Vaum Tonics, Elevating Your Summer Sips to New Heights

Vaum Tonics, Elevating Your Summer Sips to New Heights

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 30, 2024

As the mercury rises and summer sets in, it's time to embrace all things cool and refreshing. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, nothing beats the heat like a crisp, revitalizing drink.

Enter Vaum Tonics, India's pioneering line of Quinine-Free botanical beverages, born from the collaboration of Co-Founders Siddharth Saraf and Aakash Khaunte. With a shared vision of crafting drinks that are both health-conscious and delicious, they embarked on a journey to redefine the art of mixology.

Vaum Tonics stands out in the crowded beverage landscape with its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Inspired by the tranquil sounds of nature encapsulated in the Sanskrit word “Vaum,” each bottle is a testament to their dedication to providing a truly exceptional drinking experience.

Siddharth and Aakash recognized the need for mixers that enhance, rather than overpower, the flavors of premium spirits. Thus, Vaum Tonics was born, offering a delicate and nuanced flavor profile that elevates every beverage it complements.

Partnering with renowned beverage innovators Hayley Troup and Ed Swete, Vaum Tonics brings to life seven distinct and memorable flavors, all crafted with botanicals imported from Europe and bottled with champagne-esque carbonation in Goa.

From classic tonic waters to contemporary mixers, Vaum Tonics offers a diverse range of meticulously crafted products designed to enhance the flavors of various spirits. Each batch undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure that every bottle delivers an unparalleled drinking experience.

At the heart of Vaum Tonics lies a mission to redefine the art of mixing beverages, inspiring creativity and exploration within the mixology community. With a promise of passion, craftsmanship, and the true art of mixology in every bottle, Vaum Tonics invites you to indulge in a journey of exquisite flavors and refined drinking experiences.

To add a dash of summer flair to your gatherings, Bernice Dias, the mastermind behind Vaum Tonics, shares a selection of ready-to-drink summer recipes:

1. Mango Fig Fizz:

- 15ml fresh lemon juice

- Mango Juice

- Ice cubes

- Mango slices or lemon twists, for garnish

- Vaum mango fig botanical water

- Chili Salt Rim for the Glass (equal parts chili, castor sugar & table salt)

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Instructions:

1. In a Tall Glass Add ice cubes. Rim the Glass with the Chili-Salt mix

2. To a shaker add Mango & Lemon Juice and shake vigorously for about 15-20

seconds to chill the mixture.

3. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass.

4. Top it off with Vaum mango Fig botanical water

5. Garnish with a lemon twist / Mango Slice

2. Kokam Grapefruit Fizz

- 15ml Kokam Juice

- Ice cubes

- Vaum Grapefruit Rosemary botanical water

- Add a rosemary twig as garnish

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Instructions:

1. Add Ice to a short glass.

2. Add the Kokam Juice

3. Top Off with Vaum Grapefruit Rosemary botanical water

4. Garnish with a Rosemary twig

3. Cucumber Mint Refresher

- 15ml fresh lime juice

- 15ml Cucumber Juice

- Ice cubes

- Vaum Cucumber Mint Botanical Water

- Cucumber Slice and Mint Twig, for garnish

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Instructions
:

1. Fill a tall glass with Ice

2. Add the Cucumber & Lime Juice

3. Top Off with Vaum Cucumber Mint botanical water

4. Garnish with a Slice of Cucumber

With these refreshing concoctions, courtesy of Vaum Tonics, your summer soirées are sure to be elevated to new heights of taste and sophistication. So, raise a glass and toast to the season with Vaum Tonics—a symbol of sophistication, excellence, and unparalleled taste. Cheers!


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.

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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.

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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

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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

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