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.


Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

Matcha Craze in Delhi NCR Here Are 5 Cafes Doing It Right

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Matcha has found a strong fanbase in Delhi NCR, and the city’s café scene has fully embraced the trend. The Japanese green tea that has been enjoyed for centuries is now becoming a favourite among young consumers looking for something refreshing yet energising.

Unlike coffee, matcha is often known for providing a calmer and more steady energy boost without the sudden crash later in the day. The trend first gained popularity among Gen Z, and soon millennials followed, turning matcha into more than just a drink. Today, it has become a lifestyle choice, often associated with wellness and mindful living.

The matcha wave has also evolved beyond simple lattes. Cafés are experimenting with seasonal flavours and creative combinations, from fruity strawberry blends to refreshing coconut-based drinks. With so many options available, expectations for a good matcha experience have also grown. Across Delhi NCR, a few cafés are standing out for doing it particularly well.

Barista Coffee is one of the most accessible places to try matcha in the region. The brand introduced a special menu titled “Dhoom Matcha De,” bringing several variations of the drink to its customers. The range includes the Matcha Iced Latte, Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Frappe, and Matcha Hot Latte. With outlets spread across Delhi NCR, Barista offers an easy entry point for those curious to explore matcha for the first time.

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Hinoki Slow Bar has quietly built a loyal following among matcha enthusiasts in Delhi. Founded by two friends, the café focuses on a slow and thoughtful preparation style. Each cup of matcha is freshly prepared in front of guests, allowing them to see the process up close. The menu includes both milk-based and water-based matcha drinks along with a selection of flavours and add-ons, making it a welcoming spot for both newcomers and regular visitors.

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Got Tea takes a slightly different route by sourcing its matcha directly from Japan. The quality of the ingredient is clearly noticeable in its drinks. One of its most popular offerings is the Strawberry Matcha, which features a house-made strawberry compote layered with vibrant matcha. The menu also includes options such as a citrus matcha tonic, a matcha blueberry blend, and even matcha-inspired baked goods. With most outlets open until midnight, it has become a reliable stop for matcha lovers at almost any time of the day.

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Espresso Anyday is known for its experimental menu and offers one of the more creative matcha selections in the region. In addition to classic lattes, the café serves drinks such as a coconut matcha float, matcha tonic, matcha slush, and a matcha americano for those looking to try something different. Among regulars, the Vanilla Ice Cream Matcha is particularly popular, combining creamy texture with well-balanced matcha flavours.

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Third Wave Coffee takes a simpler approach with a focused matcha menu. Its Japanese Matcha Latte, available both hot and iced, is widely appreciated for being smooth and not overly bitter, making it ideal for beginners. The café also serves a Strawberry Matcha Latte for those who enjoy a slightly fruity twist, while the Vanilla Matcha Bubble Tea offers a more playful option for customers in the mood for something different.

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As matcha continues to grow in popularity, cafés across Delhi NCR are refining how they serve the drink. Whether someone is exploring matcha for the first time or already enjoys it regularly, these cafés offer some of the city’s most interesting ways to experience this vibrant green beverage.


Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

Gadda Da Vida at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Just Got a Major Upgrade, Meet GDV 2.0

By Hariharan U

Published on March 10, 2026

If Gadda Da Vida was already your go-to for sundowners in Mumbai, GDV 2.0 is about to give you even more reasons to show up. The beachfront restaurant at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has just launched a full culinary and cocktail reinvention,and it's a confident, coastal-forward step up from everything that came before it.

This isn't just a menu tweak. GDV 2.0 is a proper reimagination of what the space can be,leaning hard into the seafood-driven identity that a venue sitting right by the Arabian Sea honestly should have. The food is bolder, the cocktails are sharper, and the whole experience feels more alive and social while still holding on to the relaxed sundowner energy that made the place a favourite in the first place.

