An Exclusive Chef’s Table Experience by Sopo Goa at Cafe Calma

An Exclusive Chef’s Table Experience by Sopo Goa at Cafe Calma

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 20, 2025

Cafe Calma at The Shalimar Hotel is set to host an extraordinary Chef’s Table experience in collaboration with Sopo Goa from February 21–23, 2025. Known for blending bold Burmese flavors, modern art, and handcrafted cocktails, Sopo Goa promises a dining affair that goes beyond the plate, offering an immersive culinary journey.

At the heart of this event is Chef Yong Khum, a renowned Burmese chef with over a decade of experience in Asian cuisine. His meticulously curated menu will showcase the authentic, rich flavors of Burma, paired with unique craft cocktails that highlight Sopo’s commitment to innovation and creativity.

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Speaking about the collaboration, Yash Advani, Director of The Shalimar Hotel, shared, “As hospitality evolves, we’re moving beyond personalization into hyper-curation, crafting intuitive, tailor-made experiences. Our Chef’s Table at Cafe Calma is a perfect example—where every detail is designed to create lasting memories. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that fosters deeper connections through food, art, and genuine hospitality, making every moment count.”

The founders of Sopo Goa—Siddharth Kerkar, Vipin Raman, and Bonita Mascarenhas—describe the collaboration as a true celebration of food, art, and hospitality. “Dining at Sopo is about more than just food—it’s about an experience. This Chef’s Table at Cafe Calma will bring together the essence of our vision, blending art, flavors, and atmosphere into one unforgettable evening.”

With its peaceful ambiance and intimate fine-dining setting, Cafe Calma provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary event, where guests can savor exclusive Burmese-inspired dishes, expertly paired cocktails, and artistic expression in every detail.

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Event Details:

Date: February 21–23, 2025
Venue: Cafe Calma, The Shalimar Hotel, Kemps Corner
Chef: Chef Yong Khum
Menu: Exclusive Burmese-inspired dishes paired with curated craft cocktails

This special Chef’s Table experience is a must-attend for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and cocktail connoisseurs alike—a seamless blend of tradition, creativity, and world-class hospitality.


Tropika Brewing Co. Brings Mexican Flavours to Bengaluru with Mexican Fiesta

Tropika Brewing Co. Brings Mexican Flavours to Bengaluru with Mexican Fiesta

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2026

Tropika Brewing Co. is bringing Mexican-inspired flavours to Bengaluru with Mexican Fiesta, a special culinary showcase featuring a selection of dishes, charcoal-grilled specialities, desserts and tequila-led cocktails. The experience celebrates bold flavours and fresh ingredients through a specially curated menu.

The menu features a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Asado Corn Cob, crispy empanadas, Goat Nihari Birria Tacos, Chipotle Bowls, Quesadillas and Chimichangas. Guests can also explore a dedicated live grill serving Chipotle Honey BBQ Wings, Mexican Chorizo Grill and Serrano Paneer Skewers.

For dessert, the spread includes Flan Napolitano and Churros Sundae, offering a sweet finish to the meal. The beverage selection adds to the experience with tequila-led cocktails such as Mexican Sour, Paloma Cerveza, El Picante and Sol de Jalisco.

Bringing together Mexican-inspired dishes, smoky grilled preparations and refreshing cocktails, Mexican Fiesta offers guests a lively dining experience at Tropika Brewing Co. in Marathahalli, Bengaluru. The menu is available from 12:00 PM onwards, inviting guests to explore a range of flavours inspired by Mexican cuisine.

Event Details:

  • Event: Mexican Fiesta

  • Venue: Tropika Brewing Co., Marathahalli, Bengaluru

  • Timings: 12:00 PM onwards.


Katha Coffee Brings Childhood Nostalgia to Its New Bachpan Menu

Katha Coffee Brings Childhood Nostalgia to Its New Bachpan Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 12, 2026

Katha Coffee is bringing childhood memories to the table with its special Bachpan Menu, a playful selection of café creations inspired by familiar treats and flavours. Available at its Gachibowli and Banjara Hills outlets in Hyderabad, the menu celebrates the little joys of growing up through a range of nostalgic food and beverage options.

The menu features a mix of sweet treats and beverages, including the Oh So Ferroo Diner Pancake, Jim Jm Cinnamon Roll and Jim Jm Frappe. Guests can also enjoy the Oh So Alpenli*be Latte, Oh So Ferroo Latte and the uniquely named Rasna Espresso, each adding a playful touch to the café experience.

With familiar flavours presented in a café-style format, the Bachpan Menu aims to bring back memories of carefree childhood days while offering guests something different to enjoy during their visit.

