A Taste of the Himalayas: Naara Aaba, India's First Organic Kiwi Wine

A Taste of the Himalayas: Naara Aaba, India's First Organic Kiwi Wine

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on March 30, 2024

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh lies a story of innovation and local pride. Here, in the village of Hong, amidst the Apatani tribe, flourishes a unique winery – Naara Aaba, the producer of India's first-ever organic kiwi wine.

The Apatani people have a long history of cultivating kiwi fruit, contributing significantly to India's overall production. In 2016, Arunachal Pradesh boasted a remarkable 26% share of the country's total kiwi output. So, when faced with a surplus of this delicious fruit, agricultural engineer Tage Rita Takhe saw an opportunity.  Why not transform this local bounty into a product that could not only benefit the community but also put Arunachal Pradesh on the map?

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Naara Aaba, which translates to “father's name” in the local dialect, embodies the spirit of tradition and innovation. Launched in 2017, the winery utilizes meticulous, small-batch production methods to ensure the highest quality. The focus is on organic practices, using only locally sourced, naturally grown kiwi fruit. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also allows the unique character of the Arunachal Pradesh terroir to shine through in the final product.

For those accustomed to the world of grape-based wines, Naara Aaba offers a refreshing departure. The kiwi wine boasts a vibrant, pale yellow color and a delightful aroma reminiscent of gooseberries and tropical fruits. The initial sip presents a burst of tangy sweetness, followed by a well-balanced finish with subtle hints of citrus and honey. This unique profile makes it a versatile drink, perfect on its own as an aperitif or paired with lighter dishes like salads, seafood, and even spicy curries.

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Naara Aaba’s success extends beyond the delicious wine it produces. The winery has become a source of empowerment for the local community. It directly supports over 300 kiwi farmers, providing them with a reliable market for their produce. Additionally, the winery employs local residents, contributing to the region's economic development.

While securing a bottle of Naara Aaba outside of Arunachal Pradesh and neighboring Assam can be challenging due to transportation limitations, the journey to experience it firsthand is an adventure in itself. Arunachal Pradesh, with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, offers a unique travel experience. Imagine sipping on a glass of Naara Aaba amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape – a truly unforgettable moment.

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Naara Aaba's story is an inspiration. It showcases the power of local innovation, the importance of sustainable practices, and the potential of a community working together to create something truly special. So, next time you're searching for a unique and refreshing wine experience, remember Naara Aaba, a taste of the Himalayas waiting to be discovered.


Banaraswala Opens Two New QSR Outlets in Rohini, Bringing Authentic Banarasi Flavours to Delhi

Banaraswala Opens Two New QSR Outlets in Rohini, Bringing Authentic Banarasi Flavours to Delhi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2026

Banaraswala – Ghat Se Ghar Tak has expanded its presence into New Delhi with the opening of two new QSR outlets in Rohini, bringing the authentic flavours and culinary traditions of Banaras to the capital.

The bootstrapped food brand, which began its journey with its first outlet in Varanasi, has expanded beyond its home city with the aim of making traditional Banarasi food more accessible to urban diners.

The two new outlets are located at Amba Tower, DC Chowk, Rohini Sector 9, and Pocket B4, Pocket 4, Sector 7B, Rohini. The outlets combine the convenience of a quick-service restaurant with recipes and flavours inspired by the food culture of Varanasi.

The menu features several popular Banarasi specialities, including Tamatar Chaat, Bedmi Puri Sabzi, Dahi Bhalla, Launglatta and Banarasiya Lassi. The offering also includes other traditional North Indian preparations, giving diners an opportunity to explore regional flavours in a contemporary QSR format.

Banaraswala's concept is built around preserving the character of traditional Banarasi cuisine rather than significantly altering classic recipes. The brand draws inspiration from the food found across the ghats and streets of Banaras, translating familiar regional dishes into a format suited to modern urban lifestyles.

The expansion comes amid growing interest in regional Indian cuisines, with consumers increasingly seeking food experiences rooted in local traditions and culinary heritage. Banaraswala aims to address this demand by combining authentic recipes with the accessibility and convenience of a QSR format.

The brand's journey has been entirely bootstrapped, growing from a single outlet in Varanasi into a multi-city food business. According to the company, customer response and loyalty in its home market played a key role in giving it the confidence to enter Delhi.

Commenting on the expansion, Vibhanshu Mishra, Founder & CEO, Banaraswala – Ghat Se Ghar Tak, said, "Banaras is unique in terms of its cuisine in the entire country. Each dish is associated with history, culture, and emotions that people have grown up with."

He added that the brand was created to take authentic Banarasi dishes beyond the ghats and introduce them to diners who may not have experienced the cuisine in its original setting.

