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.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Hosts Sri Lankan Food Festival

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Hosts Sri Lankan Food Festival

By Author

Published on March 27, 2026

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is hosting a special Sri Lankan food festival, bringing the flavours of the island nation to diners in a warm and familiar setting. Titled The Spirit of Sri Lanka, the experience offers a week-long celebration of comforting and flavourful dishes.

The menu has been carefully curated to showcase a mix of traditional home-style recipes and popular street food favourites. Guests can explore dishes like Polos Ambula, Kiri Kaju Maluwa, and Annasi Maluwa, along with well-loved bites such as Elawalu Kottu, Batu Moju, Amba Anama, Sinhala Achcharu, and Ala Beduma. For those looking for something light and crunchy, Parippu Wade adds a familiar touch to the spread.

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Sharing his thoughts, Chef Luxman said, “Sri Lankan cuisine is a celebration of bold spices and subtle balance, deeply rooted in simplicity yet rich in flavour and character. Each dish on this menu reflects traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations, bringing authentic, home-style flavours to the table. We’ve focused on maintaining this authenticity while ensuring the dishes feel enjoyable for our guests.”

Designed as an easy and relaxed dining experience, the festival is ideal for casual meals, family outings, or catching up with friends. The menu focuses on flavours that are both distinctive and approachable, making it a great introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.

The festival is available for dinner service at the hotel, starting from 7:30 PM onwards.

With this initiative, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore continues to bring global culinary experiences to the city, offering guests a chance to explore new flavours in a comfortable setting


KICO Bengaluru Brings a Fresh Take to All-Day Breakfast

KICO Bengaluru Brings a Fresh Take to All-Day Breakfast

By Hariharan U

Published on March 27, 2026

KICO is quickly becoming a go-to morning spot in Bengaluru, offering an all-day breakfast experience that blends comfort food, café classics, and a strong sense of community. Backed by Yazu Hospitality, the space has been designed as a relaxed social hub where guests can drop in for coffee and stay through the day.

Serving breakfast from morning until evening, KICO’s menu is simple yet thoughtfully put together, with a focus on reinterpreting familiar dishes rather than reinventing them. The offerings move between global influences and local favourites, catering to both leisurely brunches and quick weekday meals.

Popular dishes include the Parsi-style Akuri Soft Scramble, a rich and spiced take on eggs, along with options like Forest Mushroom Soft Scramble and Smoked Salmon Scramble that bring in lighter, balanced flavours. The menu also nods to Bengaluru’s breakfast culture with Benne Dosa, served in both classic and contemporary styles.

Café staples form a big part of the experience, with sandwiches, croissants, and bagels such as the Caprese Croissan’wich, Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream Bagel, and Juliette’s Club Sando offering familiar yet indulgent choices. For those looking at something sweet, the Japanese Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes and French Toast made with Japanese milk bread add a dessert-like touch to the menu. Health-focused options like smoothie bowls and Quinoa Upma ensure there’s something for everyone.

The beverage programme is equally diverse, featuring wellness drinks like Green Glow and Beet Boost, alongside matcha-based options and kombucha. The café’s coffee programme, created in association with Nandan Coffee, anchors the experience with offerings like Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Cascara Lemonade.

KICO was always imagined as a place where people would want to spend time, not just drop in and leave,” said Ranbir Nagpal, Founder, Yazu Hospitality. “Breakfast naturally became a big part of that because mornings in Bangalore are social. People meet, work, catch up and ease into the day.”

Adding to this, Atul Chopra, Partner at Yazu Hospitality, said, “We wanted KICO to feel like a space that evolves with the guest through the day. Breakfast is just the starting point, it’s about creating an environment where good food, coffee, and conversations come together effortlessly.”

While evenings at KICO shift towards cocktails and music, mornings remain its most relaxed and inviting side. With its easygoing vibe and thoughtfully curated menu, KICO is shaping up to be a favourite for café regulars, remote workers, and brunch lovers across the city.


Farro Pune Celebrates Chaitra Navratri with Special Festive Menu

Farro Pune Celebrates Chaitra Navratri with Special Festive Menu

By Author

Published on March 27, 2026

Farro is celebrating Chaitra Navratri with a specially curated menu that brings together tradition and modern flavours. Known for its ingredient-led approach, the restaurant has created a festive dining experience that is both mindful and flavourful.

The menu features a range of sattvic-inspired dishes made using seasonal ingredients, keeping in line with the spirit of the occasion. Designed to suit both those observing the fast and guests simply looking for lighter, wholesome meals, the offerings focus on balance and taste.

Guests can enjoy favourites like Aloo Chaat, Raw Banana Kofta, and Tender Coconut Payasam, along with refreshing beverages that complement the festive mood. The dishes reflect a clean and thoughtful approach while still delivering on flavour.

Set in a warm and inviting space, Farro offers the perfect setting for family outings, intimate gatherings, or a relaxed festive meal.

The Chaitra Navratri menu is currently available at the Pune outlet, Evening service begins at 7:00 PM onwards.

With this seasonal offering, Farro continues to bring together tradition and contemporary dining, creating a festive experience that feels both familiar and refreshing.

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