A Stylish Retreat for Coffee Enthusiasts in Worli, Mumbai

A Stylish Retreat for Coffee Enthusiasts in Worli, Mumbai

By Author

Published on February 3, 2024

Discover Worli's newest cozy corner, Stand By Coffee, a sanctuary for specialty brews and delightful culinary experiences. Whether you seek a peaceful reading nook, a vibrant space for coffee enthusiasts, or a pet-friendly spot to share moments, Stand By Coffee promises a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

Harsh Mav, the visionary behind Stand By Coffee's coffee program and Head of Operations, shares that they serve seven different types of coffee beans, carefully sourced from Chikmagalur, each chosen for a specific purpose. From velvety Flat Whites to sweet-salty delights like Sea Salt Mocha and Biscoff and Nutella Frappes, the cafe caters to diverse coffee preferences. Explore coffee mocktails, such as Mogu, Arnold Palmer, Ale, Cold Fashioned, and Coffee Daiquiri, or indulge in the 28-hour Cold Brew experience.

image

Beyond coffee, Stand By Coffee offers vibrant Hibiscus Iced Tea, soothing green teas like Oolong Rose and White Tea Saffron, and In-House Kombucha for a refreshing and immunity-boosting sip.

When it comes to food, the cafe presents a menu with delightful sandwiches like Good Trip and Kimchi Melt, fresh bowls, including Burma Burma, Overnight Oats, Souvlaki, or Cantina Bowl, and Multigrain Dosas like Goodfella and Kejriwal. Pair your coffee with crescent-shaped croissants, indulge in desserts like Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Pistachio Matcha, Basque Cheesecake, and various chocolate cakes.

image

Aditya Wanwari, restaurateur and proprietor of Toast Inc., shared his inspiration behind Stand By Coffee, saying, “The coffee culture is such that when you go to a coffee shop, you Stand By for your coffee just like in life when you take a pause, you Stand By for something better to come along. The word 'Stand by' sort of stuck in my mind, and we decided to go with it.”

Stepping into Stand By Coffee is like entering a timeless, cosy setting where retro charm meets contemporary comfort. The Retro-style coffee bar, resembling an old-school box office, serves as the focal point in a dimly lit indoor space. Polished nickel accents twinkle above sturdy concrete tables, while hints of Parisian grey add sophistication. Outside, lush greenery envelops comfy seating, creating a haven for those seeking a tranquil escape with their coffee.

image

The thoughtful design includes a cosy reading corner adorned with plush cushions—a sanctuary for bookworms or those desiring a more private setting for conversation.

For those passionate about coffee, the Bloom Bar offers an immersive experience with four distinct coffee bean origins and brewing techniques. Dive into a V60 pour-over, a French press immersion, or the sleek precision of an AeroPress, guided by coffee gurus. Stand By Coffee plans to offer their coffee beans for purchase, allowing enthusiasts to recreate the magic at home.

Visit Stand By Coffee at Shop No 3,4&5, Kakad estate, Dr. RG Thadani Marg, near Poddar Hospital, Worli, Mumbai, from 8 am onwards for a delightful escape into the world of specialty brews and culinary delights.


Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

Tamil Nadu’s Vijay Kumar Wins James Beard Award, Puts Semma and South Indian Cuisine on the Global Map

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

In a historic win for Indian cuisine, Chef Vijay Kumar, hailing from a small village near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, has been awarded Best Chef: New York State at the prestigious James Beard Awards 2025. Held on Monday night in Chicago, the awards are regarded as one of the culinary world’s highest honours — and for the first time, an Indian restaurant and chef have claimed this top spot in New York.

Kumar is the Executive Chef of Semma, a restaurant that has revolutionized the Indian fine dining scene in New York. Part of the Unapologetic Foods group led by Chintan Pandya and Roni Mazumdar, Semma is unapologetically rooted in South Indian heritage, serving dishes rarely seen outside Tamil homes. From fiery nathai pirattal (snail curry) to eral thokku (spicy prawns) and foxtail millet khichdi, the food is bold, soulful, and deeply personal — served in clay pots and on banana leaves, often without cutlery.

Dressed in a traditional Veshti while accepting the award, Kumar shared an emotional moment:

“When I started cooking, I never thought a kid like me from Tamil Nadu could make it to a room like this. But the food I grew up with — food made with care and fire, with soul — is now taking the main stage. There’s no such thing as poor people’s food or rich people’s food. If it’s true, it’s powerful.”

image

Semma has consistently earned accolades since its opening in 2021. It holds a Michelin star for three years running and was crowned No. 1 on The New York Times’ 100 Best Restaurants list — a rare feat for an Indian restaurant. But for Kumar, this moment is about more than stars and rankings. It’s about representation, roots, and reclaiming pride in food once hidden in shame.

