JW Marriott Bengaluru's Alba Unveils Chef Matteo Arvonio's New Menu

JW Marriott Bengaluru's Alba Unveils Chef Matteo Arvonio's New Menu

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 28, 2024

Exciting news for food enthusiasts in Bengaluru! Alba, the renowned European restaurant housed within JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, has unveiled its latest culinary masterpiece – a tantalizing new menu crafted by the culinary virtuoso, Executive Italian Chef Matteo Arvonio.

Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, Alba has long been celebrated for its commitment to delivering a transcendent dining experience. Now, with Chef Matteo's expertise at the helm, patrons can embark on a journey of gastronomic delight where the flavors of Europe meld seamlessly with locally sourced organic produce.

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Chef Matteo Arvonio, with roots tracing back to Italy's culinary region of Piedmont, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to Alba's kitchen. His culinary philosophy revolves around marrying Italian traditions with global influences, resulting in dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in authenticity. With an unwavering dedication to quality and a keen eye for detail, Chef Matteo continuously evolves his menu to showcase the best of Italian, European, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Alba's new menu features an expanded selection of pan-European dishes, inviting guests to indulge in pre-dinner libations and tantalizing appetizers like Venetian Style Salted Cod and Citrus Prawns. For the main course, patrons can savor a variety of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, each dish taking them on a culinary journey to Italy. Not to be missed are the pizzas, crafted with a unique sourdough base for a light, flavorful, and crispy bite.

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Save room for dessert, as Alba offers a delightful array of sorbets, gelatos, and Italian favorites like Alba Tiramisu. Plus, with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options available, there's something to satisfy every palate.

With Chef Matteo's new menu, Alba promises an unforgettable dining experience where each dish tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and innovation. So, whether you're a connoisseur of European cuisine or simply looking to indulge in exquisite flavors, Alba invites you to savor the essence of Europe in every bite.


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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