With its Delhi expansion, Banaraswala aims to build an emotional connection with diners through the flavours of Banaras while developing a scalable regional food brand rooted in authenticity and culinary heritage.

Outlet Details:

Outlet 1: Shop No. 29, Amba Tower, DC Chowk, Rohini Sector 9, New Delhi
Outlet 2: Pocket B4, Pocket 4, Sector 7B, Rohini, Delhi – 110085
Cuisine: Banarasi & North Indian
Format: QSR


Eatinn' Love Trattoria Opens in Jayanagar with Pala Romana Pizza

Eatinn' Love Trattoria Opens in Jayanagar with Pala Romana Pizza

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2026

Eating Love has entered a new chapter with the launch of Eatinn' Love Trattoria in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, bringing its sourdough-led approach to a broader Italian dining experience inspired by the warmth and simplicity of traditional Roman trattorias.

The newly renovated restaurant moves beyond the brand's identity as a pizza destination, creating a more complete neighbourhood dining experience built around fresh ingredients, scratch-made preparations and an emphasis on thoughtful cooking.

Designed to evoke the character of a lived-in corner of Rome, Eatinn' Love Trattoria features a warm and understated setting intended to feel welcoming and familiar. The concept reflects the brand's philosophy of slowing down the dining experience and placing greater emphasis on craftsmanship, quality and authenticity.

A key highlight of the new restaurant is the introduction of Pala Romana pizza, a Roman-style pizza known for its light, airy texture and distinctive rectangular format. The category remains relatively underrepresented in India, and Eatinn' Love Trattoria aims to introduce it to Bengaluru diners through a focused approach rooted in traditional Italian techniques.

The Pala Romana offering has been developed to provide a different experience from conventional pizza, with an emphasis on balance, texture and flavour. The restaurant has adapted the style carefully while retaining its connection to authentic Italian culinary techniques.

The launch also introduces a more focused menu designed around depth rather than variety, allowing individual dishes to receive greater attention in terms of ingredients, preparation and presentation. Sourdough continues to remain central to the brand's culinary philosophy.

Reflecting its commitment to inclusive dining, Eatinn' Love Trattoria offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free pizzas, providing options for a wider range of diners.

The restaurant's identity is expressed through an understated logo featuring two angled hearts, representing the care and intention behind the food and hospitality experience.

With its focus on patient cooking, fresh preparations and Roman-inspired dining, Eatinn' Love Trattoria positions itself as a neighbourhood destination for diners looking for a more relaxed and authentic Italian experience in Jayanagar.

Restaurant Details:

Venue: Eatinn' Love Trattoria, Jayanagar, Bengaluru
Timings: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact: 8660700642
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Pizzas


Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils Mizuwari Series Inspired by Samurai Virtues

Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils Mizuwari Series Inspired by Samurai Virtues

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has unveiled the Mizuwari Series, a new collection of seven signature cocktails inspired by the Japanese tradition of Mizuwari, meaning “cut with water,” and the seven virtues of the Samurai.

Rooted in the principles of balance, restraint and refinement, the new beverage concept combines bold flavours, subtle dilution and considered craftsmanship. Each cocktail is designed around a distinct virtue, translating elements of Japanese philosophy into a contemporary drinking experience.

The collection features Makoto, Chu, Ikigai, Rei, Jin, Yu and Meiyo, with each creation offering its own flavour profile and personality.

The journey begins with Makoto – Honesty & Sincerity, combining vodka, Aperol, yuzu lime and fizz. Chu – Duty & Loyalty brings together bourbon whisky, lime, sesame and Angostura bitters in a characterful highball.

Ikigai – The Secret to a Long & Happy Life combines gin, cherry cordial, hibiscus and sparkling elements, while Rei – Beauty in Imperfection takes a more unexpected approach with vodka, pickled ginger, kaffir lime, cucumber and watermelon.

The collection continues with Jin – Compassion, a blush-pink highball featuring gin, passion, strawberry sweet vermouth, citrus and fizz. Yu – Heroic Courage combines gin, cherry wine, Campari, lime and fizz, while Meiyo – Honour brings together white rum, pineapple, Campari and lime for a more layered profile.

Together, the seven cocktails create a beverage experience that goes beyond individual flavour combinations, inviting guests to explore the stories and virtues represented by each creation.

Through the Mizuwari Series, Zega continues to explore contemporary Japanese-inspired beverage experiences, bringing together traditional philosophy, modern mixology and thoughtful presentation. From refreshing and delicate profiles to richer and more complex combinations, the collection encourages guests to pause, discover and savour each cocktail.

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