Growing up in Arasampatti, a village surrounded by paddy fields and coconut trees, Kumar recalls how dishes like snail curry were once considered farmer’s food — something to be kept from classmates. It wasn’t until culinary school that he saw escargot on a fine-dining menu and realized: “Maybe the world just hadn’t tasted our food yet.”

Originally dreaming of becoming an engineer, financial limitations led Kumar to pursue catering college — a twist of fate that launched a career celebrating the food of his ancestors. Today, with a James Beard medal and a mission that resonates from New York to Tamil Nadu, Chef Vijay Kumar has not only redefined fine dining but also carved a powerful space for heritage cuisine in global gastronomy.

Semma is no longer just a restaurant — it’s a revolution in flavour, identity, and cultural pride.


PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

PAUL to Bring French Culinary Excellence to Bengaluru in August with First Outlet at Orion Gateway Mall

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Globally celebrated French bakery and café PAUL is set to make its Bengaluru debut this August with its first outlet at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar. With a rich legacy spanning over 135 years, PAUL brings its signature French charm to the city in a stunning alfresco lakeside setting covering 3,850 square feet.

The menu will feature a refined selection of authentic French delicacies—from quiche lorraine, croque monsieur, savoury crêpes, and French onion soup, to caramelized canelés. Bengaluru’s food lovers can also enjoy sourdough Napoletana pizzas, tartines, pastas, rice bowls, salads, risottos, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages—all made using the finest locally and internationally sourced ingredients.

The Parisian-style ambience at PAUL makes it the perfect spot for a cozy breakfast, a laid-back brunch, or even a quick solo indulgence. Whether it's a casual coffee date or a business meeting, PAUL promises a slice of France in the heart of the city.

image

Sunil Munshi, Senior Vice President – Retail, Brigade Group, said:

"The upcoming launch of PAUL at Orion Gateway Mall furthers our commitment to delivering globally inspired experiences crafted with innovation and care. We’re excited to bring this iconic French tradition to Bengaluru and confident it will become a favourite among the city's food connoisseurs.”

Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, added:

“Opening our first outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone. Staying true to our brand's philosophy of Eat Well, Live Well, we bring the finest ingredients—free from palm oil and artificial additives—and French staples like viennoiseries, hot chocolate, and pain au chocolat to this vibrant city.”

PAUL’s commitment to authenticity, wellness, and sustainability, combined with its heritage of artisanal craftsmanship, makes it a much-awaited culinary destination for Bengalureans. With its debut, the city is all set to savour the best of French bakery traditions—one croissant at a time.


Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

Figaro's Pizza Redefines Flavour with Signature Creations and Fresh Craftsmanship

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 20, 2025

Figaro’s Pizza has unveiled a bold new chapter, staying true to its roots while elevating every element of the pizza experience. Known for its dedication to freshness and flavour, Figaro’s reaffirms its core philosophy: honest ingredients, expertly crafted.

At the heart of every Figaro’s offering is fresh dough made daily, 100% real cheese, and never-frozen vegetables—a trio that ensures every bite is not just delicious but crafted with intention and integrity.

Spotlight on Signature Flavours

1. Mama’s Favorite Pizza
A classic with a twist. Perfect for those who love bold, meaty flavours, this pizza combines chicken pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, and capsicum, layered on your choice of red sauce or creamy garlic base. A celebration of richness and balance.

image

2. Rainbow Pizza
Vegetarians, rejoice! This colourful and flavour-packed pizza brings together garlic mushrooms, baby corn, black olives, capsicum, and tomatoes. It’s a visual and gastronomic treat, offered with Figaro’s signature red or creamy garlic sauce.

3. Figaro’s Special Garden Salad
Fresh, light, and full of crunch, this salad brings together capsicum, onions, tomatoes, and olives tossed in Caesar or Italian dressing. A perfect pairing to any main.

4. Santa Fe BBQ Sandwich
Comfort meets bold in this grilled chicken sandwich, layered with sweet onions, red paprika, tomatoes, melted cheese, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce. A hearty choice for those craving depth and flavour.

Whether you’re a loyal Figaro’s fan or a new diner, the menu’s flavour-forward philosophy ensures there’s something to love. These creations are more than meals—they’re crafted experiences, designed to satisfy both the stomach and the soul.

At Figaro’s Pizza, flavour isn’t just served—it’s redefined.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.