Aditya Birla Group Launches Flint, a Grill-Forward Café at NCPA

Aditya Birla Group Launches Flint, a Grill-Forward Café at NCPA

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), the hospitality arm of the Aditya Birla Group, has announced the opening of Flint, a grill-forward, all-day café at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. With Waarsa and Bay21 already part of the venue, the addition of Flint further builds NCPA’s position as a growing culinary destination within the city’s cultural space.

Flint is designed as a neighbourhood café that fits into different parts of the day with ease. From relaxed breakfasts and coffee catch-ups to working lunches and lively evenings, the space adapts to a variety of occasions while keeping a balance between comfort and energy.

The culinary direction is led by Chef Rahul Akerkar and Chef Jaydeep Mukherjee, with a strong focus on fire-led cooking. Techniques like grilling, charring, and live-flame cooking are at the heart of the menu, bringing depth and flavour to every dish. While the cuisine draws largely from European influences, the approach remains flexible, combining global techniques with locally sourced ingredients.

The menu features a wide range of options, starting with breakfast dishes like Flint Eggs Benny with Spicy Crab Cakes, Cast Iron Shakshuka, and Bharoochi Akuri. Sandwich selections include the Roast Mushroom & Smoked Stracciatella Sandwich and the Smoked Chicken Waldorf Sandwich. Small plates highlight items such as Grilled Papaya & Flamed Burrata Salad, Grilled Corn Empanadas, Crispy Calamari Friti, and Flint’s Bombay Chicken Wings. For larger plates, guests can explore dishes like Spaghetti with Creamy Black Truffle Butter, Charred Dukkah Cauliflower, Manipur Black Rice Risotto, Tandoori Salmon Tikka, and Char-Grilled Lamb Chops.

Desserts bring together both comfort and creativity, featuring options like Crème Catalan, Peanut Butter S’mores, Burnt Basque Cheesecake, Charred Lemon Tiramisu, Smoked Apple Tarte Tatin, and Caramel Banana Pie. The menu also places a strong focus on vegetarian dishes, along with vegan, gluten-free, and Jain-friendly options.

The beverage programme includes specialty coffee, teas, and matcha, with unique offerings such as the Charcoal Latte and Ceremonial Matcha Latte. Guests can also try functional drinks like The Berry Biohack smoothie or signature beverages like the clarified Cold Fashion. The cocktail selection follows the same fire-led theme, with options like the Bacon Washed Bloody Mary and the Ambada Leaf Picante.

Flint also features an in-house baking programme, offering freshly baked breads and pastries, which are available for takeaway through Flint Out, the café’s deli extension.

Speaking on the launch, Udai Pinnali, CEO, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, said:

“We’ve created it for today’s urban diners, those looking for a space that moves effortlessly through the day, from relaxed breakfasts to lively evening gatherings, and one that makes them want to return. Our portfolio is built around distinctive experiences, shaped by culinary excellence and spaces that feel naturally warm and welcoming.”

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Chef Jaydeep Mukherjee added:

“At Flint, everything begins with fire. Char, smoke, grill, and live flame aren’t just techniques for us, they’re the foundation of flavour. The menu moves fluidly from small plates to pastas, grills, and desserts, balancing indulgence with restraint and familiarity with depth. Every element, from the grill to the glass, is designed to feel cohesive and rooted in flavour.”

The interiors, designed by DR&W – Design, Research and Workshop, reflect the theme of fire through elements like exposed brick, oxidised metal, layered wood, and warm lighting. The space is designed to transition smoothly through the day, aligning with the café’s overall concept.


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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