A Bite-Sized Bengali Bliss Ball

A Bite-Sized Bengali Bliss Ball

By Author

Published on March 13, 2024

The world of Indian sweets is a treasure trove of diverse flavors and textures. Among these gems lies the Pantua, a delectable Bengali delicacy offering a unique taste and delightful history.

Pantua, also known as Pontooa, finds its roots in the vibrant culinary scene of West Bengal, India. Its origin story is believed to be linked to the iconic Bengali sweet, Chhena Gaja. Legend has it that leftover chhena (cottage cheese) from making Chhena Gaja was used to create Pantua. This resourceful practice resulted in a melt-in-your-mouth sweet that quickly gained popularity.

Unlike its close cousin, the Gulab Jamun, Pantua boasts a subtler sweetness. The fluffy exterior, made from a mixture of chhena, semolina, and flour, gives way to a soft, slightly grainy interior. The key to its unique flavor lies in the use of cardamom, which adds a warm and aromatic touch.

Traditionally deep-fried in ghee, some modern renditions of Pantua opt for healthier methods like baking or shallow frying. This adaptation caters to health-conscious individuals while preserving the essence of the dish.

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Ready to Indulge? Here's a Recipe for Homemade Pantua:

Ingredients:

250 gms fresh chhena (cottage cheese)

2 tbsp semolina (sooji)

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

A pinch of baking soda

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Sugar syrup (1 cup sugar dissolved in 1/2 cup water)

Ghee (for frying)

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Instructions:

Knead the chhena, semolina, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom powder into a smooth dough.

Divide the dough into small balls.

Heat ghee in a pan (or preheat oven to 180°C).

Deep fry (or bake) the balls until golden brown.

Immerse the fried balls in warm sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes.

Tips:

Ensure the chhena is well-drained to avoid a wet dough.

Adjust the sugar syrup consistency based on your preference.

For a richer flavor, add a few drops of kewra water to the sugar syrup.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Introduces New Awadhi and Mughlai Menu at Spice Art

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Introduces New Awadhi and Mughlai Menu at Spice Art

By Hariharan U

Published on August 7, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has announced the launch of an all-new menu at Spice Art, its signature Indian fine dining restaurant, bringing guests an immersive culinary experience inspired by the timeless flavours of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine.

Curated by Chef Vijay, the refreshed menu celebrates the grandeur of India’s royal kitchens while presenting traditional recipes through a contemporary fine dining approach. The new offerings highlight authentic regional flavours, handcrafted spice blends, and refined culinary techniques, creating an elevated gastronomic journey for guests.

Known for its elegant ambience and soulful live ghazal performances, Spice Art continues its celebration of Indian culinary heritage with dishes inspired by the royal cuisines of Punjab, Delhi, and Lucknow.

The culinary experience begins with an extensive selection of starters, including Dahi Ke Kebab, Bhuna Masala Paneer Tikka, Badami Murgh Chandi Kebab, and Nimbu Neem Ki Tawa Fish, followed by comforting soups such as Tamatar Chakunder Shorba and Murgh Pudina Ka Ark.

The main course showcases the richness of Indian royal cuisine with signature dishes including Dal Spice Art, Martaban Ka Paneer, Subz Panchratan Masala, Nawabi Pasanda, Chaap-e-Awadh, Nalli Nihari, Dilli-6 Murgh Korma, Murgh Tikka Makhan Masala, Sarson Wali Macchi, and Saunfyani Kadhai Jhinga.

Highlighting traditional cooking techniques, the Murgh Tikka Makhan Masala features char-grilled chicken tikka prepared in a rich buttery tomato gravy, while Sarson Wali Macchi brings together mustard-marinated river sole with aromatic Indian spices. The Saunfyani Kadhai Jhinga combines succulent prawns with fennel and traditional spice flavours.

The menu also features aromatic biryanis including Murgh Dum Biryani, Lucknowi Gosht Biryani, and Subz Dum Biryani, paired with freshly baked Indian breads such as Roghni Naan, Sheermal, and Amritsari Kulcha. Guests can end their meal with classic desserts including Khubani Ka Meetha and Shahi Meetha.

Enhancing the dining experience, Spice Art has introduced handcrafted mocktails inspired by Indian flavours. Mehmaan Nawazi, featuring orange juice, sweet peach, and a subtle hint of house-made pickle, celebrates India's tradition of hospitality, while Jamun Jashn combines jamun, basil, lavender, black salt, and Sprite for a refreshing seasonal beverage.

Commenting on the launch, Sharad K. Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said the new menu reflects the hotel’s commitment to celebrating India’s culinary heritage through authenticity, innovation, and exceptional hospitality.

Sharing his vision behind the menu, Chef Vijay said the new offerings aim to preserve the essence of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine while introducing contemporary elements that allow guests to experience the stories, aromas, and emotions behind Indian food traditions.

With its new menu, refined ambience, and live ghazal performances, Spice Art continues to position itself as a destination for memorable dining experiences, whether for intimate dinners, family celebrations, or special occasions.

About Spice Art

Spice Art is the signature Indian fine dining restaurant at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, offering an exceptional culinary experience inspired by the royal cuisines of Punjab, Delhi, and Lucknow. The restaurant combines authentic flavours, elegant interiors, and soulful live music to celebrate India’s rich gastronomic legacy.

Operational Timings: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Reservations: +91 8527694313


Zydus Wellness Launches Complan Powerplay, Enters Ready-to-Drink Milkshake Segment

Zydus Wellness Launches Complan Powerplay, Enters Ready-to-Drink Milkshake Segment

By Hariharan U

Published on August 7, 2026

Zydus Wellness has announced the launch of Complan Powerplay, a ready-to-drink nutritional milkshake that marks the brand’s entry into India’s ready-to-drink dairy beverage segment.

