Avartana at ITC Maratha: Mumbai's Newest Destination for Haute Cuisine

Avartana at ITC Maratha: Mumbai's Newest Destination for Haute Cuisine

By Author

Published on February 8, 2024

ITC Hotels proudly announces the opening of the third outlet of its iconic restaurant, Avartana, at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, marking a significant expansion of its culinary repertoire to the western part of India. Following the resounding success of its predecessors at ITC Grand Chola and ITC Royal Bengal, Avartana continues to redefine Southern Indian cuisine with its innovative and pioneering approach, now bringing its legacy to the vibrant city of Mumbai

Avartana has not only shone brightly among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023 but has also established itself as a beacon of culinary innovation, showcasing the depth and diversity of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques. Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, shares the excitement and vision behind the brand, "Brand Avartana, just seven years young, has carved a niche for itself by demonstrating the strength and prowess of Indian ingredients and culinary techniques to the world. We endeavor to share the reimagined renditions of Avartana with diners across various cities, crafting moments that resonate long after the dining experience."

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At its core, Avartana is an ode to the rich tapestry of Southern Indian culinary traditions, seamlessly blending these with modern interpretations to create an unparalleled dining experience. The restaurant's name, derived from the Sanskrit word for rhythm, mysticism, and magic, perfectly encapsulates the essence of its offerings - magical dishes that are a modernist take on traditional flavors, each telling a unique story.

The menu at Avartana is a testament to the culinary team's dedication to exploring and innovating within the realm of Southern Indian cuisine. Ingredients such as Ghee from Kerala, Uthukuli Butter and Mango Ginger from Andhra Pradesh, Sago and Jaggery from Chennai, Mochai Beans from Tamil Nadu, and Tamarind from Telangana are deconstructed and reimagined into dishes that engage the senses and captivate the diner's imagination.

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Among the standout offerings are the Spiced Aubergine and Sago with a Byadagi chilli emulsion, Sago Yogurt reinterpreting the classic Bagala Bath with an exotic dried berry tamarind sauce, and the visually striking Fennel Pannacotta egg dessert, presented in a bird's nest with a mini hammer for an interactive dining experience.

Avartana at ITC Maratha promises to be a culinary destination where magical flavors meet twenty-first-century technology, reinventing haute cuisine fine dining into an evolved art form. As it opens its doors in Mumbai, Avartana is set to offer diners a unique journey through the vibrant and diverse mosaics of Southern Indian cuisine, creating unforgettable moments that resonate with the magic of dining at its finest.


Papa Johns India Expands Delivery Reach Through Swiggy and Zomato

Papa Johns India Expands Delivery Reach Through Swiggy and Zomato

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 14, 2026

Papa Johns India has announced the launch of its delivery services on leading food aggregator platforms Swiggy and Zomato, marking a major step in expanding the brand’s accessibility and customer reach across its growing store network.

The development comes after the brand’s re-entry into the Indian market in late 2025, when operations initially focused on direct-to-consumer channels through its own mobile application and in-house delivery system. The addition of aggregator platforms is expected to further strengthen the brand’s delivery ecosystem and drive wider customer engagement.

Currently, Papa Johns India operates 8 outlets in Bengaluru, all of which are available for delivery through the brand’s own app. The company also plans to open 30 additional outlets in the city during this financial year as part of its expansion strategy.

The delivery integration combines aggregator partnerships with backend systems and in-house operational processes to improve order tracking, delivery speed, and consistency in customer experience. Papa Johns India operates under Ambrosia QSR, a platform owned by Pulsar Capital.

Speaking about the expansion, Prashant Mehta, Managing Partner at Ambrosia QSR, said, “The launch of aggregator delivery is an important step in scaling Papa Johns in India. Over the past few months, our focus has been on building a strong operational foundation, including store execution, supply chain, and direct delivery capabilities. With aggregators now live, we are well-positioned to expand reach while maintaining control over quality and experience.”

Since bringing the brand back to India, Ambrosia QSR has focused on establishing flagship stores in key locations, strengthening supply chain and backend infrastructure, and scaling its direct ordering and delivery channels.

The addition of Swiggy and Zomato delivery services is expected to significantly increase customer reach, support incremental order volumes, and create a more scalable and standardised operating model for the brand.

Ambrosia QSR plans to continue expanding Papa Johns presence in India with a focus on sustainable growth, strong unit economics, and a customer-first approach.


Parag Milk Foods Enters RTD Protein Beverage Segment with Avvatar Protein Cold Coffee

Parag Milk Foods Enters RTD Protein Beverage Segment with Avvatar Protein Cold Coffee

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Parag Milk Foods has announced its entry into India’s rapidly expanding ready-to-drink (RTD) protein beverage segment through its sports nutrition brand Avvatar, in collaboration with Tetra Pak.

