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.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings India’s Culinary Heritage to the Table with A Taste of Tales

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings India’s Culinary Heritage to the Table with A Taste of Tales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 13, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to explore the rich flavours and traditions of Indian cuisine with A Taste of Tales, a specially curated dining experience that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the experience draws inspiration from royal kitchens, treasured family recipes, and regional cooking traditions that have been passed down through generations. The Friday evening feast brings together a selection of iconic dishes from across India, offering guests an opportunity to discover the stories and cultural influences behind each preparation.

The menu features a variety of favourites, including succulent kebabs, aromatic kormas, flavourful dum biryani, and classic rasgullas. Each dish reflects the craftsmanship, traditions, and regional influences that continue to shape India’s diverse food culture.

Designed to offer more than just a meal, A Taste of Tales combines authentic flavours with the narratives that have made these dishes a lasting part of India’s gastronomic legacy.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Friday in June 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM


Roseate House Hosts ‘Cyprus On A Plate by Coração Do Vale’, Showcasing Authentic Mediterranean Flavours

Roseate House Hosts ‘Cyprus On A Plate by Coração Do Vale’, Showcasing Authentic Mediterranean Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on June 13, 2026

Roseate House, New Delhi, has partnered with Coração Do Vale and the Cyprus High Commission to present Cyprus On A Plate by Coração Do Vale, a week-long culinary showcase celebrating the flavours, traditions and heritage of Cyprus. The festival, running from June 11 to 17, 2026, offers guests an opportunity to experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine crafted using premium Portuguese extra virgin olive oil.

The culinary celebration commenced on June 11 with an exclusive dinner attended by food enthusiasts, diplomats and hospitality professionals. Present at the launch were H.E. Mr. Evagoras Vryonides, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus, and Raksha Kotian, Business Head, Leads Brand Connect for Coração Do Vale.

Curated by Chef Gagandeep alongside Chef Eleni Michael, a Cypriot chef, culinary consultant and food anthropologist, the menu was designed to showcase the diversity and depth of Cyprus’s culinary traditions. Through a carefully structured multi-course dining experience, guests were introduced to the island nation’s rich food culture and time-honoured recipes.

The experience began with an assortment of traditional cold and warm mezze, including Tsakistes, Tashi, Melitzanosalata, Village Salad and Louvi Hummus. The warm selection featured iconic Cypriot favourites such as Halloumi, Sheftalia and freshly prepared Cypriot Pita.

Among the standout dishes were Patzarosalata, a beetroot and potato salad infused with coriander chutney, and Ravioles, handmade Cypriot pasta filled with halloumi cheese and spearmint. The main course highlighted Tavas Lefkarítikos, a slow-braised lamb preparation cooked with rice, potatoes, tomatoes and aromatic spices, alongside Gemista, roasted vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs and mint, finished with feta and served with herbed potatoes.

Desserts offered a sweet conclusion to the culinary journey, featuring Anarokrema, a whipped ricotta cream layered with cinnamon, filo pastry, honey and walnuts. Guests also enjoyed traditional petit fours including Soutzioukkos, Loukoumi and Daktyla, paired with Cyprus Coffee and fresh mint tea.

Speaking about the initiative, Raksha Kotian, Business Head, Leads Brand Connect for Coração Do Vale, said, “We are delighted to see Coração Do Vale enhancing the experience of Cyprus on a Plate. It was more than a dinner; it was a cultural bridge elevated by Coração Do Vale. Every dish reflected centuries of Cypriot culture and offered guests an immersive Mediterranean experience in the heart of Delhi.”

The event also marks the launch of ‘World On A Plate by Coração Do Vale’, a new culinary series designed to celebrate the food cultures of different countries through specially curated gastronomic experiences. The initiative will spotlight international cuisines while showcasing the role of premium ingredients, with Coração Do Vale Extra Virgin Olive Oil serving as a central element across future editions.

Through ‘Cyprus On A Plate’, Roseate House and Coração Do Vale aim to bring global culinary traditions closer to Indian audiences, creating memorable dining experiences rooted in authenticity, culture and craftsmanship.


Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Amoeba Sports Bar has introduced its latest signature creation, Knock Out Kick, a gin-based cocktail crafted by Mixologist Arindam Das. Designed to reflect the thrill of competitive moments and the excitement of victory, the cocktail brings together playful flavour contrasts with a modern, easy-drinking style.

Knock Out Kick is built around a refreshing blend of gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus and tonic water. The drink opens with smooth fruity sweetness from peach, followed by bright citrus notes, before unfolding into a gentle jalapeño heat that lingers subtly on the palate. The addition of tonic water enhances its crispness, making it both lively and refreshing.

Crystal clear in appearance yet layered in character, the cocktail balances brightness, fruitiness and spice in a way that makes it suitable for relaxed evenings as well as celebratory occasions. It is positioned as a go-to drink for game nights, social gatherings and high-energy evenings at the bar.

Speaking about the creation, the concept behind Knock Out Kick focuses on capturing moments of excitement and celebration through flavour, offering guests a drink that feels both familiar and surprising in equal measure. The cocktail reflects Amoeba Sports Bar’s focus on creating engaging, experience-driven beverage offerings.

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