“We celebrate regional flavors…” - Kedar Shetty, Co-Founder, Baliboo, Mumbai

“We celebrate regional flavors…” - Kedar Shetty, Co-Founder, Baliboo, Mumbai

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Published on July 3, 2024

Kedarnath Shetty, co-founder of Baliboo, discusses their menu development philosophy, use of local ingredients, and exciting upcoming plans for the restaurant in this Exclusive Interview.

Conceptualized by the dynamic duo of Divya Kadam and Kedar Shetty, Baliboo boasts a stunning ambiance that reflects the lush beauty of the tropics. Think inviting interiors, a touch of modern elegance, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a truly unforgettable experience.

But Baliboo’s magic extends beyond its aesthetics. The meticulously crafted menu is a delightful fusion of cultures, offering a taste of the exotic alongside familiar favorites. Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian, a confirmed carnivore, or someone with dietary restrictions, Baliboo caters to all with thoughtfully tailored options. Locally sourced ingredients ensure freshness in every bite, while the culinary team's passion for flavor shines through in each dish.

The restaurant also boasts an impressive beverage program, featuring refreshing cocktails and mocktails that perfectly complement the food. From classic favorites to innovative concoctions bursting with tropical fruits and spices, there’s a drink to tantalize every taste bud.

What inspired the concept behind Baliboo, and how does it differentiate itself in Mumbai’s dining scene?

Inspiration Behind Baliboo: The concept behind Baliboo was inspired by the vibrant cultures and diverse culinary traditions encountered by founders Divya Kadam and Kedar Shetty during their extensive travels. They envisioned creating a dining destination that encapsulates the joy and excitement of discovering new flavors and experiences. This vision is brought to life through Baliboo's innovative menu, which features a seamless blend of global cuisines with a unique twist, creating an unforgettable gastronomic journey for our guests.

Differentiation in Mumbai’s Dining Scene: Baliboo sets itself apart in Mumbai's bustling dining scene through its commitment to culinary ingenuity and heartfelt hospitality. Each dish is meticulously crafted, balancing creativity and tradition to offer a unique taste experience. The ambiance at Baliboo is vibrant and inviting, reflecting the joyous revelry of taste and life's vibrant essence that we aim to celebrate with every visit. Our dedication to exceptional service and creating memorable dining experiences ensures that Baliboo remains a standout choice for food enthusiasts in Mumbai.

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Could you share some insights into the design philosophy of Baliboo and how it reflects the essence of a tropical paradise?

Baliboo’s design philosophy centers on creating a tropical paradise within the heart of Mumbai. Inspired by the serene beauty and vibrant culture of tropical destinations, our interior features lush greenery, natural wood elements, and bright, airy spaces. This design reflects our commitment to offering an escape from the urban hustle, allowing guests to unwind and immerse themselves in a tranquil, exotic ambiance while enjoying our unique culinary creations.

How do you ensure that the menu at Baliboo offers a harmonious blend of Asian, Continental, and Indian flavors while catering to diverse dietary preferences?

At Baliboo, we ensure a harmonious blend of Asian, Continental, and Indian flavors by carefully curating our menu to highlight the best of each cuisine while maintaining balance and coherence. Our chefs meticulously source high-quality ingredients and craft dishes that celebrate diverse culinary traditions. Additionally, we offer a variety of options catering to diverse dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb choices, ensuring that every guest finds something delightful to enjoy.

Baliboo emphasizes inclusivity with its vegetarian, vegan, and dietary-specific options. How do you approach menu development to accommodate these needs without compromising on taste and quality?

At Baliboo, we approach menu development with a focus on creativity and innovation to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and dietary-specific needs. Our chefs experiment with diverse ingredients and cooking techniques to ensure every dish is flavorful and satisfying. By using fresh, high-quality produce and carefully balancing spices and textures, we create dishes that cater to dietary preferences without compromising on taste and quality. This commitment ensures that all our guests enjoy a memorable dining experience.

The cocktail menu at Baliboo offers a wide range of unique libations. What inspired the creation of signature cocktails like Scarlet and Rosetta?

The creation of signature cocktails like Scarlet and Rosetta at Baliboo is inspired by our desire to craft beverages that reflect the vibrant, tropical essence of our dining experience. Scarlet, with its bold, rich flavors, draws inspiration from exotic fruits and spices, while Rosetta combines delicate floral notes and refreshing botanicals. Both cocktails are designed to complement our diverse menu and enhance the overall sensory experience for our guests. 

With the strong emphasis on local sourcing, how does Baliboo contribute to enhancing the community's culinary experience?

At Baliboo, we emphasize local sourcing to contribute to the community’s culinary experience by partnering with local farmers and suppliers. This ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients while supporting the local economy. By incorporating locally-sourced produce into our dishes, we celebrate regional flavors and create a sustainable dining experience that resonates with our community’s tastes and values.

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Can you share any upcoming initiatives or events that patrons can look forward to at Baliboo?

At Baliboo, patrons can look forward to an exciting lineup of upcoming initiatives and events, including themed culinary nights, live music performances, and exclusive tasting menus that showcase seasonal ingredients. We are also planning interactive cooking workshops and mixology classes, providing guests with unique and engaging experiences that celebrate our commitment to culinary innovation and community engagement. 

