Mithai Maharaja Expands FMCG Operations and Launches Cloud Kitchen Business in Bangalore

Mithai Maharaja Expands FMCG Operations and Launches Cloud Kitchen Business in Bangalore

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 22, 2024

Mithai Maharaja, a premium brand under Kleverr Gourmet Mithai Pvt Ltd, is thrilled to announce its strategic expansion into the FMCG market, starting with Bangalore. Following this launch, the company will also introduce its cloud kitchen business in the city, further broadening its reach and diversifying its offerings.

Mithai Maharaja’s entry into the FMCG sector begins with the introduction of a range of high-quality, ready-to-eat snacks and traditional mithai in Bangalore. The initial product lineup includes five popular items: Kaju Katli, Mysore Pak, Motichoor Ladoo, Coconut Burfi, and Dharwad Peda. This move aims to make the brand's premium products more accessible to a broader audience.

The inspiration behind Mithai Maharaja was a personal experience of craving quality Indian mithai while abroad. This led to the establishment of the brand to fill the market gap for high-quality, gourmet Indian sweets. Utilizing advanced Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAPP) technology, Mithai Maharaja ensures that its products remain fresh and flavorful, catering to both local and international markets.

“Our focus on quality and innovation has driven us to adopt MAPP technology, which preserves the freshness and taste of our products. This expansion into the FMCG sector is the first step in our journey to make Mithai Maharaja a household name,” Mohammed Farooq, founder of Mithai Maharaja, stated.

Following the successful FMCG launch, Mithai Maharaja will introduce their cloud kitchen business in Bangalore. These cloud kitchens will offer an extensive menu featuring traditional mithai and a variety of gourmet Indian dishes. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for high-quality, quick-service desserts and snacks.

image

The cloud kitchen model will operate through a network of satellite kitchens across Bangalore, ensuring fresh and timely delivery of products. These locations will be franchised, allowing for rapid and efficient scaling while maintaining the brand's high standards.

“We believe that franchising our cloud kitchen locations will enable us to scale rapidly and efficiently while maintaining the high standards of our brand. By collaborating with franchisees, we can leverage local expertise and operational excellence to ensure the success of our cloud kitchens,” Farooq explained.

Franchisees will benefit from Mithai Maharaja’s proven business model, comprehensive training programs, and ongoing support, ensuring a seamless integration into the brand’s operational framework. A central kitchen in Bangalore will support these operations.

In addition to traditional mithai, Mithai Maharaja plans to introduce a variety of FMCG products, including ready-to-eat snacks and meal options, as well as corporate gifting solutions. The cloud kitchens will enable the brand to offer a broader range of products, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

“Our strategy involves not only expanding geographically but also diversifying our product offerings. We aim to introduce new cuisines and meal options while maintaining our commitment to quality and authenticity,” Farooq added.

Mithai Maharaja’s entry into the cloud kitchen space is timely, as online food delivery continues to grow. The brand’s focus on premium products and innovative packaging solutions positions it well to capture a significant market share in the gourmet category. The average order value for Mithai Maharaja’s cloud kitchens is expected to be competitive and premium, reflecting the high quality of its offerings.

Mithai Maharaja’s products will be available on its website, quick commerce platforms, and other online marketplaces starting the first week of July. This omnichannel approach ensures that customers can easily access and enjoy Mithai Maharaja’s premium mithai and snacks.

Mithai Maharaja invites customers, partners, and stakeholders to explore its offerings and experience the taste of royalty with its premium Indian mithai.


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.


Via Bianca Brings Soulful Regional Italian Dining to Delhi with CYK Hospitalities

Via Bianca Brings Soulful Regional Italian Dining to Delhi with CYK Hospitalities

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 3, 2025

Via Bianca, a charming new destination for regional Italian cuisine, has officially opened its doors at N Block Market, GK I, New Delhi. Conceptualised and launched with the support of CYK Hospitalities, India’s premier F&B consultancy, Via Bianca promises a refined, heartfelt culinary experience rooted in tradition and authenticity.

