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.


BarNaan Brookfield Unveils a Fresh Menu Crafted by Chef Kailash Singh

BarNaan Brookfield Unveils a Fresh Menu Crafted by Chef Kailash Singh

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

BarNaan Brookfield, one of the city’s most-loved spots for modern Indian dining, has rolled out an exciting new menu curated by Chef Kailash Singh and his Sous Chef. Known for blending traditional roots with contemporary twists, the restaurant’s latest offering captures the essence of Indian comfort food with a fresh, inventive touch.

The revamped menu takes diners on a journey through India’s rich culinary landscape,  where local flavours meet global techniques. From hearty classics to mindful modern options, the spread includes a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with several gluten-free and dairy-free choices catering to today’s diverse preferences.

To start, guests can indulge in small yet flavour-packed bites like Cheese Balls with Roasted Tomato Sauce, Maitake Mushroom Hot Tea, and Homemade Vegetable Samosa, each dish reflecting the restaurant’s focus on freshness and balance.

The Small Plates section stands out for its creative flair and bold Indian character. Highlights include Asami Chicken Wings, Old Delhi Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Fish and Chips, and Andhra Prawn Thayir Sadam, all offering a playful yet refined take on beloved classics. For those craving rich and meaty indulgence, options like Seekh Kebab, Chicken 65, and the indulgent Lamb Chop Masala Couscous promise depth, aroma, and perfectly cooked textures.

Vegetarians have plenty to celebrate too from Yogurt Fried Dumplings and Tandoori Paneer Tikka to Lahsuni Gobhi, Vada Pao, and the irresistible street-style favourites Mumbai Bhel, Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Dahi Puri served with mango, avocado, and yogurt mousse.

Speaking about the new menu, Chef Kailash Singh shared, “Each dish on this menu is a story, rooted in Indian tradition but presented with a modern spirit. We wanted to create something that feels familiar yet exciting for every palate.”

With this refreshed lineup, BarNaan Brookfield continues to redefine how Indian cuisine is experienced — comforting yet creative, nostalgic yet refreshingly new.



Trèsind Mumbai Unveils Its Reimagined Culinary Journey

Trèsind Mumbai Unveils Its Reimagined Culinary Journey

By Hariharan U

Published on November 6, 2025

Trèsind Mumbai has officially reopened, marking a new era for one of India’s most celebrated modern Indian restaurants. Known for redefining the fine dining landscape and pioneering innovation in Indian gastronomy, Trèsind Mumbai reintroduces itself with a bold, reimagined identity, one that stays true to its core philosophy of storytelling through flavour.

The refreshed concept takes guests on a culinary voyage across India, celebrating regional diversity while embracing global techniques. Every course on the new menu is designed to spark both innovation and nostalgia, weaving traditional roots with modern artistry that reflects Trèsind’s signature flair.

The redesigned interiors now echo the same balance of refinement and creativity seen on the plate, elegant, warm, and deeply experiential. From a vibrant open bar to intimate dining spaces, each corner of Trèsind Mumbai has been crafted to immerse guests in a sensory narrative of Indian hospitality and design.

Speaking about the relaunch, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Head Chef at Trèsind Mumbai, shared, “At Trèsind Mumbai, we continue to evolve our craft through technique, storytelling, and respect for tradition. Our vision is to take Indian cuisine to the global stage through a modern Indian concept that adapts to each city’s palate, culture, and produce. The Mumbai relaunch reflects this philosophy — rooted in heritage, yet expressive, inventive, and ever-evolving.”

Adding to this, Chef Himanshu Saini, Corporate Chef at Passion F&B, said, “This relaunch represents a new chapter in our journey, one where innovation meets heritage. Every element of this menu is a celebration of Indian flavours expressed through imagination, emotion, and precision. It’s about reintroducing guests to the beauty of Indian cuisine, one experience at a time.”

Bhupender Nath, Founder and Managing Director of Passion F&B, added, “Trèsind was born from a vision to bring Indian cuisine onto the global fine dining stage not just as food, but as art, as narrative, as memory. The reopening of Trèsind Mumbai is our reaffirmation of that promise to continue elevating Indian gastronomy with authenticity, artistry, and ambition.”

Founded in Dubai in 2014, Trèsind is often credited as the birthplace of innovative Indian cuisine. Its India debut in 2018 brought the same ethos to local audiences, earning accolades in culinary guides and awards. Today, Trèsind Mumbai continues to represent the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava, offering a dining journey that honours India’s timeless culinary heritage while pushing its creative boundaries.


Ironhill Brewery Brings Home Global Glory at Beer Asia 2025

Ironhill Brewery Brings Home Global Glory at Beer Asia 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2025

India’s craft beer story has found a golden moment of pride. Ironhill Brewery, the country’s largest microbrewery brand, has won the Chairman’s Selection Award at Beer Asia 2025 for its signature Golden Ale, standing tall among some of the finest brews from across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

This recognition shines a global spotlight on India’s brewing craftsmanship, reaffirming Ironhill’s place as a leader in the craft beer community. Brewed with precision and passion by the brewery’s expert team in India, the Golden Ale was shortlisted and sent to Singapore for an exclusive tasting session as part of Beer Asia’s nomination process. Competing against exceptional entries from the continent, Ironhill’s creation impressed judges with its balance, aroma, and finesse, earning the much-coveted Chairman’s Selection title, a rare honour in the international brewing scene.

Ironhill’s team personally travelled to Bangkok to receive the award, a moment filled with pride and emotion. The win reflects the brewery’s dedication to innovation and its commitment to raising the standards of craft beer from India.

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Sharing his excitement, Mr. Teja Chekuri, Managing Partner of Ironhill India, said, “This award is more than just a recognition. It is a reflection of the passion, persistence, and purpose that drive us every single day. Brewing great beer isn’t just about ingredients and technique; it’s about heart, culture, and the joy of sharing something extraordinary with people. Our Golden Ale carries that spirit, and to have it recognized on a global platform makes this win incredibly special for me and my entire team.”

Ironhill’s brewing philosophy blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Each batch is brewed to perfection, combining locally inspired flavours with global techniques. The Golden Ale, with its smooth malt base, crisp finish, and light fruit notes, perfectly represents Ironhill’s vision of creating world-class beer that connects with both enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

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Adding to the celebration, Soundera Rajan, Head Brew Master, shared, “This recognition belongs to every member of the Ironhill family, from our brewers to our servers, from our guests to our supporters who believe in what we pour. This is not just our victory, it’s India’s craft beer moment to celebrate.”

With this milestone, Ironhill Brewery continues to set new standards for India’s craft beer scene, proving that exceptional beer made in India can proudly hold its place among the best in the world.

As the Golden Ale returns home crowned with international glory, Ironhill raises a toast to creativity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of community that defines every pour.

Cheers to India’s craft beer moment! 

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