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.


Mehr-o-Mah Launches at Singh Sahib, Bringing Intimate Royal Dining to Gurugram

Mehr-o-Mah Launches at Singh Sahib, Bringing Intimate Royal Dining to Gurugram

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

Singh Sahib has introduced Mehr-o-Mah, a new intimate dining destination in Gurugram that reimagines slow, immersive dining through the lens of royal Indian elegance. Conceptualised as a sanctuary away from the city’s pace, Mehr-o-Mah invites diners into a space where calm, craftsmanship, and culinary storytelling take centre stage.

Inspired by centuries-old mirror-work traditions, Mehr-o-Mah is designed as a candle-lit retreat adorned with lakhs of hand-set mirror fragments. These delicate reflections create a warm, hushed glow, setting the tone for an unhurried and deeply personal dining experience. The space is crafted to encourage stillness, allowing guests to linger and engage with each moment at ease.

At the heart of Mehr-o-Mah is a five-course, chef-curated tasting menu, thoughtfully pre-set to unfold like a ceremonial journey. The menu showcases layered flavours and regional inspirations, with dishes such as Sahjan ka Shorba, Chettinad Kozhi Rasam, Nawabi Gucchi, Murgh Shahi Neelam Tikka, Mehr-o-Mah Mutton Curry, and the delicate Daulat ki Chaat. Each course is served at a measured pace, accompanied by refined alcohol-free beverages designed to complement the flavours with balance and restraint.

Blending heritage with contemporary finesse, Mehr-o-Mah is envisioned for discerning diners seeking intimacy, elegance, and depth beyond conventional fine dining. With its focus on ritual, storytelling, and sensory detail, Mehr-o-Mah sets a new benchmark for experiential dining in Gurugram, where every evening feels quietly celebratory and thoughtfully composed.


Medusa Beverages Launches Draught Beer to Strengthen On-Trade Presence

Medusa Beverages Launches Draught Beer to Strengthen On-Trade Presence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2026

Medusa Beverages, one of India’s fastest-growing homegrown beer brands, has announced the launch of its draught beer offering in Delhi. The move marks a strategic step towards strengthening the brand’s on-trade and HORECA presence by delivering fresher pours, improved consistency, and a more immersive pub and bar experience.

The launch comes at a time when urban consumers are increasingly gravitating towards experience-driven social drinking formats, positioning draught beer as a key growth lever for Medusa’s B2B and experiential expansion. Delhi remains the brand’s strongest and most mature market. In FY25, the city contributed approximately 5.4 lakh cases and accounted for over 10% market share, reinforcing Medusa’s foothold in one of India’s most competitive beer markets.

Building on this momentum, the draught beer rollout is designed to deepen consumer engagement across high-traffic on-trade environments. The offering uses Lindr ‘Naked’ taps imported from the Czech Republic, a country globally recognised for its beer culture and dispensing expertise. These taps are designed to deliver a smooth and consistent pour while maintaining the ideal serving temperature.

Commenting on the launch, Avneet Singh, Founder and CEO, Medusa Beverages, said, “Draught beer allows us to elevate how consumers experience Medusa in social settings. It gives us greater control over quality at the point of consumption while helping us build stronger engagement within pubs and bars. The introduction of draught beer is purely to enhance the consumer experience, whether through fresh pours, better consistency, or stronger engagement at the point of consumption. By integrating Lindr taps, we ensure every pour is fresh, smooth, and served at the perfect temperature.”

The draught beer will be rolled out across select hotels, restaurants, cafés, pubs, and bars in the capital, with plans to expand to around 50 outlets in the coming months. The move further reinforces Medusa’s experience-led approach to brand building within the on-trade ecosystem.

As Delhi’s nightlife continues to evolve, the city presents an ideal launch market for draught beer. Medusa, known for disrupting the Indian beer market with its mid-strength positioning, is extending Medusa AIR into the draught segment. With 4.5% alcohol content, Medusa AIR is crafted for smooth, easy drinking without compromising on taste, making it well suited for longer, social sessions. The draught format invites consumers to experience what the brand calls the “Smoothest Air.”


Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Celebrates February with Choco & Strawberry Bliss

Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Celebrates February with Choco & Strawberry Bliss

By Author

Published on February 5, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is adding a touch of indulgence to February with Choco & Strawberry Bliss, a special dessert experience at its signature patisserie, Glazed, running throughout the month. Centred around the timeless combination of chocolate and strawberries, the themed showcase is designed to turn everyday sweet moments into memorable celebrations, making it ideal for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Curated by pastry chef Ashwani and his team, the offering features an array of artisanal desserts complemented by live counters and visually striking presentations that appeal to both the palate and the senses. Guests can indulge in creations such as strawberry chocolate mousse, choco-strawberry tarts, chocolate-dipped strawberries with cream, strawberry-berry chocolate fondue and the classic fraisier, each crafted to evoke warmth, romance and comfort.

Whether enjoyed as a romantic Valentine’s treat, part of a relaxed weekend brunch or an elegant evening stop, Choco & Strawberry Bliss promises a month-long celebration where every bite tells a love story. The experience is available à la carte at Glazed from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm throughout February, with reservations available on +91 96064 82968.

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