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.


Sri Narasu’s Coffee Expands Across South India with New Growth Push

Sri Narasu’s Coffee Expands Across South India with New Growth Push

By Hariharan U

Published on May 30, 2026

Sri Narasu’s Coffee Company Pvt. Ltd. is accelerating its expansion plans across South India, strengthening its retail and distribution presence in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh after building a strong foothold in Tamil Nadu.

The century-old coffee brand has opened its first store in Bengaluru and is preparing to launch another outlet in Amaravati within the next two to three months. The move marks the beginning of a larger strategic expansion aimed at growing the company’s footprint across key coffee-consuming markets in southern India.

Currently, the company operates 78 company-owned stores and offers more than 180 SKUs across coffee, tea, and FMCG categories. Its stores feature a range of products including premium coffee blends, instant coffee, and freeze-dried variants.

As part of the expansion strategy, Narasu’s Coffee is also strengthening its distribution network, with plans to increase its distributor base from 42 to 150 by the end of the current fiscal year.

The company believes the southern market presents strong growth opportunities due to increasing coffee consumption trends across Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Salem’s strategic location is also expected to support efficient supply chain and distribution operations across these neighbouring states.

P Sivanantham said the company’s long-standing growth has been built on values such as quality, reliability, and consumer trust. He added that while the company continues to expand, maintaining consistent standards and delivering value to consumers remain central to the brand’s identity.

Meanwhile, Srudheep S highlighted that the company sees significant potential in the southern Indian coffee market and aims to bring authentic South Indian coffee experiences to modern households across India.

According to the company, its expansion roadmap over the next three years includes strengthening retail visibility and supply chain operations across the country. The Bengaluru and Amaravati stores are expected to play an important role in driving this larger growth strategy.

Narasu’s Coffee also sees its instant coffee range as a major growth driver. Its portfolio includes products such as Pure Instant Coffee, Master’s Extra Strong, Insta Strong Coffee, and freeze-dried coffee variants catering to different consumer segments and price points.

The company added that its focus on maintaining blend consistency, operational efficiency, and quick product dispatch systems has helped strengthen consumer trust over the decades.


Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Hosts ‘Open Toast’ This June

Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Hosts ‘Open Toast’ This June

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 30, 2026

Glazed at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is introducing “Open Toast,” a month-long culinary experience celebrating artisanal open toasts crafted with premium ingredients and flavourful combinations. Running throughout June, the special menu brings together simple yet elevated creations designed to suit every palate.

The Open Toast menu features five gourmet varieties, each layered on perfectly toasted grain bread with thoughtfully selected toppings. Guests can choose from creations such as Avocado & Chili Crumble, Mushroom & Truffle Butter, Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream, Burnt Garlic & Chicken Keema, and Fig, Honey & Burrata.

Each toast has been carefully curated to balance textures and flavours, combining crunch, creaminess, savoury richness, and subtle sweetness in every bite. The experience highlights fresh ingredients and contemporary flavour pairings while keeping the concept approachable and comforting.

Set within the warm and stylish ambience of Glazed, the offering is ideal for relaxed breakfasts, casual catch-ups, and easy mid-day dining moments. With its inviting atmosphere and gourmet-focused menu, Open Toast aims to bring a fresh and creative dining experience to Bengaluru’s café scene this June.

Details:

  • What: Open Toast
  • Where: Glazed, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal
  • When: Throughout June


Sheraton Grand Bangalore Celebrates Crafted Cocktails and Summer Flavours

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Celebrates Crafted Cocktails and Summer Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on May 29, 2026

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is bringing together a month-long line-up of cocktail experiences across its signature venues, offering guests a mix of zero-proof creations, Japanese-inspired sake cocktails, Long Island Iced Tea specials, and tropical mango-infused beverages.

The curated beverage programme is designed to offer guests a refreshing and immersive social experience throughout the season, combining contemporary mixology, vibrant flavours, and the hotel’s signature hospitality.

At World Cafe, the spotlight is on a thoughtfully crafted zero-proof cocktail menu designed for wellness-conscious guests. The collection includes drinks such as Virgin Picante, Island Affogato, Zero-Proof Espresso Martini, and Floral Fizz, offering flavour-forward alternatives in an elegant setting.

Meanwhile, Horizon introduces a sake cocktail experience inspired by Japanese mixology traditions. Guests can enjoy creations including Yuzu Sake Collins, Sake Bomb, and Sake Spritz, blending delicate flavours with modern presentation styles for intimate and social dining occasions.

At the iconic High Ultra Lounge on the 31st floor, the LIIT Cocktails Festival brings together bold flavours and skyline views. Signature cocktails on the menu include Electric Long Island, Peach Long Island, Tropical Long Island, Spiced Long Island, and Energy Island, designed for guests looking for a lively nightlife experience.

Adding a seasonal twist to the celebrations, The Lounge presents Mango Mania, a specially curated menu of mango-based cocktails inspired by summer flavours. The line-up includes Mango Picante, Mango Martini, Mango Mojito, and Mango Gin Spritz, combining tropical fruit notes with contemporary mixology techniques.

The month-long beverage showcase reflects Sheraton Grand Bangalore’s focus on offering diverse and engaging culinary and nightlife experiences tailored to different guest preferences and occasions.

With curated flavours, stylish venues, and immersive drink experiences, the hotel continues to strengthen its position as one of Bengaluru’s preferred destinations for premium dining and social gatherings.

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