Kheer, Payasam, or Perhaps One of the World's Finest Puddings?

Kheer, Payasam, or Perhaps One of the World's Finest Puddings?

By Author

Published on October 28, 2023

In Indian households, Kheer or Payasam is an everyday occurrence. But landing on a list of the world's top-rated puddings? That's not an everyday occurrence.

Taste Atlas has recently unveiled its collection of the world's top 10 puddings, and as you might have guessed, Kheer secured its well-deserved spot on the list.

Kheer is one of the delicately sweet dishes originating from the Indian subcontinent. For a dessert that has earned global recognition, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. But before we dive into the recipe, let's savor a bit of its flavor profile and garnish it with a touch of history. Shall we?

Traditionally, Kheer is often prepared for special occasions, like poojas, where it is offered as a sacred offering to the gods. With its origins dating back 2000 years to the Lord Jagannath Temple in Orissa, it can be garnished with nuts, cardamom, and saffron.

According to Taste Atlas, Kheer is 'a creamy rice pudding prepared in various regional versions across the country.' Indeed, the dish's taste can vary depending on the cook's choice of ingredients. However, generally, the pudding boasts a rich, creamy consistency with a delightful aroma and a gentle sweetness that leaves your taste buds inquisitive, enticing you to crave more. When served warm, this dish is nothing short of amazing. The addition of Tapioca pearls lends a comforting thickness to the pudding without altering its taste. These pearls, rich in carbohydrates and offering a quick energy boost, make Kheer particularly appealing for those on the go.

Now, for the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 250 ml milk

  • 2 tablespoons ghee

  • 1/4 cup Tapioca pearls

  • 200 ml water

  • Cardamom and cashews

  • 1/4 cup Vermicelli

  • 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)

Instructions:

  • Boil 250 ml of milk and keep it separately.

  • In a sauté pan over low flame, melt 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add 1/4 cup of Tapioca pearls and sauté until they turn crisp.

  • Once the pearls are crisp, add 200 ml of water. Add cardamom and cashews to the mixture.

  • Add 1/4 cup of vermicelli to the boiling mixture.

  • Once the vermicelli is cooked, add 1/2 cup of sugar, or adjust to your preferred sweetness.

  • Finally, add the boiled milk, stir well, and let it cook for 2 minutes.

And there you have it, a delightful bowl of Kheer, ready in just 15 minutes. Enjoy your scrumptious creation!


Vegan Day in Mumbai: Discover the City’s Most Exciting Vegan-Friendly Dining Spots

Vegan Day in Mumbai: Discover the City’s Most Exciting Vegan-Friendly Dining Spots

By Author

Published on November 2, 2024

As more people adopt plant-based lifestyles, Mumbai’s vibrant culinary scene is responding with a host of innovative vegan options. From plant-based twists on classic dishes to creative, globally inspired flavors, the city has it all. To celebrate Vegan Day, we’ve curated a guide to Mumbai’s most exciting vegan-friendly restaurants where conscious dining meets culinary delight. Get ready to explore these fantastic spots, each one adding its own flavor to Mumbai’s vegan landscape.

one8 Commune: Where Global Flavours Meet Vegan Innovation

At one8 Commune, classic dishes take on a plant-based twist with a menu that combines global influences with fresh, vegan ingredients. From the playful Mushroom Googly Dimsum to the nourishing Super Food Salad, this spot proves that vegan food can be both nutritious and indulgent. Their Pearl Barley Risotto is a standout—a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Each dish at one8 Commune reflects the creative, boundary-pushing approach of the chefs, making it a must-visit for plant-based foodies.

The Bluebop Cafe: A Vibrant Hub for Hearty Vegan Eats

Bluebop Cafe brings the energy of Mumbai to the table with a menu that caters to every kind of vegan craving. Known for its lively atmosphere and bold flavors, this cafe serves up the delicious Plant Power Burger, complete with a juicy vegan patty, and the colorful Vegan Veg Fiesta Pizza, topped with fresh veggies and plant-based cheese. For dessert lovers, the Vanilla Mixed Berry Cake offers a sweet finale. Bluebop Cafe is all about hearty, satisfying meals that celebrate the best of plant-based cuisine.

Si Nonna’s: Vegan Pizza for the Sourdough Enthusiast

Si Nonna’s, India’s first sourdough pizzeria, has made a name for itself among vegan pizza lovers. Every month, Si Nonna’s reveals a new vegan pizza, each one crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. With unique toppings and inventive flavor combinations, these pizzas highlight the versatility of plant-based cuisine. For those who crave a slice of something deliciously different, Si Nonna’s promises a memorable vegan pizza experience.

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Tokyo Matcha Bar: A Trendy Spot for Vegan Matcha Lovers

For those who love matcha and vegan options, Tokyo Matcha Bar is the place to be. This stylish cafe specializes in non-dairy matcha lattes with flavors like Valencia Orange, Fresh Lime, and Wild Berry. The food menu is equally enticing, with options like Tofu Katsu Curry, Veg Gyoza, and Curry Glaze Wontons, each crafted to bring out the best of vegan ingredients. Tokyo Matcha Bar allows customers to customize their drinks with almond or oat milk, making it a favorite spot for plant-based diners in search of unique flavors.