The Food - Coastal, Layered and Genuinely Exciting

The new menu reads like a tour of coastal flavours done with real finesse. Headlining the seafood section are dishes like Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée, and Miso Glazed Seabass,each one bringing something distinct to the table. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade and Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash round out a lineup that's as thoughtfully composed as it is satisfying.

For the table-sharing crowd, the shareable plates section is equally strong,Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers, and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside some genuinely interesting vegetarian options like Malvani Soy Tacos and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The kind of spread that makes ordering for the whole table actually fun.

Desserts close things out on a tropical high,Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta, and an Espresso Tiramisu that feels like the perfect full stop to a coastal meal.

The Cocktails - Built to Match

What sets GDV 2.0 apart from a standard menu relaunch is the intentional pairing of cocktails with the food. The drink menu has been designed to complement the seafood-forward dishes, with signature creations,Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret, and Plumnori each bringing layered aromatics and vibrant profiles to the mix. Progressive infusions and a strong element of mixology theatre add visual drama to the whole experience, turning what could be a regular evening out into something genuinely multisensory.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, explained the thinking behind it all,"With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations."

Sunset, seafood, cocktails with personality, and the Arabian Sea as your backdrop,GDV 2.0 makes a strong case for being Mumbai's most complete beachfront dining experience right now.


Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO Unveil Festive Christmas Gifting Collections 2025

Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO Unveil Festive Christmas Gifting Collections 2025

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

This Christmas, Bengaluru’s dessert scene gets a festive upgrade as two homegrown brands, Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO, introduce their limited-edition Christmas Collections 2025. Designed for gifting, celebrations, and corporate hampers, both collections focus on handcrafted quality, festive flavours, and thoughtful presentation.

Madam Chocolate: Christmas Collection 2025

Bangalore’s fast-growing chocolate dessert brand, Madam Chocolate, brings festive cheer with a playful yet indulgent Christmas Collection that blends craftsmanship with holiday nostalgia. Perfect for personal gifting or festive tables, the collection highlights the brand’s love for detail and flavour.

The collection features the Belgian Couverture Chocolate Santa, a festive centrepiece crafted using premium Belgian chocolate. Another highlight is the Plum Cake House, an eggless plum cake soaked in orange juice and warming spices, then dipped in Madam Chocolate’s signature milk chocolate — a comforting classic with a festive twist.

Adding colour and charm are the Christmas Petit Gâteaux, featuring seasonal versions of popular favourites like Signature Choco Melt, Panda Black Forest, and Dubai Cheese Bomb, all finished with festive décor. The Christmas Bon Bons, hand-painted and artisanal, round off the collection, making them ideal for sharing or gifting.

Every creation reflects Madam Chocolate’s focus on handcrafted indulgence, combining festive visuals with familiar flavours that feel joyful and comforting.

BELAGIO: Christmas Couture Dessert Gifting 2025

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Luxury online patisserie BELAGIO introduces its Couture Dessert Gifting Collection 2025, inspired by Italian-style patisserie and couture craftsmanship. Known for its refined textures and elegant presentation, BELAGIO’s festive range is tailored for premium gifting and holiday celebrations.

The collection includes a curated Chocolate Collection featuring rich, multi-layered entremets, alongside a Berry Collection that offers lighter, fruit-forward flavours. The Fruit Collection brings together tropical and seasonal fruits in vibrant, festive compositions. For customised needs, BELAGIO also offers eggless and dietary-friendly options on request.

Each dessert is built with layers of sponge, mousse, cream, and ganache, finished with flawless mirror glazes and presented in bespoke BELAGIO packaging making every gift feel thoughtful and special.

Order Christmas Gifts: www.belagio.in

Together, Madam Chocolate and BELAGIO offer two distinct yet equally indulgent ways to celebrate Christmas 2025 — whether through playful handcrafted chocolates or refined couture-style desserts. From personal gifting to corporate celebrations, these festive collections promise sweetness, style, and seasonal cheer.

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