The menu is available at Katha Coffee & Bakehouse in Gachibowli, located on DLF Road, and its Banjara Hills outlet on Road Number 3, Hyderabad. Through this special offering, the café invites guests to revisit their favourite childhood flavours and enjoy them in a new way.

Event Details:

  • Offering: Bachpan Menu at Katha Coffee

  • Venue 1: Katha Coffee & Bakehouse, Gachibowli, Sy. No. 111, 1-47/2, Door No. A/1, DLF Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500032

  • Venue 2: Katha Coffee & Bakehouse, Banjara Hills, 8-2-351, Road Number 3, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500082

  • Availability: Ongoing.


Beyond Chinese Food: How Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese Cuisines Are Shaping Dining Trends

Beyond Chinese Food: How Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese Cuisines Are Shaping Dining Trends

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2026

Indian dining habits are evolving, with consumers increasingly looking beyond familiar Chinese menus to explore the flavours and culinary traditions of Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. From sushi and ramen to Korean barbecue, Thai curries and Vietnamese pho, these cuisines are finding a place in restaurant menus across international markets, including India.

According to Chef Pawan, greater exposure to global food cultures, international travel and changing consumer preferences is encouraging diners to explore a wider range of Asian culinary experiences. This shift is also creating opportunities for restaurants, hotels and food service businesses to diversify their offerings.

Beyond Traditional Chinese Menus

Japanese cuisine has established a presence in premium restaurants and contemporary dining outlets. Sushi, ramen, tempura and teppanyaki appeal to consumers interested in distinctive ingredients, specialised techniques and thoughtful presentation.

Korean cuisine is gaining visibility through dishes such as Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, kimchi and Korean barbecue. The international popularity of Korean entertainment and popular culture has also helped introduce more consumers to the country's food traditions.

Thai cuisine, meanwhile, continues to attract diners through its balance of sweet, sour, spicy and savoury flavours. Preparations such as Tom Yum soup, Pad Thai and Thai green curry give restaurants opportunities to introduce aromatic and flavour-driven menu options.

Vietnamese cuisine is emerging as another category of interest. Dishes such as pho, fresh spring rolls and banh mi appeal to diners looking for lighter preparations, fresh herbs and balanced flavours.

Together, these cuisines are broadening the definition of Asian dining, moving beyond a single regional identity towards more specialised culinary experiences.

Changing Consumer Preferences

Today's diners are increasingly open to experimenting with international cuisines and exploring food beyond familiar restaurant menus. Younger consumers, in particular, are showing interest in authentic flavours, interactive dining formats and visually distinctive presentations.

Food delivery platforms and social media have also changed how consumers discover international food trends. Diners can explore dishes and cuisines from different parts of the world without travelling internationally, while restaurants can introduce new offerings to audiences already familiar with them through digital platforms.

This behaviour is creating opportunities for specialised Asian restaurants, fusion concepts and premium casual dining formats. It is also encouraging established hospitality businesses to reconsider how they structure their menus and position their dining outlets.

Opportunities for Chefs and Hospitality Businesses

The growing interest in Asian cuisines creates opportunities for chefs to demonstrate culinary knowledge and technical expertise. Working with traditional ingredients, cooking methods and flavour combinations requires an understanding of the culinary identity behind each dish.

Restaurants are also exploring pan-Asian concepts that bring Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese preparations together under one dining experience. While these formats offer variety, maintaining the distinct character of each cuisine remains important.

Chef Pawan shares his perspective:

"Asian cuisine has enormous potential because every country brings its own identity, ingredients and cooking philosophy to the table. Today's diners are curious and willing to explore new flavours. As chefs, our responsibility is to maintain the authenticity of traditional recipes while presenting them in ways that connect with modern consumers. The future of Asian dining lies in balancing authentic techniques, quality ingredients and creative presentation."

For hospitality businesses, this presents both a culinary and operational opportunity. Sourcing authentic ingredients, developing specialised kitchen teams and maintaining consistency across different preparations will be essential to delivering credible dining experiences.

The Future of Asian Dining

The growing interest in Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines presents new possibilities for India's food and beverage industry. Restaurants can build stronger identities through specialised menus, authentic ingredients, skilled culinary teams and dining formats that introduce consumers to different food cultures.

However, expanding an Asian menu is not simply about adding popular dishes. Understanding regional cooking techniques, respecting traditional recipes and training kitchen teams are important to maintaining quality and authenticity.

As Chef Pawan points out, the future of Asian dining will depend on how effectively restaurants combine culinary traditions with contemporary expectations. For India's hospitality industry, this shift offers an opportunity to move beyond familiar menus and create more diverse, engaging food experiences.

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