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The Pantry: Mindful, Guilt-Free Goodness

The Pantry is known for its conscious cooking and carefully crafted vegan options. For Vegan Day, they’re showcasing the Vegan Banh Mi Sandwich, a delightful combination of vegan Pro Chap, spicy sambal, and fresh veggies on Dutch bread. Paired with their Vegan Matcha Latte, a smooth blend of Japanese matcha and homemade almond milk, this meal offers a balanced, flavor-packed experience. Every bite at The Pantry is a celebration of plant-based eating that’s deliciously guilt-free.

Mumbai’s vegan dining scene is growing fast, with new options and exciting flavors to explore. This Vegan Day, take a tour of the city’s best vegan-friendly spots and enjoy meals that are as conscious as they are delicious. Mumbai’s restaurants are showing that plant-based cuisine can be bold, flavorful, and full of life, proving that the city is well on its way to becoming a vegan haven.


The World Sushi Festival Takes Center Stage at Eight in Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune

The World Sushi Festival Takes Center Stage at Eight in Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 29, 2024

Sushi enthusiasts and food lovers, mark your calendars! Eight at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Pune is thrilled to announce the launch of the World Sushi Festival, a unique celebration bringing together sushi creations inspired by eight countries. This festival promises a blend of traditional Japanese sushi with flavors influenced by global cuisines, each crafted with locally sourced ingredients for an authentic twist.

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The World Sushi Festival will feature flavors from:

  • Argentina – Bold chimichurri flavors in sushi for a vibrant fusion.
  • India – Spicy, aromatic sushi inspired by rich Indian spices.
  • Vietnam – Fresh, zesty rolls with a nod to Vietnamese street food.
  • Peru – Citrusy, refreshing flavors unique to Peruvian cuisine.
  • Korea – A mushroom medley and Korean staples for an umami-packed bite.
  • Turkey – Mediterranean-inspired sushi with Turkish influences.
  • Sri Lanka – Tropical crab stick flavors with a spicy kick.
  • Japan – Traditional sushi celebrating its Japanese origins with a modern touch.

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The festival menu includes five non-vegetarian and three vegetarian options, available in 4 and 8-piece servings, catering to all palates. Each sushi creation reflects the culinary heritage of its country, ensuring a diverse and memorable dining experience.

Chef Sagar Sarkar, Chef de Cuisine at Eight, shared, “The World Sushi Festival is more than just a celebration of sushi—it’s a journey across cultures, where each bite tells the story of a country through its ingredients and flavors. At Eight, we’re always pushing culinary boundaries, and this festival is our way of offering something truly special to Pune’s vibrant food scene.”

Embark on a global gastronomic journey at the World Sushi Festival, where tradition meets innovation. Join us at Eight, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, and taste sushi like never before.

Event Details:

  • Dates: From October 15 onward
  • Location: Eight, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune
  • Reservation: +91 8657940135

Be part of this international culinary celebration and savor a taste of the world in every bite!


Chinese Wok Partners with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in First-Ever Movie Integration

Chinese Wok Partners with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in First-Ever Movie Integration

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 26, 2024

Chinese Wok, one of India’s leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains specializing in Chinese cuisine, has announced an exciting collaboration with the highly anticipated film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. This marks the brand’s first foray into movie integration, a strategic move aimed at reaching a wider audience through the film’s vast popularity and enhancing brand visibility nationwide. By merging the worlds of cinema and cuisine, Chinese Wok seeks to create an entertaining and flavorful experience for fans and customers alike.

The campaign spotlights Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 star Kartik Aaryan, bringing his signature charm together with Chinese Wok’s popular Desi Chinese dishes. This unique combination not only amplifies the buzz around the film but also celebrates the brand’s distinctive flavors that have made it a favorite among Indian food lovers.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” said Aayush Agrawal, Founder of Chinese Wok. “At Chinese Wok, we always look for innovative ways to connect with our audience in meaningful and engaging ways. By partnering with such a highly anticipated film, we can bring the energy of cinema together with the vibrant flavors of Desi Chinese. This campaign showcases our efforts to expand our reach and create memorable experiences that blend food and entertainment.”

Beyond the movie integration, Chinese Wok has launched an interactive Instagram filter called “Balance the Wok.” The filter engages users by challenging them to balance a virtual wok while collecting Desi Chinese ingredients, blending fun with a touch of culinary education. This interactive experience reinforces the bold flavors and authenticity that Chinese Wok is known for, while inviting fans to participate in the campaign on social media.

Link to Balance the Wok Game: Play Now  Open this link on a mobile device to see the effect

Chinese Wok, part of the Lenexis Foodworks group, is renowned for its variety of Chinese dishes, which are accessible through nearly 200 outlets in over 29 cities across India. The brand’s collaboration with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 not only enhances its presence but also aligns with its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality Desi Chinese cuisine while exploring new avenues to engage with customers.

This innovative campaign combines the thrill of the upcoming film with a unique food experience, bringing Chinese Wok’s offerings to a larger audience and reinforcing its connection with fans through creative digital engagement. Available for a limited time, the “Balance the Wok” filter and campaign are expected to attract attention from food lovers and film enthusiasts alike, underscoring the brand’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement.

About Lenexis Foodworks

Lenexis Foodworks, a prominent quick-service food company in India, offers a range of culinary experiences through its popular brands, including Chinese Wok, The Momo Co., and Big Bowl. Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok has become Lenexis’s flagship brand, delivering a unique blend of high-quality, hygienic Desi Chinese cuisine at accessible prices across a growing footprint in India’s urban centers. Lenexis continues to pioneer the QSR landscape by focusing on innovative offerings and memorable experiences for customers.

For more information, visit https://www.thechinesewok.com/.

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