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!


Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

Celebrate World Chocolate Day at Dolci with Decadent Handcrafted Delights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 8, 2025

This July, immerse yourself in pure chocolate bliss as Dolci celebrates World Chocolate Day with a stunning collection of handcrafted creations designed to delight every chocolate lover. From silky truffles to indulgent cakes, each dessert showcases Dolci’s dedication to premium chocolate craftsmanship, promising an experience that’s rich, luxurious, and unforgettable.

Whether treating yourself to a moment of indulgence or sharing sweet memories with friends and family, this specially curated collection is crafted to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. With a strong commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, every bite at Dolci celebrates the rich heritage of fine chocolate.

At the core of each creation is the world-renowned Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, known for its exceptional quality and deep flavour profile. This premium chocolate forms the foundation of all Dolci’s chocolate offerings, ensuring each dessert delivers the authentic taste and smooth texture that true chocolate enthusiasts seek.

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Event Details:

  • Date: July 7, 2025

  • Venues: Dolci outlets at Cunningham Road, New BEL Road, and Lavelle Road, Bengaluru

Featured treats include:

  • Fresh Cream Truffle

  • Matilda Cake

  • Chocolate Noisette

  • Chocolate Praline

  • Chocolate Éclair

  • Gooey Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent, and crafted with love — this isn’t just dessert, it’s a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Each creation is a testament to artisanal excellence, blending classic methods with a touch of contemporary flair.

Step into Dolci this World Chocolate Day and discover why for true chocolate lovers, quality always comes first.


Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

Conrad Pune Celebrates World Chocolate Day with Bonbons, Workshops & High Tea

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 8, 2025

This World Chocolate Day, Conrad Pune is making the city’s sweetest dreams come true with an exclusive celebration titled The Chocolate Chapter, hosted at the beloved Pune Sugar Box. From 6th to 16th July, dessert lovers can dive into a special chocolate menu featuring decadent creations like Passion Fruit Gel Bonbons, Pan Bahar Bonbons, Irish Maple bites, and indulgent Nama Chocolate, all handcrafted to perfection.

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The celebration reaches its peak on 7th July with an exclusive invite-only chocolate tasting and high tea event from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, led by award-winning pastry chef Krutika Gawas. With over 8.5 years of expertise in French patisserie and a recent win at a prestigious French pastry competition, Chef Krutika offers guests an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience into the world of chocolate making.

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The highlight includes uncovering the "Conrad Chocolate Secret" and exploring a curated chocolate tasting paired with a beautiful high tea setup. Whether you're attending the workshop or simply dropping by Pune Sugar Box for the chocolate menu, this celebration promises a sensorial journey through flavours and artistry that makes World Chocolate Day a truly memorable affair.


Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

Chinese Wok and Big Bowl Shine with National Awards in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2025

Lenexis Foodworks, a key player in India’s quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, has made a remarkable mark in 2025, with its brands Chinese Wok and Big Bowl sweeping top honours across multiple award platforms nationwide. These recognitions reflect the group’s consistent growth, operational strength, and deep connection with Indian consumers.

Chinese Wok, the company’s flagship brand, was crowned QSR Chain of the Year at the ET Great India Retail Awards, and was celebrated as a Category Disruptor in the Restaurants, QSR & Food Services segment at the ET Brand Disrupt Awards. Its innovation in digital engagement was recognized with a win at the MOMMY Awards 2025 for Best Use of AR/VR, showcasing its shift towards experiential marketing.

At the Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, Chinese Wok earned the title of Best Quick Service Restaurant Chain - West India. Regionally, it stood out at the Times Food & Nightlife Awards with multiple titles including:

  • Best Asian Casual Dining – Navi Mumbai and Thane

  • Best Chinese Restaurant – Thane, Navi Mumbai, Jaipur, and Noida

  • Best QSR Casual Dining – Gurgaon

On the delivery front, the Swiggy Awards 2025 recognized Chinese Wok’s popularity across several cities:

  • Best Chinese:

    • Rank 1 in Madurai, Amritsar, Mysore

    • Rank 2 in Vadodara, Mumbai, Faridabad, Kanpur

    • Rank 3 in Jalandhar, Chennai, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur

  • Best Momos – Chennai

  • Best Newcomer – Manipal

Meanwhile, Big Bowl, the cloud kitchen brand from Lenexis, won Cloud Kitchen of the Year – West India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards, and ranked second in Best Chinese (Amritsar) at the Swiggy Awards.

These accolades come as Lenexis Foodworks pursues its vision of scaling up to 500 stores by 2027, opening 100 new outlets annually. From one outlet in 2015, the company has grown to over 235 locations in 35+ cities, positioning Chinese Wok as India’s largest Chinese QSR chain. The group is also expanding into East India with aggressive growth plans in Kolkata and neighbouring markets.

2025 also marked a year of fresh innovations. Chinese Wok launched new street-style offerings such as Kurkure Momos and Desi Chowmein, tailored to local tastes. The brand also debuted its cricket season ad campaign, blending themed visuals, contests, and special packaging.

Lenexis Foodworks continues to invest in storytelling and community efforts, from school outreach programs to revamped in-store experiences, strengthening its identity as a vibrant, home-grown brand. As it celebrates a decade of impact, the company is set to redefine Asian fast food experiences across India.

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