At the heart of this venture is Chef Kamalika Anand, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu, London, and ALMA, Italy. With experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and deep immersion in the European culinary world, Chef Kamalika envisioned a space that pays homage to Italy’s diverse regional fare. "Via Bianca has lived in my head and heart for a long time. It's more than a restaurant—it's a tribute to the Italy I studied, lived, and loved," she shared.

image

The restaurant’s ambience blends rustic Italian charm with contemporary elegance. Features like an open kitchen, wood-fired oven, and a pasta shaping station enhance the dining experience, offering guests an immersive look into the culinary craft.

The menu takes diners on a journey across Italy’s regions, with dishes such as Strata Bianca di Zucchini, Spaghetti all'Assassina, and Tigelle 'Nduja, reflecting both skill and soul. From seasoned gourmets to curious foodies, Via Bianca aims to make authentic Italian cuisine both accessible and memorable.

image

CYK Hospitalities played an instrumental role in bringing this vision to life—from designing ergonomic kitchen workflows to curating the entire guest journey. "Via Bianca is a reflection of meaningful collaboration. We saw Kamalika's passion and aligned it with a solid framework, from planning to execution," said Pulkit Arora, Director of CYK Hospitalities.

With its soulful food, striking interiors, and operational finesse, Via Bianca is more than a restaurant—it's a culinary landmark in the making. Backed by CYK Hospitalities' end-to-end brand-building expertise, it stands poised to redefine experiential dining in Delhi.

About CYK Hospitalities

Founded by Pulkit Arora and Simranjeet Singh, CYK Hospitalities is a full-service F&B consultancy providing turnkey solutions across the hospitality spectrum—from concept creation and chef hiring to menu engineering, SOP design, branding, and market strategy.


Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

Bluebop Subs: Mumbai’s New Gourmet Sandwich Delivery from The Bluebop Café

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 31, 2025

Craving a sandwich that truly hits the spot? Bluebop Subs, the latest venture from the team behind Mumbai’s beloved Bluebop Café, is here to transform your sandwich experience. Now available for delivery on Swiggy, Bluebop Subs brings handcrafted, chef-driven sandwiches right to your doorstep — all made with in-house baked breads, premium ingredients, and a generous dollop of soul.

Where Craft Meets Craving

Bluebop Subs is not just another sandwich brand; it carries forward the Bluebop Café’s legacy of quality, creativity, and flavour. Each sandwich is crafted with care, featuring breads baked fresh in-house, including hearty rye and gluten-free options for mindful eaters. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat lover, classic fan, or flavour adventurer, there’s a sandwich here made just for you.

Eesha Sukhi, Director of The Bluebop Café, shares, “We’ve poured the same care and craftsmanship into Bluebop Subs that made The Bluebop Café what it is today. This launch is a celebration of flavour, convenience, and creativity. We wanted to bring restaurant-quality sandwiches to your homes without compromise.”

A Menu That Sparks Joy

Expect a lineup of sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary:

  • The OG Fried Chicken sub with slaw and house sauce

  • Bright, creamy Egg & Avocado delight

  • Indulgent Pepperoni Melt

  • Spicy, satisfying Peri Peri Cottage Cheese

  • Crisp and creamy Caesar Chicken Salad

image

  • Classic favourites like Caprese, Ham & Cheese, and BLT

  • Wholesome vegan options like Tofu Green Delight

And for the sweet tooth, don’t miss their decadent dessert sandwiches:

  • Lotus Cheesecake Sub

  • Oreo Cheesecake Sub

From gourmet to comfort, health-conscious to hearty, Bluebop Subs is designed to deliver happiness, whether you’re working late, binge-watching your favourite series, or just really hungry.

Available now for delivery across Mumbai on Swiggy.
Follow them on Instagram: @bluebopsubs
Contact: 093722 02586

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.