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.


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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