Designed to cater to the nutritional needs of children aged 7 years and above, Complan Powerplay aims to create a new consumption occasion for the brand within the milkshake and flavoured milk category, which is estimated at ₹1,700 crore.

The launch comes at a time when children’s lifestyles are becoming increasingly active, creating demand for convenient and nutrient-rich options beyond traditional meal occasions. With parents seeking better nutritional choices that fit into busy routines, Complan Powerplay combines the brand’s nutritional expertise with the convenience of an on-the-go milkshake.

Alongside the product launch, Complan has introduced its integrated campaign “Har Passion Ko Do Poshan”, celebrating children’s diverse interests and encouraging parents to support their ambitions with the right nutrition.

Complan Powerplay provides 10g of high-quality milk protein in every 160 ml serving, along with calcium and 30% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D2. The product also contains prebiotics and is formulated with no added sugar, preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours.

Commenting on the launch, Tarun Arora, CEO & Whole Time Director, Zydus Wellness Ltd., said, “Children's lifestyles today are fundamentally different from what they were a decade ago, and nutrition solutions must evolve alongside them. At Zydus Wellness, our innovation strategy is centered on identifying emerging consumer behaviours and creating relevant formats that seamlessly fit into everyday life.”

He added, “Complan Powerplay is a natural extension of the brand's trusted nutrition heritage into a fast-growing adjacent category, allowing us to address new consumption occasions while remaining focused on delivering science-backed nutrition.”

The launch is supported by an integrated marketing campaign across platforms including Meta, YouTube, Snapchat, and other digital channels. The campaign is anchored by a television commercial that brings the message “Har Passion Ko Do Poshan” to life, showcasing children pursuing their interests across sports, music, dance, and other activities while highlighting the role of parents in supporting their journeys.

Available in Chocolate and Vanilla variants, Complan Powerplay is positioned as a convenient nutrition solution to support children during school, sports, and hobby-related activities.

About Zydus Wellness

Zydus Wellness is a consumer wellness company with an Indian heritage and global presence. With over 35 years of operational experience, the company’s portfolio includes brands such as RiteBite Max Protein, Complan, Sugar Free, Sugar Free D’lite, Glucon-D, Nutralite, I’m Lite, Everyuth, and Nycil.

Headquartered in Ahmedabad, Zydus Wellness operates four manufacturing facilities across Aligarh, Ahmedabad, and Sikkim, along with 18 co-packing facilities across India, New Zealand, Dubai, and Bangladesh.


The Supper Club Mumbai and Fairmont Mumbai Celebrate Karnataka's Culinary Heritage

The Supper Club Mumbai and Fairmont Mumbai Celebrate Karnataka's Culinary Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

The Supper Club Mumbai, in collaboration with The Merchants, Fairmont Mumbai, recently hosted a specially curated dining experience celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Karnataka. The event brought together food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and members of Mumbai's culinary community for an evening centred around regional flavours, storytelling, and meaningful conversations.

The immersive experience was curated by Chef Rajshri Gupta, Founder & Curator of The Supper Club Mumbai, along with Chef Mihir Kane, Director of Culinary at Fairmont Mumbai, and his team.

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Guests were welcomed with live music before being served an authentic banana leaf meal, inspired by Karnataka's traditional dining culture. The menu featured a selection of regional favourites, including Beans Palya, Beetroot Palya, Enne Badnikayi, Tonde Kai, Goli Bajje, Raw Banana Sukka, Lamb Sukka, Chicken Ghee Roast, Kori Roti, Matta Rice, Donne Biryani, along with an assortment of chutneys, podis, aromatic ghee, seasonal vegetables, and non-vegetarian specialities. The meal concluded with the comforting Dal Payasam, offering guests a memorable finish to the culinary journey.

Beyond the food, the evening combined storytelling, music, and engaging conversations that gave guests a deeper understanding of Karnataka's culinary traditions, local ingredients, and cultural heritage.

The event was also attended by celebrated chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality Gary Mehigan, whose presence highlighted the growing appreciation for India's diverse regional cuisines on the global stage.

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Speaking about the collaboration, Chef Rajshri Gupta, Founder & Curator, The Supper Club Mumbai, said:

"The flavours of Karnataka remain timelessly popular across the expanse of the country, with every individual relating their comfort with the diverse delicacies that it has produced for ages. Though diverse beyond imagination, its regional stories remain heavily underrepresented in the culinary excellence of India. Having partnered with The Merchants, Fairmont Mumbai, we aimed at curating a comprehensive meal to showcase the state's long-living heritage and emotions through food. It was heartening to witness the patrons indulging in every course with curiosity and gratitude."

Sharing his thoughts on the experience, Chef Mihir Kane, Director of Culinary, Fairmont Mumbai, said:

"At Fairmont Mumbai, we are constantly looking to create dining experiences that bring people together over exceptional food. At The Merchants, we've also made a conscious effort to shine a light on India's diverse regional cuisines, forgotten recipes, and local food traditions through a series of thoughtfully curated culinary initiatives. South Side Supper is a natural extension of that vision, showcasing the richness of South Indian home-style cooking through the recipes and traditions that Chef Rajshri has so carefully preserved. We hope guests leave with not just an appreciation for the flavours on the banana leaf, but also for the stories, warmth, and heritage that make these meals so special."

The collaboration reflects The Merchants' continued focus on showcasing India's regional cuisines through authentic ingredients, seasonal produce, and traditional cooking techniques. It also reinforces The Supper Club Mumbai's vision of creating culture-led dining experiences that bring people together through food, music, storytelling, and shared memories while celebrating India's diverse culinary heritage.

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