Royal China: Two Decades of Cantonese Culinary Excellence

Royal China: Two Decades of Cantonese Culinary Excellence

By Author

Published on November 4, 2023

In the ever-evolving hospitality landscape of Mumbai, a significant milestone has been reached. Royal China, the iconic restaurant, is celebrating its remarkable 20th year. This accomplishment is a testament to the enduring love for Chinese flavors, an achievement that few restaurants can boast. What started as a simple appreciation for Chinese cuisine has transformed into a culinary institution beloved by Bollywood luminaries, industry leaders, influencers, and devoted food enthusiasts.

The founders of Royal China, Neville and Michelle Vazifdar, have masterfully combined the essence of Asian fine dining with an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Their journey began with a vision to introduce authentic Cantonese cuisine to a wider audience. Over the years, this gastronomic venture has expanded its reach to Bandra, Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata. Central to the Royal China experience is the creation of a serene and modern dining environment characterized by minimalist decor.

As we celebrate this significant milestone, their dedication to sharing the wonders of Cantonese cuisine with India remains steadfast, promising even more exciting culinary adventures in the future.

Neville Vazifdar, the visionary behind Royal China's 20-year culinary journey, reflects on the restaurant's origins, saying, "I remember the day I started Royal China 20 years ago, upon my return from London, with a commitment to serving the best Cantonese food in Mumbai. I am proud of how far we have come. Credit goes to the team who has provided unwavering support and loyalty, reflecting in our service and food quality, which keeps our patrons coming back."

As Royal China marks two decades of culinary excellence, they invite you to partake in the festivities and savor the authentic Cantonese dishes that define their legacy. Indulge in signature offerings like Hot and Sour Soup or Sweet Corn Soup, followed by delightful Dim Sum selections such as Har Gow Dumplings and Sui Mai. Main courses like Chicken in Black Bean Sauce or Fish in Chilli Oil & Spring Onion are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Pair these with Fried Rice or Hakka Noodles, and conclude your meal with delectable desserts like Chocolate Mud Cake or Apple/Banana Toffee Fritter, each dish a testament to their culinary mastery.

Complementing their diverse menu, Royal China offers a wide selection of wines, champagnes, spirits, mocktails, and contemporary cocktails. Crafted with two decades of experience, these cocktails take patrons on a multi-dimensional journey, from bold and daring to subtle and nuanced. This remarkable beverage experience mirrors Royal China's dedication to innovation and excellence.

Michelle Vazifdar, the driving force behind Royal China's marketing, expresses her excitement: "Reaching this remarkable milestone of 20 years with Royal China fills me with pride, excitement, and anticipation for the future. It's been an extraordinary journey that motivates us to keep creating memorable dining experiences for our patrons."

As Royal China celebrates two decades of culinary excellence, they invite you to savor their 20th-year menu. It's not just a meal; it's a testament to the enduring love for Cantonese flavors and the promise of many more extraordinary years ahead. Join Royal China in celebrating 20 years of redefining Asian fine dining in India.


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

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  • 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


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Celebrates Andhra’s Culinary Heritage with Avakaya Mixing Ceremony

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 29, 2025

Novotel Vijayawada Varun recently brought the city’s culinary heritage to life with a vibrant Avakaya Mixing Ceremony, honouring the age-old Andhra tradition of mango pickle preparation. Held on May 25th, the immersive event welcomed chefs, food enthusiasts, and guests to celebrate the arrival of the mango season through this beloved cultural ritual.

Hosted at The Terrace, the event was a beautiful blend of heritage and hospitality. Attendees gathered around freshly chopped raw mangoes, gingelly oil, and traditional spices, joining hands to prepare Avakaya in a communal spirit. The evening began with refreshing local drinks like Mango Ice Apple Smoothie and Watermelon Mint Mojito, followed by a spread of nostalgic handcrafted snacks including Mamidi Tandra, Tati Tandra, and Kobbari Mamidikaya Mukkalu.

Hotel Manager Manish Pathak shared, “This event beautifully bridges local culture with contemporary hospitality, embodying the core ethos of Novotel Vijayawada Varun. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremony offers our guests an authentic taste of tradition, reflecting our unwavering commitment to community engagement and preserving Andhra’s rich regional flavours within a refined setting.”

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The culinary journey continued with a curated menu featuring regional specialties such as Korrala Gunta Puli Bongaralu, Kotha Avakaya Mudda Pappu Dumplings, Metha Chekkalu, Mamidikaya Bhajji, and Perugu Awada. Guests also enjoyed an Araku Filter Coffee and Masala Tea Bar, paired with local snacks, as live instrumental music elevated the immersive experience.

To mark the occasion, guests received handcrafted jars of Avakaya—a delicious takeaway that not only symbolised the start of the pickle season but also served as a flavourful reminder of Andhra’s gastronomic roots.


Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

Rajasthali Resort & Spa Introduces Royal-Inspired Culinary Journey at Jharokha

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 28, 2025

Rajasthali Resort & Spa has unveiled an inspired culinary journey at Jharokha, its signature fine-dining restaurant, through a reimagined menu that pays tribute to Rajasthan’s royal culinary heritage. The refreshed offerings honour time-honoured flavours while welcoming a contemporary twist that caters to modern tastes.

Crafted by the resort’s culinary experts, the menu showcases a thoughtful fusion of traditional Rajasthani recipes and global cuisine, bringing together rich flavours and refined presentation. Signature dishes include Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, and Jungli Maas, all prepared with authenticity and care, reflecting the grandeur of Rajputana feasts.

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Vegetarian favourites like Gatta Curry, made from gram flour dumplings in a tangy yogurt gravy, continue to reflect the essence of Marwari home kitchens. Highlights from the new menu also include the aromatic Gosht Dum Biryani, and Chicken Parmigiana, where Western comfort food is infused with Indian warmth.

For those preferring plant-based indulgence, the Subz Khubani Kofta Curry, combining apricots, vegetables, and a nutmeg-spiced tomato velouté, stands out as a blend of heritage and imagination. Fresh offerings like the Rajasthali Garden Bowl and Mediterranean Quinoa Mix bring light, refreshing balance to the rich main course selections.

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No royal feast is complete without dessert, and Jharokha’s sweet offerings—such as Kesari Rasmalai and Moong Dal Halwa—bring a luxurious close to the meal, embracing India’s love for soulful, traditional sweets.

“This new chapter at Jharokha is a culinary tribute—crafted not just for the appetite, but for the soul,” said Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President, Rajasthali Resorts and Spa. “Every dish is a celebration of legacy, reinterpreted with artistic finesse and global elegance.”

Located on the Jaipur Expressway in Kukas, Jharokha at Rajasthali Resort & Spa invites food lovers, cultural explorers, and connoisseurs of regal flavours to indulge in a royal gastronomic experience that is both timeless and contemporary.

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