What legacy do you hope the restaurant leaves in Mumbai's dining landscape, and what future vision do you have for its continued success?

At Baliboo, we hope to leave a legacy of culinary excellence and innovative dining experiences in Mumbai’s dining landscape. We aim to be remembered for our exceptional food, heartfelt hospitality, and vibrant ambiance. Our future vision includes expanding our reach while maintaining our commitment to quality and creativity, continuously evolving our menu, and deepening our connection with the community through diverse, memorable experiences.


The Sommeliers Association of India Is Crafting a New Narrative for Indian Wine

The Sommeliers Association of India Is Crafting a New Narrative for Indian Wine

Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) isn’t just another wine club—it’s a movement. Founded in 2024 by Amrita Singh and world-renowned sommelier Mattia Antonio Cianca, SAI is India’s first national sommelier association aligned with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

Their mission? To elevate Indian wine education, represent India at global sommelier contests, and create pathways for young professionals to thrive in the global hospitality space.

Inside the Article: The SAI Vision That’s Changing the Game

  • Why the absence of an Indian representative at the 2023 ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest led to the birth of SAI.
  • How international certifications like the ASI Diploma (now introduced in India) are setting new benchmarks for excellence.
  • The powerful impact of being affiliated with global platforms like JancisRobinson.com, GuildSomm, and ASI.

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  • Why pairing wine with Indian cuisine isn’t just possible—it’s revolutionary. Think regional curries, spice blends, and global wines in harmony.
  • How SAI membership is opening up access to mentorships, global internships, and exclusive wine training events across India.
  • What the future holds—positioning India as a major player in wine education, tourism, and fine-dining excellence on the global map.

The full article on SAI is out now in our June 2025 edition of Hospitality News!
Discover how this non-profit is shaking up India’s wine scene, nurturing sommelier talent, and making wine a celebration of both taste and tradition.


Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat: 200 Years of Bhagat Halwai, Served Fresh

Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat: 200 Years of Bhagat Halwai, Served Fresh

Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

As Bhagat Halwai completes over 200 years of legacy, the iconic Agra-based sweet brand is finding its modern voice through two young, passionate leaders: Shivam Bhagat, Director, and Riddhi Bhagat, Strategic Director.

Stepping into the family business at just 19, Shivam has remained rooted in tradition while redefining how mithai connects with a new generation. Meanwhile, Riddhi brings her hospitality background and entrepreneurial drive into play—crafting mindful, wholesome offerings like “Binge on Baked,” a health-forward brand under the Bhagat Halwai umbrella. Together, they’re proving that legacy doesn’t have to mean outdated—it can mean dependable and dynamic.

Inside the Interview: How They’re Reimagining Mithai for Today’s India

In this heartwarming and forward-looking interview, Shivam and Riddhi share:

  • How a 1795 legacy brand stays fresh through seasonal specials, premium ingredients, and a blend of nostalgia and novelty.
  • Why health-conscious consumers are now at the center of product innovation—from sugar-free mithai to organic ingredients and locally sourced produce.
  • The big festive game plan—including how Bhagat Halwai scales operations, curates gifting options, and delivers joy at scale.
  • How Bhagat Halwai builds lifelong relationships, turning everyday customers into loyal patrons through flavour, service, and trust.
  • The role of creativity and strategy in taking heritage brands beyond sweets—into savouries, multi-cuisine offerings, and modern snacking.

The full interview with Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat is now out in our June 2025 issue of Hospitality News!

Don’t miss this inspiring story of two next-gen leaders keeping tradition alive—while boldly stepping into the future of food.

Read the full feature now at: https://hospitalitynews.in/e-magzines  


Flavours with Purpose: Chef Peter’s Pan-Asian Journey

Flavours with Purpose: Chef Peter’s Pan-Asian Journey

Chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng

Published on June 2, 2025

In this exclusive feature for Hospitalitynews, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng, the visionary Culinary Director of Pricol Gourmet Pvt. Ltd., and the creative force behind the vibrant flavours at Soy Soi. Known to many as Chef Peter, he brings a deep sense of purpose and artistry to his cuisine, which reflects across every plate at Soy Soi and Little Soi.

In this engaging conversation, Chef Peter walks us through his culinary philosophy—one rooted in simplicity, tradition, and balance. His defining dish, Hainan Chicken Rice, reflects his belief that a humble plate, when done right, can speak volumes. As he puts it, a dish may appear minimal, but if it strikes harmony in taste and technique, it represents something much deeper.

Chef Peter also shares what makes Soy Soi stand apart in the competitive world of Pan-Asian dining. With a bold departure from the expected, the restaurant curates lesser-known regional street foods from across Southeast Asia, blending authenticity with innovation. It’s not just about flavour—it’s an experience woven together with ambience and hospitality.

The conversation dives deeper into his creative process, career-defining moments across cities like Chennai, Dubai, and Bangkok, and his vision for where Pan-Asian cuisine is headed in India. His take on “freestyle Asian” dining presents a promising outlook for evolving palates in the country.

What stands out is his thoughtful approach to leadership—where kitchen culture, mentorship, and staff well-being are prioritised as key ingredients to success.

This inspiring conversation with Chef Peter is more than a feature—it’s a masterclass in culinary creativity and team building.

To explore the full interview, grab your June Edition of Hospitalitynews or read it on our website today.