for centuries is now becoming a favourite among young consumers looking for something refreshing yet energising.

Unlike coffee, matcha is often known for providing a calmer and more steady energy boost without the sudden crash later in the day. The trend first gained popularity among Gen Z, and soon millennials followed, turning matcha into more than just a drink. Today, it has become a lifestyle choice, often associated with wellness and mindful living.

The matcha wave has also evolved beyond simple lattes. Cafés are experimenting with seasonal flavours and creative combinations, from fruity strawberry blends to refreshing coconut-based drinks. With so many options available, expectations for a good matcha experience have also grown. Across Delhi NCR, a few cafés are standing out for doing it particularly well.

Barista Coffee is one of the most accessible places to try matcha in the region. The brand introduced a special menu titled “Dhoom Matcha De,” bringing several variations of the drink to its customers. The range includes the Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Hot Latte. With outlets spread across Delhi NCR, Barista offers an easy entry point for those curious to explore matcha for the first time.

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Hinoki Slow Bar has quietly built a loyal following among matcha enthusiasts in Delhi. Founded by two friends, the café focuses on a slow and thoughtful preparation style. Each cup of matcha is freshly prepared in front of guests, allowing them to see the process up close. The menu includes both milk-based and water-based matcha drinks along with a selection of flavours and add-ons, making it a welcoming spot for both newcomers and regular visitors.

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Got Tea takes a slightly different route by sourcing its matcha directly from Japan. The quality of the ingredient is clearly noticeable in its drinks. One of its most popular offerings is the Strawberry Matcha, which features a house-made strawberry compote layered with vibrant matcha. The menu also includes options such as a citrus matcha tonic, a matcha blueberry blend, and even matcha-inspired baked goods. With most outlets open until midnight, it has become a reliable stop for matcha lovers at almost any time of the day.

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Espresso Anyday is known for its experimental menu and offers one of the more creative matcha selections in the region. In addition to classic lattes, the café serves drinks such as a coconut matcha float, matcha tonic, matcha slush, and a matcha americano for those looking to try something different. Among regulars, the Vanilla Ice Cream Matcha is particularly popular, combining creamy texture with well-balanced matcha flavours.

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Third Wave Coffee takes a simpler approach with a focused matcha menu. Its Japanese Matcha Latte, available both hot and iced, is widely appreciated for being smooth and not overly bitter, making it ideal for beginners. The café also serves a Strawberry Matcha Latte for those who enjoy a slightly fruity twist, while the Vanilla Matcha Bubble Tea offers a more playful option for customers in the mood for something different.

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As matcha continues to grow in popularity, cafés across Delhi NCR are refining how they serve the drink. Whether someone is exploring matcha for the first time or already enjoys it regularly, these cafés offer some of the city’s most interesting ways to experience this vibrant green beverage.

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