Bangalore’s bubble tea lovers have something exciting to look forward to—CHA Republic is officially making its way to the city! India’s homegrown boba tea brand, born in Chennai, is expanding its footprint with its first Bangalore store at 1 Sobha, opening on March 7, 2025.

From Chennai to Bangalore: A Growing Bubble Tea Phenomenon

What started as a passion project in Chennai has now evolved into a nationwide favourite, redefining India’s tea culture. CHA Republic introduced Indians to bubble tea, blending authentic global flavors with local preferences. With its new store in Bangalore, the brand is set to tap into the city’s dynamic, trend-savvy audience, where the demand for customisable, Instagrammable, and premium beverages is stronger than ever.

“Started from a single store in Chennai to expanding across cities, CHA Republic has always been about bringing people together over great flavours and fun experiences,” said Vanitha Ramasamy, Founder of CHA Republic. “Bangalore thrives on innovation and global trends, and we’re excited to introduce our handcrafted bubble teas to a whole new audience who appreciate variety, customisation, and sustainability.”

Signature Bubble Teas with a Sustainable Twist

Operating throughout the day as per the mall’s hours, CHA Republic’s Bangalore outlet will offer its signature handcrafted boba teas, including:

• Classic milk teas
• Refreshing fruit-infused blends
• Sugar-free and non-dairy alternatives

Staying true to its eco-conscious approach, CHA Republic continues to use recyclable PET cans and paper straws, ensuring sustainability in every sip.

A Buzz-Worthy Launch with Bangalore’s Food Community

To celebrate its grand Bangalore debut, CHA Republic has invited local influencers and food bloggers to experience its signature boba creations. This initiative aims to engage Bangalore’s food-loving community and create a social media buzz around the brand’s arrival.

With this expansion, CHA Republic is set to redefine Bangalore’s bubble tea scene, one handcrafted cup at a time.

CYK Hospitalities, a renowned F&B consultancy firm known for curating innovative dining concepts, has unveiled its latest project—Lowkey Café—at Elan Epic, Sector 70, Gurugram. Designed as a serene retreat for coffee enthusiasts, food lovers, and professionals seeking a peaceful workspace, Lowkey Café blends comfort with functionality in a modern, minimalistic setting.

With a focus on organic dishes, brunch favorites, small plates, and decadent desserts, the café offers a thoughtfully curated menu that caters to diverse palates. From French egg ramekin and Turkish eggs to sourdough pizzas, quinoa chickpea Buddha bowls, and indulgent desserts like chocolate fondant and classic tiramisu, Lowkey Café ensures an elevated dining experience.

What sets Lowkey Café apart is its unique "Breads & Brews" concept, pairing artisanal bread with signature coffee blends sourced from different regions of India. This rotating selection ensures a fresh and dynamic coffee experience with every visit. The cozy interiors, complete with reading nooks and collaborative workspaces, make it an ideal spot for casual meetings, remote work, or unwinding over a great brew.

Beyond conceptualization, CYK Hospitalities played a pivotal role in bringing Lowkey Café to life, handling everything from menu engineering and kitchen design to branding, operations, and staff training. Pulkit Arora, the driving force behind CYK Hospitalities' strategic approach, shared, "We wanted to create more than just another café; we envisioned a space that fosters community engagement while aligning with modern lifestyle needs."

Vishal Jhoon, Founder of Lowkey Café, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This café is a passion project, born out of a desire to create a place where people can just be themselves—enjoying good food, great coffee, and a truly inspiring ambiance. CYK Hospitalities has transformed our vision into reality with their expertise and meticulous execution."

With its immersive ambiance, quality-driven menu, and expert-backed execution, Lowkey Café is set to become Gurugram’s go-to spot for those who appreciate fine coffee, great food, and a peaceful space to work or unwind.

Fireback, the renowned Thai restaurant and bar from EHV International, is bringing its distinctive flavours to Chennai with an exclusive pop-up at Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, Mahabalipuram. Taking place on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of March 2025, this special event will offer an unparalleled dining experience, featuring authentic Thai cuisine prepared with Fireback's signature fire-grilled technique and contemporary finesse.

With the legendary Chef David Thompson as Culinary Director and Chef Kaustubh Haldipur as Brand Chef, Fireback has established itself as a go-to destination for Thai cuisine in Goa. Tucked away behind an old Portuguese bungalow in Siolim, the restaurant is set along a picturesque riverside, offering an intimate and immersive dining experience. The name Fireback is inspired by Thailand’s national bird, the Siamese Fireback, a reflection of the fire-grilled cooking techniques that define its culinary approach.

Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, Mahabalipuram, located along the scenic East Coast Road, is a luxurious beachfront retreat known for its world-class hospitality and award-winning dining experiences. The resort provides the perfect setting for this exclusive collaboration, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal and an ambiance that seamlessly blends elegance with coastal charm.

The three-day pop-up will showcase a thoughtfully curated menu, highlighting Fireback’s celebrated dishes. The vegetarian set menu begins with Ma Hor, a vibrant combination of pineapple, cherry tomato, and palm sugar, accompanied by Raw Papaya Som Tam and Grilled Sweet Potato with gorlae sauce. Guests will then indulge in a comforting Coconut & Galangal Soup before moving on to mains such as Banana Leaf-Wrapped Tofu in red curry marinade, Dry Panaeng Curry of Raw Banana, and Green Curry, all served with steamed jasmine rice.

The non-vegetarian menu includes Grilled Southern Lamb with gorlae sauce, Banana Leaf-Wrapped Seabass in red curry marinade, and Dry Panaeng Curry of Pulled Pork. To end the meal on a sweet note, diners can enjoy Cashew Nut Pudding with caramelized taro, Coconut & Jaggery Ice Cream, and Tropical Fruits with perfumed syrup and crushed ice.

This limited-time experience will take place at C Salt, the resort’s signature coastal restaurant, which is known for its fresh seafood, open-air ambiance, and authentic Southern Indian grills. Overlooking the ocean, C Salt is the ideal venue to host Fireback’s culinary showcase, bringing the vibrant flavours of Thailand to Chennai in a setting that transports diners to the coasts of Southeast Asia.

With limited seating available each evening, early reservations are highly recommended. Guests looking to embark on this extraordinary gastronomic journey can make reservations by contacting Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa at +91 7824010209.