The company has launched Avvatar Protein Cold Coffee, a milk-based ready-to-drink protein beverage packaged in India’s first Tetra Prisma® Aseptic 250E pack. Designed for modern on-the-go consumption, the product combines convenience, taste, and functional nutrition in a format aimed at everyday consumers.

Priced at ₹120, the beverage delivers 15 grams of protein in a 250 ml serving and is available in Classic and Vanilla variants. Developed using milk protein, the drink contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, reflecting growing consumer demand for healthier and functional beverage alternatives.

The launch comes at a time when India’s whey protein and functional beverage market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness around nutrition and wellness. According to the company, nearly 73% of Indians remain protein deficient, creating a strong opportunity for convenient protein-rich products integrated into everyday consumption habits.

By combining protein with cold coffee, one of India’s most popular daily beverages - Avvatar aims to make protein intake more accessible and lifestyle-oriented rather than limited to sports nutrition consumers.

The product is packaged in a distinctive octagonal-shaped Tetra Prisma® Aseptic pack, offering ergonomic handling, portability, and a premium shelf presence. The lightweight paper-based and recyclable packaging also aligns with the company’s focus on convenience and environmentally conscious packaging solutions.

The launch further strengthens Parag Milk Foods’ growing new-age business portfolio. The company stated that its emerging business segment, including Avvatar, recorded a 91% year-on-year growth in FY26, reflecting rising demand for health and nutrition-focused products.

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Speaking on the launch, Akshali Shah, Executive Director at Parag Milk Foods, said the brand’s objective was to integrate high-quality protein into familiar everyday routines through formats that balance taste, convenience, and functionality. She added that the future of nutrition lies in products that fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

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Cassio Simoes, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, highlighted the growing role of packaging innovation in scaling functional beverage categories in India. He noted that the Tetra Prisma® Aseptic 250E format is globally recognised for RTD protein beverages, offering convenience, safety, and premium shelf differentiation.

Founded in 1992, Parag Milk Foods has established itself as one of India’s leading dairy FMCG companies with brands including Gowardhan, Go, Pride of Cows, and Avvatar. Through Avvatar, the company has been expanding its footprint in sports nutrition and functional wellness products, with a continued focus on innovation and health-driven consumption.

For more information, visit Parag Milk Foods


Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

Cream Centre Launches Second Bengaluru Outlet at Forum Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Cream Centre has expanded its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of its second outlet at Forum Mall. The new opening marks another important milestone for the iconic vegetarian restaurant brand as it continues to strengthen its presence in South India following the positive response received from customers in the city.

Founded in Mumbai in 1958, Cream Centre has built a strong legacy over the past 65 years with its well-known vegetarian dishes, warm hospitality, and family-friendly dining experience. The brand is widely recognized for introducing Mumbai to its first plate of Nachos and for creating signature favourites such as The Original Channa Bhatura™, World’s Best Nachos™, and the popular Sizzling Brownie Fundae™.

The newly launched Forum Mall outlet brings the brand’s signature dining experience to one of Bengaluru’s busiest and most loved lifestyle destinations. Designed with Cream Centre’s familiar blend of contemporary style and nostalgic warmth, the space aims to offer guests a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and casual dining alike.

The outlet will serve the brand’s complete menu featuring classic favourites including Chole Bhature, World’s Best Nachos™, and Sizzling Brownie Fundae™, along with several other signature dishes that have remained popular across generations.

Adding to the launch celebrations, the new outlet will also host Cream Centre’s much-loved Aamras Festival, a seasonal offering featuring a specially curated selection of Aamras-inspired dishes and desserts available for a limited period.

Under the leadership of Sanjiv Chona, Cream Centre has grown into one of India’s most recognized vegetarian restaurant brands. Rishi Chona continues to drive the brand forward by introducing modern innovations while preserving the flavours and values that have defined Cream Centre for decades.

Expressing his thoughts on the launch, Rishi Chona, CEO, Cream Centre, shared, “Bengaluru welcomed us with so much love at our first outlet, that coming back felt like a natural next step. Forum Mall is home to so many memories for this city, and we are truly delighted to now be a part of that story. This second outlet is a reflection of the warmth Bengaluru has shown us, and our commitment to bring the very best of Cream Centre to every corner of this wonderful city.”

Over the years, Cream Centre has evolved into a leading vegetarian dining destination known for balancing classic comfort food with innovative menu creations. The brand continues to focus on high-quality food, inviting ambience, and memorable dining experiences for guests across all age groups.

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